Message Notes

(I) THE CONTEXT OF THE PROPHECY OF THE MESSIANIC KING (ISAIAH)

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6,7

1. Historical context (Isaiah 9)

a) Concerning the land of the Gentiles

b) They were living in darkness

c) They will see a great light

2. Spiritual context

a) The Messianic child will be entrusted with a spiritual kingdom

b) Continuing the throne of David

c) An everlasting kingdom

(II) THE IDENTIFICATION AND APPLICATION OF THE MESSIANIC PROPHECY BY THE ANGEL GABRIEL

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:31-33

1. A special Angelic announcement given to Mary

a) Identified Mary’s baby to become the Messiah King

b) He would be given the throne of David

c) A kingdom forever

2. A special work done for the Messiah King

a) The assurance of the special work of the Holy Spirit ( Luke 1:35 )

b) God will do the impossible

(III) THE CONFIDENCE OF THE FULFILMENT OF THIS MESSIANIC PROPHECY

“Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfilment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” Luke 1:45

1. A most sure declaration made by Elizabeth

a) There was total confidence of the fulfilment of what the angel said

b) Given as from the Lord

2. Reasons for the confidence of Elizabeth

a) Filled with the Holy Spirit

“And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” Luke 1:42

b) A special response of feeling the baby leaped with joy when she met Mary ( Luke 1:41, 44 )

c) Insights concerning Mary

i) Blessed ( Luke 1:42 )

ii) The mother of our Lord ( Luke 1:43 )

iii) Elizabeth gave greater regard to Mary despite being more elderly ( Luke 1:43 )

iv) Appreciated the faith of Mary

“Blessed is she who believed…” Luke 1:45, Luke 1:29-38

(IV) CULTIVATING A GREATER FAITH IN THE SCRIPTURES THIS CHRISTMAS

1. Developing greater confidence in the fulfilment of prophecy and the Lord’s Scripture

2. Develop a greater faith in the Lord’s word

a) Doubts to be eradicated

b) Knowledge of God to reinforce our faith

c) Conviction of the power of the Lord’s Word

d) Full acceptance and faith in the Scriptures