Refocusing on Jesus: The True King This Christmas

 

Summary

In this message, we explore the profound truth of who the true King is, especially as we approach the Christmas season. It's easy to let the significance of Christmas become background noise, much like the carols we hear in shopping centers. However, this time of year is an opportunity to refocus on Jesus, the true King, and His unparalleled reign. We are reminded of the prophecy in Isaiah, which speaks of a Messiah who will come from the line of Jesse, a King unlike any other, who will rule with wisdom, understanding, and righteousness.

The imagery in Isaiah is striking, depicting a world where natural enemies live in harmony, symbolizing the peace and restoration that Jesus, the true King, brings. This King is not swayed by political gain or earthly wisdom but is guided by the Spirit of the Lord, embodying wisdom, counsel, and might. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection fulfill this prophecy, demonstrating His authority and the promise of a kingdom where justice and peace prevail.

As followers of Christ, we are called to recognize Jesus as the true King in every aspect of our lives, not just during Christmas but daily. We are reminded that earthly leaders, no matter how impressive, fall short, and our ultimate hope and allegiance should be to Jesus. This season invites us to surrender to His loving rule and to share the good news of His kingdom with others, whether in our immediate circles or to the ends of the earth.

The message also challenges us to engage in the spiritual battle, equipped with the armor of God, as we represent His kingdom and work towards justice and righteousness in a broken world. Despite the challenges and injustices we witness, we are encouraged to hold fast to the truth that Christ is King, reigning with authority and inviting us to join Him in His mission.

Key Takeaways:

1. Refocusing on the True King: As Christmas approaches, it's crucial to refocus on Jesus, the true King, amidst the distractions of the season. His reign is marked by wisdom, understanding, and righteousness, offering a stark contrast to the fleeting and flawed leadership of earthly rulers. [04:34]

2. The Prophecy of Isaiah: Isaiah's prophecy of a Messiah from the line of Jesse points to a King who embodies the Spirit of the Lord. This King, fulfilled in Jesus, brings peace and restoration, symbolized by the harmonious imagery of natural enemies living together. [09:49]

3. Jesus' Unique Reign: Unlike earthly kings, Jesus' reign is characterized by true wisdom and justice. He is not swayed by political gain but is committed to fulfilling the Father's will, offering hope and restoration to all who follow Him. [11:38]

4. The Call to Surrender: We are invited to surrender to Jesus' loving rule, recognizing Him as the true King in every aspect of our lives. This involves sharing the good news of His kingdom and inviting others to find rest in Him. [16:13]

5. Engaging in Spiritual Battle: As followers of Christ, we are called to engage in the spiritual battle, equipped with the armor of God. Despite the challenges and injustices we face, we are reminded that Christ is King, reigning with authority and inviting us to join Him in His mission. [24:22]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:34] - Prayer and Reflection
- [05:41] - Social Media and Striking Images
- [06:54] - Olympic Contrasts
- [08:17] - Isaiah's Vision of the Messiah
- [09:04] - Assyrian Threat and God's Refinement
- [09:49] - The Shoot from Jesse's Stump
- [10:52] - The Spirit of the Lord on the King
- [11:38] - Jesus' Unique Wisdom and Justice
- [12:56] - Aroma of the Fear of the Lord
- [16:13] - The True King and Our Response
- [17:46] - The King Equipped for Battle
- [19:30] - Imagery of Peace and Harmony
- [20:42] - God's Kingdom and Salvation Plan
- [24:22] - Engaging in Spiritual Warfare

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 11:1-9
- Ephesians 6:10-18

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Observation Questions:

1. What imagery does Isaiah use to describe the peace and restoration brought by the true King? How does this imagery contrast with the current state of the world? [20:42]

2. According to the sermon, how does Jesus' reign differ from that of earthly kings? What characteristics set Him apart? [11:38]

3. What role does the Spirit of the Lord play in the life and reign of the true King as described in Isaiah? [09:49]

4. How does the sermon describe the spiritual battle that followers of Christ are called to engage in? What are the elements of the armor of God mentioned? [24:22]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the prophecy in Isaiah 11:1-9 point to Jesus as the true King, and what implications does this have for understanding His role in the world today? [08:17]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that earthly leaders fall short compared to Jesus? How does this understanding affect a believer's perspective on political and social issues? [16:13]

3. What does it mean to surrender to Jesus' loving rule in every aspect of life, as discussed in the sermon? How might this look in practical terms? [16:13]

4. How does the concept of engaging in spiritual warfare, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18, relate to the challenges and injustices faced in the world today? [24:22]

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Application Questions:

1. As Christmas approaches, what specific steps can you take to refocus on Jesus as the true King amidst the distractions of the season? [04:34]

2. Reflect on a time when you were swayed by earthly wisdom or political gain. How can you align your decisions more closely with the wisdom and justice of Jesus' reign? [11:38]

3. How can you actively participate in sharing the good news of Jesus' kingdom with others in your immediate circles or beyond? What challenges might you face, and how can you overcome them? [16:13]

4. Consider the spiritual battles you are currently facing. How can you equip yourself with the armor of God to stand firm against these challenges? [24:22]

5. Identify an area of your life where you struggle to recognize Jesus as the true King. What practical steps can you take to surrender this area to His loving rule? [16:13]

6. How can the imagery of peace and harmony in Isaiah 11:6-9 inspire you to work towards justice and reconciliation in your community? [20:42]

7. Reflect on a recent conversation or situation where you felt the need for a true and just leader. How can you bring the hope of Jesus' reign into similar situations in the future? [16:13]

Devotional

Day 1: Refocusing on the True King
As the Christmas season approaches, it is easy to become distracted by the commercial aspects and lose sight of its true significance. This time of year offers a unique opportunity to refocus on Jesus, the true King, whose reign is marked by wisdom, understanding, and righteousness. Unlike earthly rulers, whose leadership is often flawed and fleeting, Jesus offers a stark contrast with His eternal and perfect rule. This season invites believers to pause and reflect on the profound truth of Jesus' kingship and to realign their lives with His divine purpose. [04:34]

Isaiah 11:1-2 (ESV): "There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord."

Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally refocus on Jesus as the true King amidst the distractions of the Christmas season? What practical steps can you take today to prioritize His wisdom and righteousness in your life?


Day 2: The Prophecy of Isaiah
The prophecy in Isaiah speaks of a Messiah from the line of Jesse, a King who embodies the Spirit of the Lord. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus, who brings peace and restoration to a broken world. The imagery of natural enemies living in harmony symbolizes the transformative power of Jesus' reign. His life, death, and resurrection demonstrate His authority and the promise of a kingdom where justice and peace prevail. This prophecy invites believers to trust in the fulfillment of God's promises and to find hope in the restoration that Jesus brings. [09:49]

Isaiah 11:6-7 (ESV): "The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox."

Reflection: How does the imagery of peace and harmony in Isaiah's prophecy inspire you to seek restoration in your own life and relationships? What steps can you take to embody this peace in your interactions with others today?


Day 3: Jesus' Unique Reign
Jesus' reign is characterized by true wisdom and justice, setting Him apart from earthly kings who are often swayed by political gain. Guided by the Spirit of the Lord, Jesus is committed to fulfilling the Father's will, offering hope and restoration to all who follow Him. His unique reign invites believers to place their ultimate hope and allegiance in Him, recognizing that earthly leaders, no matter how impressive, fall short. This understanding calls for a daily commitment to live under Jesus' authority and to trust in His perfect wisdom and justice. [11:38]

Jeremiah 23:5-6 (ESV): "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: 'The Lord is our righteousness.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself relying on earthly wisdom rather than Jesus' perfect wisdom and justice? How can you begin to shift your trust and allegiance to His unique reign today?


Day 4: The Call to Surrender
Believers are invited to surrender to Jesus' loving rule, recognizing Him as the true King in every aspect of their lives. This involves sharing the good news of His kingdom and inviting others to find rest in Him. Surrendering to Jesus means acknowledging His authority and allowing His love to transform every part of one's life. It is a call to live in alignment with His will and to actively participate in His mission of bringing hope and restoration to the world. [16:13]

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV): "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?


Day 5: Engaging in Spiritual Battle
As followers of Christ, believers are called to engage in the spiritual battle, equipped with the armor of God. Despite the challenges and injustices faced in a broken world, they are reminded that Christ is King, reigning with authority and inviting them to join Him in His mission. This call to spiritual warfare involves standing firm in faith, pursuing justice and righteousness, and representing God's kingdom in every aspect of life. It is an invitation to actively participate in God's redemptive work and to trust in His ultimate victory. [24:22]

Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV): "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."

Reflection: How can you actively engage in the spiritual battle today, equipped with the armor of God? What specific actions can you take to pursue justice and righteousness in your community?

Quotes

"Now, one of the things, as I was preparing for our services over Christmas, I was really struck by how easily, just like the Christmas carols that we hear when we go to the shopping center and buy things, they're kind of like just, those words just sort of just go into the background. And it's almost like it's just background noise. And I guess this week, even for me personally, it was a challenge to consider how easily Christmas, it becomes this thing when we lose focus on who ultimately it's about." [00:03:54]

"And while this morning, what I want us to consider, despite of what it says on there, is we want to look at who is the true king, to consider. Who is the true king? And with that in mind, would you join with me in prayer? Lord Jesus, as you already know and hear the voices and thoughts and conversations, even the thoughts that are going on in our hearts and minds right now, would you still us and still our hearts and wills and thoughts to consider who you are as the one who is indeed the true king, the one who is indeed the true righteous king?" [00:04:45]

"The prophecies of Isaiah, you can look this up in any history book, took place in the Azarian Empire. They were posed as a great threat against the people of Israel and Judah. And actually, to the whole Near East. It's a time of humbling for the people of God. The Assyrians are there as a threat. And eventually, they would be taken into exile. And they were people who are now being humbled by God. And God uses this season to refine His people. And then also, in the midst of that, to encourage them." [00:08:36]

"And point them to something that is coming ahead. And in this chapter, we hear this and see this. I don't know if you saw that. In the previous chapter, there's this really striking image of God going and leveling a forest. And it's been completely leveled down. And then there's this picture and vision of hope that we hear in the first verse. It's an image that looks similar to this. It's a shoot from the stump of Jesse. A bud that will come up from the root. The very line of Jesse." [00:09:13]

"So, Jesse, if you look at the story of the Bible, is the father of King David. And in these words, Isaiah specifically uses that language. He doesn't even mention David the king or even Solomon. It's pointing towards what is to come. That is, a better king is to come, unlike the kings who have failed before. The one who will bear true, good and right fruit. And this king will look very different. So, if you have a pen or a highlighter, if you have a physical Bible or even on your app, you can do this." [00:09:49]

"The kings of old also, when they were anointed, would have the Spirit of the Lord come upon them. But this king, as it says in verse 2, the Spirit will rest on him. What we're seeing is, ultimately, who this Messiah is. And as you fast forward into the New Testament, we see the beautiful reality fulfilled in this at Jesus' baptism. And the Holy Spirit come and descends on Jesus. And we hear the most powerful and beautiful words from the Father saying, this is my son in whom I'm well pleased." [00:10:50]

"Jesus, as the Messiah, as the king, will rule with wisdom. Not like the earth. Not like the earthly wisdom the other kings do. Jesus, as the Messiah, will rule with wisdom. Messiah and king, the true king, will rule with greater, better counsel, unlike the other kings. He is the king who will show true, wonderful, just wisdom in all his decisions. He won't be swayed like the other kings of the old for their own political gain." [00:11:18]

"He is the king that will truly have the strength and ability to fulfill his plans and strategies because he's true and he will confront the oppressors by his word and he will always implement what is true and right and just, not just for one group, but according to do the Father's will because he is the true king and this is the language that he is loyal, ultimately, to his Father and to do the Father's will." [00:11:52]

"See, the kings throughout the story of the Bible are a reminder, they look amazing and then they all fail. They look amazing and they all fall short. They look amazing and they all fall short. Expressing the need that we need a better and true king. In verse 3, this Messiah, this true king, that is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, this language of fear in the Lord is a wonderful way of describing who he is." [00:12:27]

"Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the King who comes, one who's worthy to be worshipped, the one who humbles himself, the one whose life was lived out dependent on the Spirit to do the Father's will, to the Spirit rested on Him, the one who has full wisdom, full understanding, the one whose counsel is mighty and knowledge was right and delight was displayed in the way that He ministered to those, both the spiritually poor and physically poor, and He will deal with death and sin shown by His final breath when He says it is finished. He truly conquers sin and death and injustice, the King dies in order to rescue and offer rescue." [00:21:40]

"he goes to war to wrestle on our behalf and he's wounded for our sins for our rebellion and it is in him that he's the very signal the signpost the flag that we're all invited to look to and you see that language the nations will come it's a beautiful picture of what is to come and it's also a beautiful picture of what we're invited to that ultimately we will find our true resting place in him it's a glorious thing that he has bought true rest for us through his life his death and his resurrection and the promise of his return and he will draw people from the nations and this is why in all through the gospels the disciples are told this language all authority as the king who rules and reigns and risen all authority has been given to him then he says go and he says go and declare that jesus christ is the king do you know there's the idea of the gospel is declaring this good news yes but also declaring that there is a new king who's a ruler who reigns and he sends some whether if it's your very neighbors or as john talked about the christmas gatherings that you have the very christmas gathering and having those conversations with family friends or maybe for some of you who are in the church and you're in the church and you're some of us who will be to the ends of the earth inviting people to consider this king in whom they will find rest true rest from all their striving but they first need to surrender to his kingship friends if you're someone who's exploring the christian faith maybe you've been coming to church all throughout this year maybe you've been going through all the various events that we as a church runs which is wonderful" [00:22:30]

"so glad that you've taken the time to perhaps explore maybe even online but i want you to know at some point you and i will need to be confronted with this truth that there is only one true king and will you be in faith willing to submit to him and his loving rule because he will return and when he returns and every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that christ is lord the question today for you and i is will you surround surrender to his loving rule and faith today followers of christ is jesus still the king of our lives not just on christmas daily at work at home in our season of retirement on our holidays did you know that when you go and take holidays this summer maybe there is someone that jesus wants you to share about his love and rule because it is who he is you but he dies he's risen and the one who has now sent us so you know one of the wonderful lines that jesus says in the gospels is that it is good for him to go because if he does and the helper will come the holy spirit and it follows of christ i want you to know we're not called into peace time yet we've been called into war into a battle and i wonder if the apostle paul had this passage in isaiah in his heart and head as he wrote to the ephesian church in ephesians 6 finally be" [00:24:22]

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Transcript
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