Group Guide
This Week's City 7:
6. Is the Bible God’s Word? Jesus proved He is God by rising from the dead and said the Old Testament was God’s Word and gave authority to the Apostles to write the words of the New Testament, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, so that all the words of the Bible are God’s Word.
(Matthew 5:18; Luke 24:27, 44; John 14:25-26, 15:27, 16:12-13, 17:20; Acts 2:42; Ephesians 3:5; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:16-21)
(Matthew 5:18; Luke 24:27, 44; John 14:25-26, 15:27, 16:12-13, 17:20; Acts 2:42; Ephesians 3:5; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:16-21)
Ice-Breaker:
We all get impatient from time to time, but what is it that really gets your temperature up? Traffic? School pick-up lines? Slow-moving kiddos or spouse?
Discussion Questions:
Have someone read Isaiah 9:6-7 aloud.
- In Isaiah chapter 9, the nation of Israel has been in darkness and captivity. God has turned his face from them. Many are looking for a solution, for peace, for rescue. But the remnant are waiting on and hoping for God's prophets, who will point to the advent of a child that will become a Savior. In Isaiah 9:1, we learn that this child King will not just rescue Israel, but all nations. In verse 2 we learn that a light will shine in the darkness. The first thing we discussed on Sunday was that the advent of this Child is the Advent of GRACE. Verse 6 speaks of a gift of divine grace to sinners. It's a gift we don't deserve. We haven't earned it through our performance; it's only by God's divine grace. The answer to Israel's darkness and lack of peace isn't for them to do better or try harder. That isn't a solution to their problem. Instead, Isaiah says that a CHILD, a baby, is going to be the one to save them. The same is true for us! We are like sheep that have gone astray. We aren't good enough to be right with God. We will never be good enough. God gives us this Child and rescues us from that broken place of delusional self effort. Are you ever tempted to think that you can somehow earn God's grace and love? What are the dangers of this way of living?
- Next, the coming child is the Advent of TRUTH. He will be called "Wonderful Counselor." A counselor is one who is able to make wise plans. He is a ruler whose wisdom is beyond human capabilities. His counsel is wonderful TRUTH that brings joy and pleasure to our lives. In Psalms 16 and 19, David says God's law is wonderful, perfect, and that it revives the soul. He said it makes him wise, brings him joy. He says it's fair, more desirable than gold, sweeter than honey. Is that the way you grew up looking at the Bible? Is that your view of Scripture right now? Can you truly say you are passionate about knowing God's Word?
- Next, he's the Advent of REVELATION. This child will be called "Mighty God." This is the title of the Lord God himself! Jesus IS the one that prophesied about in the Old Testament. The fact is, we've all been wrong about God before. You thought you were right ABOUT God, you thought you were right WITH God, and then you met Jesus and learned that you were wrong all along. Jesus is the way to be right with God. Now we CAN be right about God and right with God. We don't have to guess what God is like because we need just look at Jesus. So, to know God, we don't look inside ourselves or at what everyone else thinks, we look at Jesus. What does it mean to you that you serve a God that not only wants to know you, but wants you to know HIM? How much time and effort do you put into knowing God better?
- Next, Jesus is the Advent of PROTECTION. He will be called "Everlasting Father." He is our benevolent protector. Throughout Scripture, God is a Father that loves his kids and wants what is best for them. Like spoiled children, we throw a fit when we don't get our way and even question the goodness of God. Have you ever found yourself there? How can we remind ourselves, even when we go through difficult times, that God's way is always best and that his plans for you are perfect?
- Finally, Jesus is the Advent of PEACE. He will be called, "Prince of Peace." He will be a ruler whose reign will bring about eternal peace. In the beginning, before the fall of man, there was peace on the earth. There was order and harmony. But when sin entered the picture, the peace was broken. Now there is war and opposition with God, with ourselves, with others. Our world has become a war zone, and we look for peace in all the wrong places. But for Christians who understand the gospel, peace becomes our heritage and hope. Jesus alone brings peace. Where do you look for peace? In your money? Your own striving to solve the problems in your life? In a relationship? In finding your own identity? What is the end result of searching for peace in these areas?
Prayer Topics:
- That we would be passionate about knowing his Truth.
- That we would long to know him better.
- That we would remember that his way is best.
- That we would find our peace only in him.
1 Comment
Praise you Jesus!