A Miraculous Birth
Being religious and having faith aren’t the same thing.
KEY VERSES
Isaiah 7:10 (NASB)
10 Then the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, saying, 11 “Ask for a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; make it deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I put the Lord to the test!” 13 Then he said, “Listen now, house of David! Is it too trivial a thing for you to try the patience of men, that you will try the patience of my God as well? 14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will name Him Immanuel. 15 He will eat curds and honey at the time He knows enough to refuse evil and choose good. 16 For before the boy knows enough to refuse evil and choose good, the land whose two kings you dread will be abandoned.
Isaiah 9:1-2 (NASB)
1 But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish; in earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. 2 The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.
UNDERSTANDING
Christmas happens every single year—even when there are supply chain problems in the world. Does the regularity of Christmas make it hard for you to avoid taking Christmas for granted? Why?
Name one thing you do to try to keep Christmas from getting “out of control” as Pastor Jeff described (or one practice you’ve heard about, like the four-gift rule he mentioned).
What is an unexpected gift you have received? How did receiving that gift make you feel?
What do you think of God’s invitation for Ahaz to test Him?
Ahaz was an ungodly man who participated in pagan worship and dishonored God’s temple. What did his statement in verse 12 imply?
Read 2 Kings 16:7-9. What was Ahaz’s alternative plan?
Ahaz masked his lack of trust in God with false humility. What examples have you seen of people covering up their sin with a veneer of virtue?
Have you ever done this? What happened?
Reflecting on the ways God has been faithful to you in the past is one of the best ways to maintain hope and confidence in Him through your present circumstances. What is one obstacle that keeps you from reflecting on God’s past faithfulness?
Look again at verse 14. What is the sign that the Lord would give to Ahaz anyway? How does this sign fit the crisis?
Immanuel means “God with us.” What was this name supposed to communicate to Ahaz? What does it communicate to you? (Read Psalm 46:7 for additional insight.)
Read Matthew 1:23. Why was it important for Jesus to become like us and be born as a baby? In theological terms, why is the incarnation crucial to the gospel message?
How have you seen Jesus as “Immanuel” in your life lately?
Since Ahaz was a bad king all along, what does it mean to you that God would still desire to give him a sign of His mercy?
How does Ahaz’s refusal serve as a warning to you?
APPLICATION
Pastor Jeff explained several points of application from Isaiah 7:14: salvation has always been by faith and not by works; being religious and having faith aren’t the same thing; decisions made out of fear are almost always bad ones; God is with us in Christ; and “God with us” is the main promise of the gospel. Which of these points stands out to you most as you think about how to avoid letting Christmas get out of control or taking it for granted? Why?
Jesus came down in order to lift you up. What does that mean for you, personally?
What would change in your life this week if you truly lived as though God were with you?
WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?
Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you.
GIVING
Everything that happens at LCC is because of your generous gifts. When you give to God through LCC, you're helping reach thousands with the Gospel each week and are making a difference for the Lowcountry and around the world.