Forestgate

Sermon Notes

Jesus came to:

1. Fulfill the Law (v. 21–24)

2. Save (vv. 21, 30)

3. Give consolation and comfort (v. 25)

4. Be a light to the Gentiles (v. 32)

5. Be the glory to Israel (vv. 26, 32)

6. Cause the rise and fall of many (v.34)

7. Die (v. 35)

8. To reveal the hearts of mankind (v. 35)

Reflection Questions

1. What are some common misconceptions and wrong beliefs about who Jesus was and what he came to do?

2. What are some different names and titles for Jesus Christ? (A quick google search can help you

out here) How do their meanings help us understand what Jesus came to do?

3. If you were to summarize the mission of Jesus, what would you say it was? What steps were taken in his life to accomplish it? How does it connect/apply to us?

4. Our text said Jesus was appointed for the rise and fall of many, and the scriptures describe Jesus as either a cornerstone or a stumbling block. Why is this? Some people seem to be rather unaffected Jesus, but how does a proper understanding of him prevent us from being “neutral” about Jesus?

Sermon Notes

10 Christmas Cards from Bethlehem

1. a census, vv.1–2

2. a hometown, vv.3–5

3. a manger, vv. 6–7a

4. a full house, v.7

5. a curious choice, vv. 8–9

6. a multitude, but not at first, vv. 9–10, 13–14

7. an awesome sight, vv.9–12

8. a particular peace, vv. 11–12, 14

9. a missing wise man (or three?), vv. 15–18

10. a reflective mother, v. 19

Reflection questions

1. Why is it important to know that Jesus was born in humble, shameful circumstances and that the first witnesses to his birth were a despised group of shepherds? Compare this to what Jesus says in Luke 5:31–32.

2. How is the birth of Jesus good news of great joy to you?

3. How much time have you spent pondering the Christmas story and its impact upon you and upon the world?

Sermon Notes

5 Blessings that the birth of John the Baptist brings to God’s people. It is:

1. A sign of God’s salvation, vv. 67–71

2. A confirmation of God’s covenant, vv. 72–73

3. A freedom to worship God fearlessly, vv. 73–75

4. A prophet to prepare the Lord’s way, vv. 76–78

5. A lesser light pointing to the Greatest Light, vv. 78–80

Reflection questions:

1. What did first–century Israel most want to be delivered from? What do you most want

deliverance from? What do you think God most wants to deliver you from?

2. Why did God deliver His people? (See Lk. 1:74–75) Also read Psalm 67 and compare this passage to the first line of our church’s mission statement (see the front of your bulletin).

3. Why does God use poetry to teach truth to us? Why doesn’t he just tell us the facts in a more straightforward way? (Try summarizing vv. .78–79 without poetry and see which version is more memorable. Try the same thing with Psalm 23:1 and 2 Samuel 23:1–5.)

Sermon Notes

1. God has removed our Shame (vv.57–58)

2. God has changed our Faith (vv.59–64)

3. God draws a response from Us (vv.65–66)

Questions for Reflection

1. What are some traditions you have that make this time of year feel like “Christmas?”

2. How does the “messaging” of Christmas (from commercials, signs, radio) distract us from the center of the reason for celebrating this holiday?

3. What are some things you are commonly asking God for in prayer? Are you looking more often for comfort and therapy from God or healing of our core problem of sin?

4. Why do we become complacent or afraid of sharing this good news that Jesus came to earth to save us from our sin?

5. What are some challenges you have faced in your evangelism?

Sermon Notes

1. Favor to the Undeserving, vv. 26–33

2. Faith in the Impossible, vv. 34–38

3. Fulfillment of the Incredible, vv. 39–45

Reflection questions

1. Why was Jesus born into such humble circumstances? How do you see the humiliation of Jesus even before He is born in this story? What response should we have to Jesus’s voluntary humbling of Himself? See 2 Cor. 8:9; Philippians 2:5–8.

2. Does the Bible hold up Mary as an object of worship? Does the Bible hold up Mary’s faith as something you should imitate? Can you think of other examples of a faith in God that is ready to obey and accept the circumstances He gives? (See Isaiah 6:8; Luke 5:11)

3. Compare the following stories of God’s miracle babies – Gen. 18:9–15; 1 Sam. 1:19–28; Judges 13; Luke 1:18–20; Luke 1:26–38. Compare the reactions from the different characters. Which character’s reaction would most closely resemble your own?

Sermon Notes

1. The Gospel saves sinners from shame, v.16a

2. The Gospel powerfully saves all believers, v.16b

3. The Gospel reveals God’s righteousness, v17a

4. The Gospel begins and ends with faith

Reflection questions:

1. Compare Adam and Eve’s life before sin (Gen 2:25) with their life after sin (Gen 3:6-8). Now compare their life to Paul’s statements about life in the gospel in Romans 1:16 and Romans 5:1-5 (especially vv1, 5). What do you see about the presence of shame in their/our lives and about their/our relationship with God?

2. Read Philippians 3:1-14. How did the gospel save Paul from his own arrogance, and how can it save you from your arrogance? Read 1 Tim. 1:12-17. How did the gospel save Paul from his own wickedness? (And how can it do the same for you?)

3. How would you define faith in God? Read Romans 4:18-21 (about Abraham) or Hebrews 11:8-19 if you need help.