Darkness and Light

Isaiah 9:1-7

Darkness and Light

Matt Williams Updated Staff Photo

Matt Williams

Teaching Pastor; Staff Governing Elder; Staff Director

In the book of Isaiah, the nation of Israel is dealing with the consequences of ongoing sin, yet the prophet holds out the hope of a coming Messiah. As we celebrate the first advent of Jesus, we can also look forward to his return as our King.

Application

  1. Consider the truth that God’s faithfulness in the past builds our trust for the future. How has God shown himself faithful to you over the years?

  2. We all have darkness in our lives from which we can only be rescued by God alone. Spend some time examining your heart and asking God to reveal any areas of sin where you need to repent.

Key Points

  • Isaiah is clear that a better day is coming. Today is filled with trouble, but the future is filled with glory.

  • We cannot resolve the problem of spiritual darkness on our own. The solution is the gospel—repenting of our sin and turning to Jesus.

  • A day is coming when all the trappings of war will be burned. Only the Messiah can bring about such dramatic change in our world.

  • The first advent is a warning, a call to turn to God in the face of judgment.

  • In contrast to the light of Jesus, our darkness is profound—both in the world and in our hearts.

Other Scripture References

Genesis 1

Judges 6–7

Matthew 22:44–46

Romans 1:2–4

Matthew 4:12–17
español