CONNECT: What are the ways in which God has called you to serve him? (You might also like to take the opportunity to ask the opinion of some trusted Christian friends.)

WARM-UP

1. Have you ever been in a situation where you have experienced complete literal darkness?
2. Why was Israel destined for darkness and judgement? Why would their loving Lord punish them?

Read Isaiah 9:1-5

1. What towns are described as being humbled? How did this happen in practice? How will God eventually honour these towns? (See Matthew 4:12-17)
2. What is the tense of these verses? Why is this significant? How can we be certain of Godʼs promises?
3. Why is the light such good news for Israel? Whatʼs going to come before the coming of the light?
4. What is the source of the peopleʼs joy? What are some of the things that we try and seek joy or satisfaction in? Who should be the ultimate source of our joy?
5. Where do we experience/see darkness in our lives? How will God ultimately shine his light in these situations? How could we, practically, be pointers to the light in the meantime?
6. What is so significant about the defeat in Midian? Why would God tell Gideon to make the army smaller? How does this principle apply to the following verses in Isaiah?
7. Why will there be no more need for soldierʼs shoes? When will all of these promises of freedom and peace come in their fullness?
8. How have we experienced the rescue and victory of the Lord? Do we ever doubt that Jesus has rescued us or that we get to experience this? What can keep us from doubting this?

Read Isaiah 9:6-7

1. What was Godʼs plan for the ultimate rescue of his people? What do we learn about the son in these verses? What will he be like?
2. How do we get to be a part of the Kingdom of God? What is this kingdom like? How long will it last?
3. How can we live our lives now in the knowledge and anticipation of the final coming of our king?

APPLY: Where can most practically live our lives as a pointer to the kingdom that we are a part of?

On Your Frontline This Week: What is a small or big joy on your frontline? Take time to thank God and celebrate it with someone else!

Listen, Watch, and Read:          

• Listen: “Waiting but not In Vain” by Paul Clarke
• Listen: “Who?” by Rico Tice
• Listen: “Light in Darkness” by Alistair Begg
• Listen: “For Unto Us a Child is Born” by Kings College, Cambridge
  

SERIES Resources:

• Series Resource Guide: Isaiah - The Promise of The Messiah
• Watch & Read: The Bible Project: Isaiah Overview
• Learn: The Ridley Certificate: Isaiah
  (Check St Bart’s Training Centre for upcoming courses: stbarts.com.au/training-centre)
• Commentary: “Isaiah for Everyone” by John Goldingay
• Advanced Commentary: “The Prophecy of Isaiah” by J. Alex Motyer
• Advanced Commentary: “Isaiah: In Context and throughout Ages” by B. Witherington III