Sunday School 12.15.24 Outline

Text: Isaiah 9:1-7
Theme: Christ’s advent dispels the darkness, bringing hope, joy, and peace.

I. A World in Darkness (9:1)
Context: anguish in the land
Political instability: King Ahaz’s alliances (2 Kings 16:7-10).
Spiritual decline: Idolatry and rejection of God’s covenant.
Assyrian oppression: A tangible threat to their survival.

II. The Promise of Light (9:2)
Fulfillment in Christ: Matt 4:12-17—Jesus begins ministry in Galilee
Light of the World: John 8:12—Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world.”

III. The Joy of Salvation (9:3)
Biblical Joy: Luke 2:10—the angel’s proclamation of “good news of great joy.”
Everlasting Joy: Romans 15:13—God fills His people with joy through hope in Christ.

IV. Freedom from Oppression (9:4-5)
Christ’s Work:

• Spiritual liberation from sin (John 8:36).
• Future liberation in His eternal Kingdom (Revelation 21:4).

V. The Gift of a Child (9:6)
Wonderful Counselor: Guidance and wisdom (John 14:26).
Mighty God: Divine power and authority (Colossians 2:9).
Everlasting Father: Eternal care and provision (Hebrews 13:8).
Prince of Peace: Reconciliation with God and others (Ephesians 2:14).

VI. The Kingdom of Peace (9:7)

Questions:
Historical and Contextual Background
1. What is the significance of the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali in Isaiah 9:1? Why were they described as being in "contempt," and how does this set the stage for the prophecy?

2. What does Isaiah mean by “the people who walked in darkness” in verse 2? What kind of darkness did they experience—political, spiritual, or both?

3. How does the light prophesy in verse 2 contrast with the gloom described in Isaiah 8:22? Why is this contrast significant?

Christological Fulfillment
4. How does Matthew 4:12-17 reveal the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy about the light dawning in Zebulun and Naphtali? What does this tell us about Jesus' ministry?

5. In Isaiah 9:6, the Messiah is given several titles. What does each title—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace—reveal about Christ’s character and work?

Theological Themes
6. What kind of joy is described in Isaiah 9:3, and how is it compared to the joy of harvest or victory in battle? How does this joy reflect the nature of salvation?

7. Isaiah 9:4 references the “day of Midian.” What is the significance of this reference, and how does it help us understand the nature of the deliverance promised in this prophecy?

8. Isaiah 9:5 speaks of the end of war, symbolized by the burning of warriors' boots and garments. How does this verse point to the peace Christ brings? How is this peace experienced now, and how will it be fully realized?