Gateway Baptist Church
12/22/2024 Prophecy is Fulfilled
- The First Noel
- Angels From The Realms Of Glory
- Joy To The World
- Hark The Herald Angels Sing (Mendelssohn)
- O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles)
- Luke 2:1-7How many of us have experienced unbelievers articulating a truth about God that resonates deeply with us? Or witnessed God working through gentiles to accomplish His purposes? Let me share about my day yesterday. I made it a point to respect the space between myself and the entrance, as it’s simply common courtesy. Lately, I’ve noticed too many people rushing around, neglecting to let vehicles enter the street while paused. Stopping should create a chance for others to turn, not hinder them. It happened to me yesterday. Jen and I were trying to turn into Sam’s to park when a lady in a Tahoe suddenly pulled forward while all the cars were stopped. I became frustrated by how people were behaving. First, your time is not more important than that of others. Second, this is the season for hope and peace, yet there seems to be neither. Lastly, we need to bring back common decency.While we were leaving, I noticed this lady had left her shopping cart in the no-parking zone beside her car. I thought to myself, how rude is that? But then, something remarkable happened. The lady walked around to close her door and was coming back to take the cart. At that moment, I realized God used a stranger to teach me a valuable lesson: don’t judge too quickly. We often don’t know what someone else is experiencing at that moment.God actively uses Gentiles to fulfill His divine plans. In the account of Jesus's birth, we see a Roman emperor issuing a decree. This decree was not merely a suggestion to be executed immediately upon reaching the governor; it was an essential mandate that had to be carried out. We read that a prophecy is being fulfilled, and God uses a Gentile Ruler to carry out His purpose and plan. First, we see the Decree went out. Second, we see historical implications. Lastly, the prophecy is being fulfilled, and our Lord and Savior is being born.Decree:What is a “Decree?” The Greek word for a decree is “dogma,” from which we get the word dogmatic. It means a command or an ordinance. This imperial edict required everyone to return to their home (where they were born) and register. This was not for military services but for taxation purposes. This decree, sent at the appropriate time, also represents God’s sovereignty over all His creation. It was prophesied that Jesus Christ would be born before this decree was sent. Micah 5:2
Micah 5:2 NKJV “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”Just as Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus were used for God’s purpose, so were Caesar, August, and Quirinius. It was time for the birth of Christ in “BETHELEHEM!” The first step is in the process of fulfilling the Prophecy. Next would be historical implications.Historical Implications:The historian Luke gave names of the time when Christ was born. This allows us to point to historical figures to prove the Word of God's validity. For example, historical documents show that M. Titius governed Syria in 10 B.C. Sentius Saturnius 9-6 B.C. Quintilius Varus 6-4 B.C.The most crucial Historical Event the world has or will have seen is during this census. What man was thinking would be a benefit for his earthly kingdom, God used for His kingdom!Prophecy Fulfilled:Joseph had to return to his city. Is it no coincidence that Joseph was born in the same hometown as David? 1 Samuel 16:1 Here is the significance. The Messiah would come from David's lineage and his hometown. We can trace Jesus’ lineage to David by both Mary and Joseph. When you look at the lineage recorded in Matthew (Mary’s) and Luke (Joseph’s), we see David. We even have Luke very distinctively writing that Joseph was from the lineage of David (4).1 Samuel 16:1 NKJV Now the Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.”Now listen to where he left from on his travel to Bethlehem, Galilee of Nazareth. Matthew 2:23Matthew 2:23 NKJV And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”Nazaréne, an epithet given to our Lord. There are two Greek words for this designation—Ναζαρηνός (only Mark 1:24; 14:67; 16:6; Luke 4:34); and (elsewhere) Ναζωραῖος—both derived from Ναζαρέθ, Nazareth of Galilee, the place of the Savior’s childhood and education. These two Greek words occur in the New Testament nineteen times; twice only are they rendered Nazarene (Matt. 2:23; Acts 24:5); everywhere else by the words “of Nazareth,” as Matt. 21:11.We see that a virgin named Mary is with a child traveling with Joseph. Luke makes sure to use the word “betrothed” in verse 5. The Greek word is mnesteuo, which means to be engaged or promise to marry. So, the fact that she is pregnant and not married would bring shame to Joseph. But being a man who fears God, he took her and kept from knowing her. Another significant event that most don’t recognize is that Joseph is bringing his soon-to-be wife back to their hometown. They were taking a chance of being ridiculed. Is that not how God works?He is teaching us that humility is to Him and humiliation belongs to the world.Mary is about to give birth to Jesus in Bethlehem, as prophesied. She comes from the lineage of David, as was foretold. By a virgin, as it has been prophesied. Now, rejoice! We have just learned that God has already resolved every problem and circumstance we face before the foundation of the world through His Son, Jesus Christ! Just as it was prophesied!APPLICATION:WE HAVE BEEN SAVED BECAUSE THE LORD SENT HIMSELF TO BE BORN OF A VIRGIN IN BETHLEHEM! Micah 5:2NASB95
1 Samuel 16:1NASB95
Matthew 2:23NASB95
- Oh How He Loves You And Me
