SURREY CHAPEL – Fellowship Group Notes for the 15th/16th December 2010
ISAIAH – A Son is given

Chapter 9:1-7- - Promised Son

Read Chapter 8:19 to Chapter 9:7. When we cease to trust in God then we turn and rely on human help. In fact –we go further than that and turn to mediums and spiritists. In other words –the medium takes the place of the Mediator. We do not need a séance or go to a fortune teller - -when we may come direct to the God of all wisdom. See Hebrews 10:19-25. Now we are to look at Chapter 9 and just the first 7 verses –(one title for this section –from darkness to light) and to reflect of the Prince of Peace. Colossians 1:15-17. Our passage is a ‘must-read’ for any carol service. However –when you study it in context you see there is a revolutionary message.

Promised relief v 1-5
v1	The two northern territories were the first to suffer under the Assyrians –see 2 Kings 15:29. However, the same region which was so darkened once, shall be among the first to receive the Messiah's light -see Matthew 4:12-17. What does this teach you about God?
v2	1st of three promises – light to dispel the darkness. See how this is fulfilled in Jesus for us –  refer to 2 Corinthians 4:6 and the challenge of Ephesians 5:8.
v3	2nd promise – increase in joy. God is in control –fulfilling the covenant with Abraham – Genesis 22:17
v4	 3rd promise – (v4 & 5) – freedom and victory. (see 1 John 5:4-5)
What ways do these promises encourage you?
The ‘day of Midian’ –We have recently had 2 sermons on Gideon. See Judges 7:8-22 as Gideon with just 300 men conquered the hosts of Midian (153.000), so the Messiah the "child" v6, shall prove to be the "Prince of peace," and the small Israel under Him shall overcome the mighty hosts of Antichrist - see also Micah 5v2-5. For further analogy between Gideon's victory and the Gospel, compare 2 Corinthians 4:7 with Judges 7:22.
v5	Things that will no longer be needed when Christ returns in victory.

Promised Son v 6-7
v6	‘unto us’ - - for whom? Refer also to Luke 2:11
What is the significance of ‘Child born’ and ‘Son given’?
God’s gift to us – see John 3:16 and Romans 6:23
Government on His shoulders – Officers in the forces wear insignia on their shoulders. Shows –‘who’s in charge’. Compare also to v4 –‘bar on their shoulders’
See this also in the announcement to Mary –Luke 1:31-33
‘Name’ – discus these names given –and how they encourage us in our walk with the Lord. 
Unending Wisdom – Wonderful Counsellor  cf. Judges 13:18
Unchanging Power – Mighty God    cf. Titus 2:13
Unfailing Love – Everlasting Father   cf. Isaiah 63:16
Unspeakable Peace – Prince of Peace.     cf. Ephesians 2:14
Any further references to show how Jesus fulfilled these prophecies?
v7	What do we learn of this ‘government’?	
What distinguishes this kingdom?
See also Psalm 9:6-7
In conclusion – Read Philippians 2:9-11 																			D.J.
PRAYER POINTS:
Praise God for Christmas –see Galatians 4:4
Opportunities at Christmas for sharing the Gospel – personally and through church life.
Dec 18 - Carol Outreach in Anglia Square at 11am.
Dec 19 –Family Service at 10-15am and Carol Service at 6-15pm.