Prayer:
Father God, I am so grateful for Your Word in my life, and the reality of it, knowing that most of it has been fulfilled. We come to You now as humble children of a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and our Prince of Peace. Thank You for the joy of experiencing this in our life time. Bless us, Lord, to be in that fulfilment of Your promise to come back for us in the last days. Thank You, Lord, for grace and mercy that was promised and fulfilled through Jesus our Lord. Bless our families to know You and Your Word through fulfillment of Titus 2:13, Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; and that we all abide constantly as 1 John 2:28 says, And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. Thank You, Lord, for the peace and confidence You give us. We praise Your Holy Name. We thank You for Immanuel Who came to make us free. Bless this study for our learning, so we can show ourselves approval unto You, in Jesus' name we pray. AMEN.
God is with us: Immanuel: Matthew 1:23
"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
Printed Text: (Isaiah 9:6) "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
Subject: Fulfillment:
Let's talk about the fulfilling of these prophecies in this study. What is fulfillment? Many Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah were fulfilled in precise detail by Jesus of Nazareth. Neither the Jews nor the disciples of Jesus understood at the time that Jesus was fulfilling the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament—even though at times He told them this was the case (Luke 18:31; Matthew 26:56). They were looking for a far different Messiah than the One so many prophecies actually described. One of Jesus' defenses to the Jews was to appeal to the Old Testament Scriptures themselves, which identified Him as the One to come. "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me," He told them (John 5:39). After Jesus was resurrected, He began to help His disciples understand the Scriptures, and the disciples were inspired to declare that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. The proof they offered was the very Scriptures they had not previously understood.
Fulfillment of prophecy is proof:
God, who is able to control all events, caused these prophecies to be written hundreds of years before they were fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth. As Peter proclaimed, "Those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He [Jesus] has thus fulfilled" (Acts 3:18).
Paul reaffirmed that "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures" and that "He was buried, and…He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
To accurately foretell these events 200 to 800 years in advance is nothing less than a miracle—one that required divine knowledge and power to bring them to pass as foretold. God doesn't do things by chance. He knew even from the foundation of the world that His Son would have to come to earth (1 Peter 1:20), and He foretold the events of His birth, life, and death, so we would have firm evidence on which to base our belief.
"Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them" (Isaiah 42:9).
The Bible is an amazing record of God's promises. We can study it to discern the Lord's will for every situation in our lives. However, it can sometimes feel like God isn't answering our petitions. There are two possible reasons why. First, our requests may not be according to His will, and second, they might not have a true foundation. In other words, we can only expect God to give us something if we're asking according to His promises in Scripture.
The story of Abraham is a wonderful example of how God fulfills His promises. By examining this, we can learn the value of waiting on God and observe the negative consequences that come with jumping ahead of Him. Though the details and circumstances of our lives differ from Abraham's, the principles and lessons still apply. For example:
The promises of God are always stated clearly (Josh. 1:6, 9). In order to accomplish His purposes in and through us, the Lord has given us very clear promises in Scripture that cover every aspect of our lives. When we cling to them, they anchor us through adversity.
God's promises come with clear guidance (Ps. 32:8; Prov. 3:5-6). The Lord doesn't want us to walk in the dark. That's why He's promised to instruct and guide us. The Lord knows all the details and leads us the right way just as He led Abraham through the land of Canaan (Gen. 12:6).
We should seek the Lord's guidance in times of personal worship and meditation on His Word (Gen. 12:7-8). After Abraham received an affirmation of the Lord's covenant, he responded by building altars. Over time, he returned to them to worship and remember God's promises. Today, we have the privilege of seeking the Lord and His direction by praying and studying the Bible.
Changing our course from God's path indicates we doubt His promises (Gen. 12:9-11). When Abraham encountered famine, he doubted God and decided to go to Egypt. He further complicated matters by lying, telling Sarah to claim she was his sister. We should always remember the Lord is the source for direction rather than our circumstances.
The Lord renews His promises because He wants us to follow Him (Gen. 15:1-7). Abraham felt uncertain because he was childless. When he finally decided a servant named Eliezer would be his heir, the Lord appeared and reassured Abraham. Like him, when unexpected difficulties occur, we may wonder if we're on the right path. That's why the Lord encourages us.
Listening to ungodly or unwise counsel can cause us to ignore God's promises and veer from His will (Gen. 16:4). As time passed, Sarah became impatient. She decided to take matters into her own hands and gave her servant Hagar to Abraham to produce a child. Abraham listened to her advice, and trouble soon followed. Likewise, when we ignore what God has promised, we'll suffer the consequences.
The fulfillment of the Lord's promises may seem impossible from our perspective (Gen. 17:16-19). When God told Abraham that Sarah would bear a son when she was ninety, it seemed so impossible she laughed. But that's precisely what happened. Remember, we should never underestimate the Lord. If we remain obedient when He challenges us with something that seems impossible, He will keep His word and pour out amazing blessings.
The fulfillment of God's promises may require us to do something that appears contradictory (Gen. 22:1-5). Although the Lord had clearly said the world would be blessed through Isaac, He tested Abraham's faith by telling him to sacrifice his promised son. Abraham obeyed, and the Lord intervened and provided a ram instead. Whenever God tests us, we should follow Abraham's example and live by faith and obedience, not by emotions and human reasoning.
The fulfillment of the Lord's promises may require the surrender of something very dear to us (Gen. 22:2). Isaac was Abraham's beloved child, yet he was willing to surrender him to God. At some point, He may bring us to a pivotal moment when His purpose rests on a single decision. Even if the choice is costly, we must do what God asks and let go of anything we value more than Him.
Conclusion: The story of Abraham shows how the Lord keeps His promises, though He may not always do so according to our expectations. He'll do His part by showing us the way, but we must choose to follow His path and let His Word guide us.
What were some of the prophecies Jesus fulfilled? Let's take note of a few:
Prophesied……..Genesis 3:15 Fulfilled…………Galatians 4:4
Prophesied……..Genesis 18:18 Fulfilled…………Acts 3:25
Prophesied……..Micah 5:2 Fulfilled…………Matthew 2:1
Prophesied……..Genesis 17:19 Fulfilled…………Matthew 1:2
Prophesied……..Numbers 24:17 Fulfilled…………Luke 3:34
Prophesied……..Isaiah 7:14 Fulfilled…………Luke 2:7; Matthew 1:23
Prophesied……..Hosea 11:1 Fulfilled…………Matthew 2:13-20
Prophesied……..Zechariah 9:9 Fulfilled…………John 12:12-14
Prophesied……..Genesis. 49:10 Fulfilled………… Luke 3:33
Prophesied……..Daniel 9:25 Fulfilled…………Luke 2:1,2
Prophesied……..Jeremiah 31:15 Fulfilled…………Matthew 2:16
Prophesied……..Isaiah 9:7 Fulfilled…………Matthew 1:1
Background Scripture: Luke 21:22
"For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled."
Scriptures References: Genesis 12:1-3; 6-11; 17-19; 15:1-7; 16:4; 17:16-19; 22:1-8; 26:2, Joshua 1:6, 9, Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 54:17, Acts 16:31, Romans 10:9, I John 5:14-15.
Questions:
1). What is fulfillment in the Bible?
2). Explain the situation with the fulfillment of Christ and the Jews.
3). What took place after Jesus' resurrection concerning the fulfillment?
4). What scripture gives proof of the fulfillment of the prophecy?
5). Explain how God doesn't do things by chance.
6). Explain how God's promises is an amazing record in the Bible.
7). Give another example of God fulfilling His promise in Bible.
8). Give some of God's promises that comes with clear guidance.
9). We should seek the Lord's ___ in times of ___ worship and ___on His Word.
10). Changing our course from God's path indicates we ___ His promises.
11). The Lord renews His promises because He want us to do what?
12). Listening to ungodly or unwise counsel can cause us to do what?
13). The____ of the Lord's promises may seem ___ from our perspective.
14). The fulfillment of God's promises may require us to do something that___.
15). The fulfilment of the Lord's promises may require the___ of something very dear to us.
16). Give a few fulfilled prophecies of Jesus.
Application Question: From one of God's attributes explain a fulfillment that took place in your life.
Who Prophesied This? Week # 8 "And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. 8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost." (Mark 1:7-8)
Please share a short Review:
Reading Assignment: Week # 8 Isaiah 59-66 Monday through Sunday
Sharing: Christmas Songs Week # 8 We three Kings
We three kings of Orient are Bearing gifts we traverse afar. Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star.
O star of wonder, star of night, Star of royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Born a king on Bethlehem's plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again, King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign.
O star of wonder, star of night, Star of royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Frankincense to offer have I. Incense owns a Deity nigh. Prayer and praising all men raising,
Worship Him, God on high.
O star of wonder, star of night, Star of royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Myrrh is mine: Its bitter perfume Breaths a life of gathering gloom. Sorrow, sighing, bleeding, dying, Sealed in a stone-cold tomb.
O star of wonder, star of night, Star of royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light. Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and Sacrifice.
Alleluia, alleluia! Earth to heav'n replies.
O star of wonder, star of night, Star of royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding,
Following yonder star.
(Key Change#)
O star of wonder, star of night, Star of royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding,
Following yonder star!
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