December 1, 2024 – Advent 2024 – The Lord Our Righteous Savior

The Lord Our Righteous Savior

Jeremiah 33:14-16 – New International Version (NIV)

¹⁴ “‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah.

¹⁵ “‘In those days and at that time
    I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line;
    he will do what is just and right in the land.
¹⁶ In those days Judah will be saved
    and Jerusalem will live in safety.
This is the name by which it will be called:
    The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’

What “days are coming” (verse 14)?

Where will the “righteous Branch sprout from” (verse 15)?

What will the “righteous Branch” do (verse 15)?

Who will be saved (verse 16)?

Where will Jerusalem live (verse 16)?

What name “will it be called” (verse 16)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

In your opinion, what does this passage teach us about “The Lord Our Righteous Savior”?

Luke 2:1-7 - New International Version (NIV)

¹ In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register.

⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Who “issued a decree” (verse 1)?

What was the decree (verse 1)?

Who was the governor of Syria (verse 2)?

Where did people go “to register” (verse 3)?

Why did Joseph go to “Bethlehem the town of David” (verse 4)?

Why did Mary go with Joseph (verse 5)?

What was Mary’s condition (verse 5)?

What “time came” while they were there (verse 6)?

How did Mary protect her son (verse 7)?

Why did she place her son in the manger (verse 7)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

In your opinion, what does this passage teach us about “The Lord Our Righteous Savior”?

In your opinion, what does the prophecy in Jeremiah 34:14-16 have to do with the people in Luke 2:1-7?

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 - New International Version (NIV)

⁹ How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? ¹⁰ Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

¹¹ Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. ¹² May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. ¹³ May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

Where had Paul found joy because of the Thessalonians (verse 9)?

When does Paul pray “that we may see you again” (verse 10)?

What does Paul pray he can supply the Thessalonians with (verse 10)?

Who did Paul pray would “clear the way for us to come to you” (verse 11)?

How did Paul want “the Lord” to change the love the Thessalonians had (verse 12)?

Why did Paul want the Lord to strengthen the hearts of the Thessalonians (verse 13)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

In your opinion, what does this passage teach us about “The Lord Our Righteous Savior”?

In your opinion, what is the connection between the Branch from David’s line called “The Lord Our Righteous Savior” in Jeremiah 33:14-16 and the “he” that Paul prays will strengthen hearts “so that you will be blameless and holy” in 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13?

In your opinion, how is the baby that was wrapped in cloths and laid in a manager in Luke 2:1-7 able to “make your love increase and overflow for each other and everyone else” in 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13?

Luke 21:25-36 – New International Version (NIV)

²⁵ “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. ²⁶ People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. ²⁷ At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. ²⁸ When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

²⁹ He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. ³⁰ When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. ³¹ Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

³² “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. ³³ Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

³⁴ “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. ³⁵ For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶ Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

What will the signs be in (verse 25)?

Why will nations be “in anguish and perplexity” (verse 25)?

Why will people “faint from terror” (verse 26)?

Who will they see “coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (verse 27)?

Why does Jesus tell His listeners they should “stand up and lift up” their heads “when these things begin to take place” (verse 28)?

What did they know was near when the “fig tree and all the trees” sprout leaves (verses 29 and 30)?

What is near “when you see these things happening” (verse 31)?

Who “will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened” (verse 32)?

What “will never pass away” (verse 33)?

What can be weighed down with “carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life” (verse 34)?

Who will “that day” close on “suddenly like a trap” (verses 34 and 35)?

Why should the Thessalonians “be always on the watch, and pray” (verse 36)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

In your opinion, what does this passage teach us about “The Lord Our Righteous Savior”?

In your opinion, how are the salvation of Judah that was promised in Jeremiah 33:14-16 and the events that Jesus is talking about in Luke 21:25-36 related?

In your opinion, what can we learn from the fact that Mary’s baby was laid in a manger in Luke 2:1-7 and says in Luke 21:25-36 that He will come “in a cloud with power and great glory”?

In your opinion, how are the prayer that Paul makes for the Thessalonians asking for increased love and strengthened hearts in 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 and the prayer that Jesus instructs listeners to pray to “escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man” related?

In your opinion, what do these passages from Jeremiah, Luke, 1 Thessalonians and Luke teach us about God fulfilling His promise?

In your opinion, how should we respond to “The Lord Our Righteous Savior” today?

(sprucewhispers.blogspot.com)

June 30, 2024 – Isaiah in the New Testament – Taking the Redemption Stand

Taking the Redemption Stand

Isaiah 59:15-21 - New International Version (NIV)

¹⁵ Truth is nowhere to be found,
    and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey.

The Lord looked and was displeased
    that there was no justice.
¹⁶ He saw that there was no one,
    he was appalled that there was no one to intervene;
so his own arm achieved salvation for him,
    and his own righteousness sustained him.
¹⁷ He put on righteousness as his breastplate,
    and the helmet of salvation on his head;
he put on the garments of vengeance
    and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.
¹⁸ According to what they have done,
    so will he repay
wrath to his enemies
    and retribution to his foes;
    he will repay the islands their due.
¹⁹ From the west, people will fear the name of the Lord,
    and from the rising of the sun, they will revere his glory.
For he will come like a pent-up flood
    that the breath of the Lord drives along.

²⁰ “The Redeemer will come to Zion,
    to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,”
declares the Lord.

²¹ “As for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants—from this time on and forever,” says the Lord.

Who “becomes a prey” (verse 15)?

 

Why was the Lord appalled (verse 16)?

What “achieved salvation for him” (verse 16)?

What did He put on His head (verse 17)?

How will “he repay” (verse 18)?

Where will they “revere his glory” (verse 19)?

Who will come to Zion (verse 20)?

What is the Lord’s covenant with them (verse 21)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

In your opinion, what does this passage teach about redemption?

Luke 21:25-36 – New International Version (NIV)

²⁵ “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. ²⁶ People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. ²⁷ At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. ²⁸ When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

²⁹ He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. ³⁰ When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. ³¹ Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

³² “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. ³³ Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

³⁴ “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. ³⁵ For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶ Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

Where will there be signs (verse 25)?

Why will people “faint from terror” (verse 26)?

How will “the Son of Man” come (verse 27)?

What should believers do “when these things begin to take place” (verse 28)?

How could those listening to Jesus “know that summer is near” (verses 29 and 30)?

How will readers “know that the kingdom of God is near” (verse 31)?

What “will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened” (verse 32)?

What will last longer than “heaven and earth” (verse 33)?

Why should we be careful that our hearts aren’t “weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life” (verse 34)?

Who will “that day” come on (verses 34 and 35)?

What does Jesus instruct us to pray for (verse 36)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

In your opinion, what does this passage teach about redemption?

In your opinion, what does Isaiah 59:15-21 reveal about the two reasons for the Son of Man to come in Luke 21:25-36?

Ephesians 6:10-18 - New International Version (NIV)

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

How should we “be strong” (verse 10)?

Why should we “put on the full armor of God” (verse 11)?

Who do we struggle against (verse 12)?

When do we need to have the “full armor of God” on (verse 13)?

What should be “buckled around your waist” (verse 14)?

How is the breastplate described (verse 14)?

What should be on our feet (verse 15)?

How does the “shield of faith” protect us (verse 16)?

How is the helmet described (verse 17)?

What is the “sword of the Spirit” (verse 17)?

When should we pray (verse 18)?

How should we be while we “always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (verse 18)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

In your opinion, what does this passage teach about redemption?

In your opinion, why does the one who puts on the armor in Isaiah 59:15-21 bring wrath to enemies, but the one who puts on the armor of Ephesians 6:10-18 stands and prays?

In your opinion, how is the “stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” in Luke 21:27-36 related to the “put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” in Ephesians 6:10-18? 

Revelation 22:10-17 – New International Version (NIV)

¹⁰ Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. ¹¹ Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.”

¹² “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. ¹³ I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

¹⁴ “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. ¹⁵ Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

¹⁶ “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

¹⁷ The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

Why was John not to “seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll” (verse 10)?

What is the “one who does wrong” to do (verse 11)?

Who is to “continue to be holy” (verse 11)?

What is with Jesus (verse 12)?

In your opinion, what does Jesus mean when He says “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” (verse 13)?

How are “those who wash their robes” blessed (verse 14)?

Who is outside (verse 15)?

Who “sent my angel to give you this testimony” (verse 16)?

Who can “take the free gift of the water of life” (verse 17)?

In your opinion, what is the basic message of this passage?

In your opinion, what does this passage teach about redemption?

In your opinion, how does the statement in Isaiah 59:15-21 “so his own arm achieved salvation for him” find its completion in Revelation 22:10-17?

In your opinion, how does Revelation 22:10-17 help us understand what Jesus meant when He said “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” in Luke 21:27-36?

In your opinion, how does Revelation 22:10-17 show fulfillment of the instruction in Ephesians 6:10-17 to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power”?

In your opinion, what do these passages from Isaiah, Luke, Ephesians and Revelation teach us about when and how to “stand”?

In your opinion, how can we participate in the salvation that the Lord offers today?

(sprucewhispers.blogspot.com)