12.17.17
"The King in a Manger"
TEXT: Luke 2:1-4; Matt. 2:1-6; Isa. 9:6-7
TRUTHS:
1. Jesus was born in the "City of David." When giving the details of Jesus' birth, Luke makes sure to connect Jesus to the Old Testament figure of David. David, famous for being a king, is a type of Jesus in the OT. The reference to David is made so we don't miss that Jesus is coming as a King.
2. What difference does it make if Jesus is our King?
- Jesus as King changes one's allegiances. Jesus deserves our honor, obedience, and allegiance as King. He is the anointed One, who fulfilled all prophecies concerning Him, and whose reign will last forever. If Jesus is our King, we will allow Him to control what we do. This means the Word of God is authoritative in and important to our daily lives.
- Jesus as King changes one's values. Our King shapes what we value and the trajectory of our lives. Followers of the King Jesus value righteousness; they will hunger and thirst for it. In a world that is filled with sin, offenses, and hurt, they will value giving mercy and forgiveness. Followers of Jesus will strive to live the kind of life that is outlined in the Sermon on The Mount.
- Jesus as King changes one's priorities. Jesus changes how we spend our time, money, and energy. Kingdom-advancing takes a priority over temporary pursuits and the accumulation of material possessions. With Jesus as King, believers should assess their priorities weekly as they battle the flesh, the world, and the devil.
- Jesus as King changes one's lifelong mission. Our King gives our lives value, purpose, and meaning. We have been called upon to extend our King's message to the whole world! In an act of great mercy and love, our King has chosen to include us in His work in the world!
TALK TO EACH OTHER:
1. What is the difference between believing about Jesus and believing in or on Jesus?
2. What does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness? How have you recognized this hunger in your life since Jesus became your King?
3. How can a believer properly and truthfully assess their priorities on a weekly basis?
TALK TO GOD:
Pray as you feel led concerning the following area(s):
That you, your family, and your church would grow closer to the King this Christmas season.
That those in our church who believe about Jesus would be transformed and come to believe on Him and His life-changing gospel!