Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Unto Us Child is Born

Bryan Schneider · December 21, 2024

Isaiah 9:6-7

sharonrpc.org/sermons/unto-us-child-is-born

Summary

Isaiah promises that God will answer darkness, oppression, war, and exile by giving his people a child who comes to reign as the Messiah.
Jesus did not remain an infant in a manger; he came as the promised King, bearing the weight of government and the cross for the good of his people.
The names Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace display Christ's awe-inspiring works, divine wisdom, true deity, unity with the Father, and saving peace.
Jesus purchases peace with God through his blood, breaks down hostility between peoples, and gives settled peace of conscience to those who are in him.
As David's promised heir, Christ possesses a legitimate throne and an everlasting kingdom ordered by perfect justice and righteousness.
The hearer must personally receive this King: the decisive question is whether the given Son is truly ours by faith and whether we live under his gracious rule.

Do I think of Jesus mainly as a familiar infant, or receive him as the risen and reigning King Scripture reveals?
What about Christ's person and work causes me to stand in wonder and worship?
Where do I need the wisdom of the Wonderful Counselor rather than relying on my own understanding?
Am I resting in the peace Christ purchased, or allowing guilt and unstable circumstances to define my standing with God?
How does Christ's eternal and universal reign challenge the limits I place on his authority?
What comfort comes from knowing that Jesus judges with complete knowledge and perfect justice?
Can I truly say that the promised Son is given to me, that my faith, peace, and allegiance are in Christ?

Messiah: God's anointed King, promised through David's line and fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Incarnation: The eternal Son of God taking a true human nature and being born as the promised child while remaining fully divine.
Wonderful Counselor: A title presenting Jesus as awe-inspiring and perfectly wise, revealing the way of redemption and eternal life.
Mighty God: Isaiah's declaration that the promised King is not merely human but truly divine and fully able to save.
Prince of Peace: The King who secures reconciliation with God, creates peace among his people, quiets the conscience, and rules an everlasting peaceful kingdom.
Davidic covenant: God's promise that a son from David's line would possess an enduring throne and kingdom, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus.
Kingship of Christ: Jesus' present and everlasting rule over all nations with perfect judgment, justice, care, and peace.