We have a God who gives us more than the capacity we have to contain.
Psalm 23:1-6
John 7:37-38
Ephesians 3:14-19
Make room for Jesus, both in your heart and in your life.
If you need to get back on track in this area of your life:
1 Be Brave; Take the First Step.
2 Start Small and Build it Up.
3 Don’t Be Afraid to Start Over. Again.
4 Saying Yes requires Saying No.
Luke 2:1-7
Luke 2:7a And she gave birth to her firstborn son
Luke 2:7b and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
The swaddling cloths hinted at his humanity.
The swaddling cloths pointed to his purpose.
Luke 2:7b and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Luke 2:8-12
Matthew 2:6
Isaiah 40:10-12
Jesus wrapped and laying a manger was powerful picture of God’s plan of salvation.
Luke 2:7b and[wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Jesus was born into very humble beginnings with less than ideal circumstances.
Make room for Jesus, both in your heart and in your life.
Luke 2:1, 3-7 NLT
Luke 2:7
This scene might appear to be a disaster. It’s not fit for a king. But it’s exactly what God wanted it to be.
We have a need for Christmas because we have a need for Christ, the Savior.
The PROMISE of Christmas was foreshadowed in scripture.
Genesis 3:15
Numbers 21:7-9
Genesis 22:10-13
The PROMISE of Christmas was foretold by prophets.
Micah 5:2
Isaiah 7:14
Matthew 1: 18-23
Isaiah 9:6-7
The PROMISE of Christmas was/would be fulfilled through Jesus.
Isaiah 53:1-8
Video: Jesus in OT scripture final
God’s PROMISE of Christmas (Christ) was meant to give His people hope.
Main Text: Romans 5:12-14 and Romans 5:19-21
Romans 5:14
Romans 5:20
Isaiah 53:6
Romans 3:9-12
James 2:10-11
Romans 3:20
“Just as looking into a mirror enables you to see dirt on your face, so God’s law enables us to see our sin.”
We needed a Savior.
We needed the Christ.
Key Idea: We have a need for Christmas because we have a need for Christ, the Savior
1 Thessalonians 5:19
sbennumi (sben’-noo-mee): to quench; to extinguish, suppress or thwart
1 Thessalonians 5:20-21
2 Timothy 4:1-4
1 Thessalonians 5:22
1 Thessalonians 5:23
1 Thessalonians 5:24
“I look forward to seeing Jesus face to face, but I don’t want to stand before Him with regrets.”
Are we allowing God to keep us blameless? Are we willing to let Him work on our rough edges? Our secret sins? Our inner fears?
1 Thessalonians 5:25-28
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13a
1 Thessalonians 5:13b (Be at peace among yourselves.)
1 Thessalonians 4:14
Admonish the idle
Encourage the faint-hearted
Help the weak
Be patient with them ALL
1 Thessalonians 5:15
1 Thessalonians 5:16
1 Thessalonians 5:17
1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances;
1 Thessalonians 5:18 …for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
When something is God’s will for you, he will provide what is needed for you to accomplish it.
Philippians 4:19
2 Corinthians 9:8
Question: What is you need to do these many things?
(What do you need from God that will allow you to follow spiritual leadership, be at peace with others, admonish the idle, encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone, do good to everyone, rejoice and give thanks in all circumstances, etc.)
When something is God’s will for you, he will provide what is needed for you to accomplish it.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11
1 Thessalonians 5:6
1 Thessalonians 5:7
How do you stay awake and sober in a spiritual sense?
1 Thessalonians 5:8
Protect your heart; put on the breastplate of faith and love.
What things are you doing to protect your heart?
Are there any certain boundaries or safeguards you have put in place?
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10
Be mindful of your salvation; put on the helmet of hope.
How are you reminding yourself of your salvation? What practices are keeping you mindful of Jesus?
1 Thessalonians 1:10
John 16:33
1 Thessalonians 5:11
How do you feel when the subject of the end-times comes up?
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
1 Thessalonians 1:9-10
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
1 Corinthians 15:50-55
1 Thessalonians 4:18
The return of Christ should give us a sense of urgency.
Question: If Jesus’ return was today, what would he find you doing?
The return of Christ should give us a sense of hope.
Question: Are you drawing encouragement and hope in Jesus’ return?
Question: Do you live with an eager expectation of the coming of Jesus?
1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
mallon (mal’-lon): more, rather.
Question: How big of a priority is it for you to become more and more like Jesus?
“Paul wants them to put their best face forward, so that when they’re refusing to join in on the idol-worshipping festivities, people won’t think they’re godless misanthropes (people who dislike mankind and avoid society).”
A life that pleases God can only be accomplished when we live by faith.
Hebrews 11:6
Questions:
God has called us to sexual purity, where you are honoring God’s design and plan for sex in your life. In your sex life, are you living by faith?
Jesus call us to love one other as He loved us, and scripture says to think of others more than ourselves. In your church life, are you living by faith?
We are also called to live a quiet life, mind our own affairs and “work with our hands”. We should be respectful, humble, sincere, and non-combative. That includes not being contentious or picking fights with those who don’t share your same beliefs and values. In your work life, are you living by faith?
In each of these areas, what are you are NOT living by faith where you need to get things set right?
