Isaiah 7 and Romans 1

Intro: Keeping alive the history of Christ-mas

I. The Prophecy and It’s Context

A. The politics of the day

B. God’s point of view on Judah and Israel (Ephraim)

C. An offer to Ahaz

D. Too shattered to be a people

E. “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.”

II. A Spiritual and Political Blunder

A. “I will not put the Lord to the test”

B. Trying the patience of God

C. What kind of prophecy is this?

1. A child born to an “almah”

2. Why would a prophecy about a Messiah be presented like this?

a. God’s ways are not our ways

b. He communicates with types

c. Time is compressed

d. His eye is on the main struggle

e. Clues for those clued in

III. Why have a virgin birth?

A. Not the greatest sign

B. Not a comment on sexuality

C. Sinful nature and its transmission

D. A sinless human to fulfill the Law for all

Conclusion: Not just an excuse for a holiday. This story is about the struggle for the salvation of all.