Advent #2 – Study Questions
God’s Love Brings Light (Love)
Isaiah 7:1-25 & Matt. 4:12-17
INTRODUCTION: Last week, we met king Ahaz at a pivotal moment in his leadership and spiritual life. He was surrounded by enemies and knew that it was only a matter of time before his kingdom would be invaded, his army defeated, and he would be dethroned. He knew that he needed an ally, and he had two options, Asshur, the king of Assyria, or God. Fatefully, he would choose Assyria, and that would seal the fate of not only his people in the southern kingdom (Judah) but of the northern kingdom (Israel) as well. Assyria will begin its invasion in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali (Galilee), and the people living there will be carried into exile first, and they will experience some of the greatest spiritual darkness. Yet, mercifully, in God’s timing and compassion, he won’t let that be the end of their story. No, in that very region is where the majority of Jesus’ earthly ministry will take place; Matthew will tell us that Isaiah’s words would be fulfilled, “the people living in darkness have seen a great light.” God’s loyal love brought the light of the world to those living in darkness. And, no matter how distant God may feel in our suffering and sorrow, we learn through the fulfillment of his promise through Isaiah that God’s love is not distant.
GETTING STARTED – As you begin your group time go around and share a one-word definition of the word, love. How do everyone’s answers compare? We live in an age where “love” is used in so many ways. It can mean everything and nothing all at the same time. Take a minute to compare your answers against 1 Cor. 13. How do you see God’s love in sending Jesus reflected in 1 Cor. 13?
IN THE WORD – Let’s dig back into the passage(s). It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.
First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)
Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.
Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?
Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?