God With Us

In the Bible, a child’s name often indicated the kind of person they would be or it was symbolic of the special role they would play in God’s kingdom. Isaiah prophesied about the coming of the Messiah whose name would be Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” Here in this verse, he used FOUR TITLES that provide insight into who this child named Immanuel really is and the special role He would play in God’s kingdom. One would expect Isaiah to have listed attributes of a child but instead he listed attributes of God. Through these four descriptive titles we are able to comprehend the true nature of that baby born in Bethlehem and how Jesus was the obvious fulfillment of this prophecy because He personified each of these titles during His life and ministry.

1. WONDERFUL COUNSELOR (i.e. the wisdom of God)

2. MIGHTY GOD (i.e. the power of God)

3. EVERLASTING FATHER (i.e. the eternality of God)

4. PRINCE OF PEACE (i.e. the grace/mercy of God)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” These questions are designed to help you apply today’s message to your life. We encourage you to thoughtfully answer these questions and discuss your answers with others. For more information about joining a Grow Group that uses these questions as the basis for weekly discussion, prayer, and accountability, please call the church office at (936) 582-1977.

1. What are some of the things you look forward to most about Christmas time? As a Christian, what is the most important thing you should anticipate during the advent season?
2. Read Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:18-25. What is the obvious connection between these two texts? What does the name God chose for His Son tell us about who Jesus really is (i.e. Immanuel)?
3. Read 1 Corinthians 1:24, 30. How has Jesus proven to be a “Wonderful Counselor” to you? What are some difficulties and dilemmas in your life that He has granted you the wisdom and direction you needed to navigate through them?
4. Read 2 Corinthians 12:9, Ephesians 1:18-23, and Colossians 1:29. How has Christ put on display His power in your life (i.e. rescuing you from death and hell, sustaining you through painful trials, helping you overcome sinful habits, strengthening you to serve others, etc.)?
5. Read Psalm 103:13 and Proverbs 3:12. How has Christ demonstrated His fatherly love and care for you (cf. Heb. 12:5-11)? What are some ways He has provided for you and protected you? 
6. Read Romans 5:1 and Colossians 1:19-22. Based on what Christ accomplished in His life, death, and resurrection, are you experiencing peace with God, peace with others, and peace in your own heart and mind? Why or why not?
7. Thank God for coming to earth in the form of a human baby in order to rescue you from your sin. Ask Him to forgive you for focusing more on so many lesser things during the Christmas season. Ask Him to help you keep your eyes fixed on Him over the next few weeks and take advantage of opportunities to share the hope of the gospel in light of all that is going on in our world right now.

“If we could condense all the truths of Christmas into three words, these would be the words: ‘God with us.’ We tend to focus our attention at Christmas on the infancy of Christ, but the greater truth of the holiday is His deity. More astonishing than a baby in the manger is the truth that this promised baby is the omnipotent Creator of the heavens and the earth!”

John MacArthur, The Gift Of Christmas, 20