Living Hope: Joyful Anticipation in Advent
Summary
In today's message, we explored the theme of anticipation and hope, particularly in the context of Advent, which is a season of waiting for the arrival of Christ. We began by reflecting on the joy found in anticipation, as illustrated by a story about a surprise visit that was more cherished in the waiting than in the actual event. This concept of joyful anticipation is central to the Advent season, as we remember the prophets who awaited the Messiah's coming. We delved into the prophecy of Isaiah, which speaks of a child born to us, a son given, who will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. This prophecy was given during a time of great turmoil and despair for the people of Judah, under the reign of King Ahaz, who turned away from God and sought help from Assyria, leading to cultural and spiritual devastation.
In times of despair, we often look for a better future, and the world offers us endless hype and promises of fulfillment through material possessions, self-help, or political solutions. However, these often lead to disappointment and deeper despair. Instead, we are invited to receive a living hope from God, a hope that is given to us freely through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Unlike the fleeting promises of the world, God's hope is steadfast and rooted in His justice, righteousness, and love. This hope is not just a prophecy for us but a reality, as Christ has already come and fulfilled the promises of God.
We are reminded that God's rule is just, and His righteousness ensures that evil will not prevail. His steadfast love is a source of comfort and assurance, allowing us to look forward to a brighter future. As we live in a world that often feels dark and uncertain, we can hold onto the reality of God's living hope, which was made manifest in the incarnation of Christ. This hope is alive and active, inviting us to live with confidence and joy, even in the midst of our own troubled times.
Key Takeaways:
1. Joy in Anticipation: The Advent season teaches us the value of anticipation, where the waiting itself can be a source of joy. This mirrors our spiritual journey, where the process of waiting on God can be as enriching as the fulfillment of His promises. [17:24]
2. Context of Hope: Isaiah's prophecy came during a time of despair, reminding us that God's promises often come when we need them most. Understanding the historical and spiritual context of these prophecies enriches our appreciation of their fulfillment in Christ. [20:24]
3. Worldly Hype vs. Divine Hope: The world offers endless hype that often leads to disappointment. In contrast, God's hope is a gift, not something we strive for, and it is rooted in His eternal promises and love. [31:54]
4. God's Just Rule and Righteousness: God's governance is characterized by justice and righteousness, ensuring that evil will not ultimately prevail. This gives us confidence that wrongs will be righted and justice will be served. [39:10]
5. Living Hope in Christ: For us, the hope of God's promises is a present reality through Christ. This living hope empowers us to face our challenges with faith, knowing that God's love and justice are unwavering. [44:23]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:30] - Introduction and Personal Story
- [05:45] - Joy in Anticipation
- [10:00] - Understanding Advent
- [17:24] - Isaiah's Prophecy
- [20:24] - Historical Context of Judah
- [24:40] - King Ahaz's Reign
- [26:50] - Despair and Hope
- [27:57] - Personal Struggles and Hype
- [31:54] - Worldly Hype vs. Divine Hope
- [35:28] - Receiving a Living Hope
- [37:15] - God's Gift of His Son
- [39:10] - God's Just Rule
- [41:48] - God's Steadfast Love
- [44:23] - Living Hope in Christ
- [47:29] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV) - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this."
2. Psalm 33:18, 22 (ESV) - "Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love... Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you."
3. Hebrews 11:1 (ESV) - "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the titles given to the child in Isaiah 9:6, and what do they signify about his role? [17:24]
2. How does the historical context of King Ahaz's reign in Judah relate to the prophecy in Isaiah? [20:24]
3. According to the sermon, what are some examples of worldly hype that people often turn to in times of despair? [31:54]
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between worldly hype and divine hope? [35:28]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6-7 provide hope to the people of Judah during King Ahaz's reign? [20:24]
2. How does the concept of "joyful anticipation" during Advent relate to the Christian experience of waiting on God's promises? [17:24]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of God's hope compared to the fleeting promises of the world? [35:28]
4. How does the sermon interpret the significance of God's justice and righteousness in the context of Isaiah's prophecy? [39:10]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced joy in anticipation. How can this concept help you in your spiritual journey as you wait on God's promises? [17:24]
2. In what ways can understanding the historical context of biblical prophecies enhance your appreciation of their fulfillment in Christ? [20:24]
3. Identify an area in your life where you have been relying on worldly hype. How can you shift your focus to embrace the living hope offered by God? [31:54]
4. How can you actively live out the reality of God's hope in your daily life, especially during challenging times? [44:23]
5. Consider the justice and righteousness of God's rule. How can this assurance impact your response to injustice in the world today? [39:10]
6. What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of God's steadfast love and justice when you feel overwhelmed by despair? [41:48]
7. How can the reality of Christ's incarnation and the fulfillment of God's promises inspire you to share hope with others in your community? [44:23]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Joyful Anticipation in Waiting
In the Advent season, the act of waiting itself becomes a source of joy and spiritual enrichment. This mirrors our spiritual journey, where the anticipation of God's promises can be as fulfilling as their realization. The story of a surprise visit illustrates how the joy found in anticipation can sometimes surpass the joy of the event itself. This concept is central to Advent, as it reminds us of the prophets who awaited the Messiah's coming with hope and expectation. As we wait on God, we are invited to find joy in the process, trusting that His promises will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. [17:24]
Isaiah 30:18 (ESV): "Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him."
Reflection: Think of a promise from God that you are waiting on. How can you find joy in the anticipation of its fulfillment today?
Day 2: Hope in Despair
Isaiah's prophecy came during a time of great turmoil and despair for the people of Judah. Under King Ahaz's reign, the people turned away from God, seeking help from Assyria, which led to cultural and spiritual devastation. Yet, it was in this context of despair that God's promise of a Savior was given. This reminds us that God's promises often come when we need them most, offering hope and assurance in the darkest times. Understanding the historical and spiritual context of these prophecies enriches our appreciation of their fulfillment in Christ, who came to bring light and hope to a world in need. [20:24]
Lamentations 3:21-23 (ESV): "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel despair? How can you invite God's promises to bring hope into these areas today?
Day 3: Divine Hope vs. Worldly Hype
The world offers endless hype and promises of fulfillment through material possessions, self-help, or political solutions, often leading to disappointment and deeper despair. In contrast, God's hope is a gift, not something we strive for, and it is rooted in His eternal promises and love. This hope is steadfast and unchanging, offering us a foundation to stand on amidst the shifting sands of worldly promises. As we navigate a world full of empty promises, we are invited to receive the living hope from God, which is freely given through His Son, Jesus Christ. [31:54]
1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."
Reflection: Identify one area where you have been relying on worldly hype. How can you shift your focus to embrace the divine hope offered by God?
Day 4: God's Just Rule and Righteousness
God's governance is characterized by justice and righteousness, ensuring that evil will not ultimately prevail. This gives us confidence that wrongs will be righted and justice will be served. In a world that often feels unjust and uncertain, we can find assurance in God's just rule, knowing that His righteousness will prevail. This understanding empowers us to live with confidence and hope, trusting that God's justice and love are unwavering and will ultimately triumph over evil. [39:10]
Psalm 89:14 (ESV): "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you."
Reflection: Where do you see injustice in the world around you? How can you be an agent of God's justice and righteousness in your community today?
Day 5: Living Hope in Christ
For us, the hope of God's promises is a present reality through Christ. This living hope empowers us to face our challenges with faith, knowing that God's love and justice are unwavering. As we live in a world that often feels dark and uncertain, we can hold onto the reality of God's living hope, which was made manifest in the incarnation of Christ. This hope is alive and active, inviting us to live with confidence and joy, even in the midst of our own troubled times. [44:23]
Hebrews 6:19-20 (ESV): "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."
Reflection: What challenges are you currently facing? How can the living hope in Christ empower you to face these challenges with faith and confidence today?
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Quotes
"Good morning. That's nice. My name is Will, as Roberto said, Will Farnham, and I'm a member here at HOPE, and it's my privilege to bring you the message today. And my hope is that God's Spirit will move as we hear from His Word." [00:15:29] (16 seconds)
"The female host, the philosopher, said that she had surprised her mother with a visit near the holidays, and they were very excited. They thought it was going to be an awesome surprise for her. And what she had told them was, and this stood out to me exactly, was, don't ever surprise me again. You deprive me of the joy of anticipation." [00:17:24] (29 seconds)
"And we're talking about Advent, and that name comes from the Latin, Adventus, which means arrival or coming, and we are anticipating Christ's arrival, and the prophets were also anticipating Christ's arrival. Now, I'm going to posit that Christ's arrival is, in fact, better than the anticipation, but I like having that idea that the waiting is also a joyful experience, and that really kind of sums up a lot of Advent season to me." [00:18:28] (32 seconds)
"So whenever we're reading, this is true of all scripture, but I think it's particularly true of the Old Testament, particularly true of the prophets, we always have to look at the context that we're reading this in. And the context here is point A, is that there have always been hard times or tough times. There have always been tough times. That is our context for this prophecy." [00:20:24] (21 seconds)
"And when times are tough enough, we can get gripped by despair. It can be easy to feel like those times are going to go on forever. It can be bleak. We may not know what tomorrow holds, let alone five, ten years from now." [00:26:04] (26 seconds)
"Ahaz was listening to the hype of Assyria, that, oh, if you just let us handle things, then we'll keep you safe from these northern armies. The fact is, when I said God helps those, you all knew the rest of that adage, who help themselves. Again, that's, that's a proverb of the culture, not from scripture." [00:31:58] (20 seconds)
"God's rule over the universe and over his people is just when they talk about the throne of David the people listening to Isaiah the first time we're only thinking about the throne of the kingdom But as we look to the whole of Scripture, now that Christ has come, we realize that that is the throne of David and the kingdom of Judah refers to us, his people, across time and across place." [00:39:10] (27 seconds)
"The idea that evil will not win, ultimately, as a just and righteous God. There will be consequences for evil. That the wrongs of King Ahaz and everything since then, the wrongs of our own historical period, the wrongs in our own lives that have been done to us and that we have done to others, that those will have consequences." [00:41:48] (26 seconds)
"As Christ was the hope of Israel he is our hope today and even if we are in a place of despair we have the reality of God's living hope here in front of us let's pray heavenly father we thank you that you are steadfast that you gave us a promise and that you have always kept them that the evidence is there in front of us forgive us for when we forget that forgive us for when we don't live in the light of that thank you that through Christ and his incarnation his birth his life his death his resurrection his ascension that we are NOT for him have or not as we would like to do so that you are able to forgive and you want to, you welcome us when we repent." [00:47:29] (58 seconds)
Chatbot
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