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Advent 2018 – Week 2 Study Guide

Isaiah 9:1-7, 1 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan— The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

Matthew 4:13-17, 13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali—14 to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: 15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” n 17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Psalm 119:37, 37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.

 

  1. Read Psalm 119:37 and Matt. 4:17. What does repent mean? How often does one need to repent? Is it only of big things or should we repent of little things too?

Before moving on, is there something you need to repent of right now?
Take a moment to ask God to forgive you and to help you develop a right heart and perspective.

  1. Being thankful and grateful helps us have the ability to live well and wait; we can go to where God moved in the past and “see” him being faithful and powerful there, which helps us know that he will be faithful in our present and in our future!
  2. Sunday morning Terry explained how he took a walk of thankfulness, going back as far as he could with the purpose of being able to see where God moved in the past and to see him being faithful and powerful there!
  • Have you ever thought about thanking God for stories that show God’s faithfulness or powerfulness that are in the Bible? If so, how did it go? If not, why not, and would you be willing to give it a try? What Old Testament Bible stories has God used in your life to show you God being faithful or powerful to encourage you?
  • Make a list of stories that have impacted you and write a short explanation of why you are thankful for that particular story! (Some ideas are: Creation, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Daniel and friends, Ruth, etc.)
  • What New Testament Bible stories has God used in your life to show you God being faithful or powerful to encourage you? Make a list!
  • Think through history…what things are you thankful for? Go until you come up to the present! Add in things from your own life history. What you are thankful for?

 

Application: Repentance is crucial if we’re going to wait well. And we have a choice as to whether we will wait “well” or not. You don’t have to be old to be hardheaded and hard-hearted. The old and the young alike can be hardened by the deceit of sin…and can wrap their hearts around things other than God. It is God’ kindness that leads us to repentance. (Romans 2:4) Will you…”Turn my eyes away from worthless things and preserve my life according to your word. (119:37) To wait well…see where God is moving and join him there and then.

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