1. The first 8 chapters of Isaiah reveal that judgement is coming upon God’s people…. But judgement is not the final word! How does this dark background change how you see the wonder of Isaiah 9:1-7
2. What is the difference between joy and happiness?
“All men seek happiness. There are no exceptions. However different the means they may employ, they all strive towards this goal. The reason why some go to war and some do not is the same desire in both, but interpreted in two different ways. The will never takes the least step except to that end. This is the motive of every act of every man, including those who go and hang themselves.” — Blaise Pascal
3. Every pursuit of happiness outside of Jesus is fleeting, temporary, and doomed to fail. How did you originally see this? How are you currently seeing that:
O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
Love of ev'ry love the best:
'Tis an ocean vast of blessing,
'Tis a haven sweet of rest.
4. “Jesus is stable. Life is chaotic.” Discuss.
5. Something we often forget is that the gift of salvation that Jesus gives us, and we receive by faith alone is BOTH:
-- REMOVAL of the guilt of our sin
-- PROVISION of perfect righteousness in our account
Why are BOTH so important?
6. Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.