Sermon:
Him
by Chris Cumming
This sermon is going to more like a factsheet that you can use to review and
solidify your knowledge of the subject.
Turn to Isaiah 7:14.
Isaiah 7:14-16
14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall
conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
15 Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and
choose the good.
16 For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the
land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.
Here we see one of the first definitive verses of the Bible speaking to Jesus
Christ. We see that it was fortold that His name would be Immanuel.
We know that Jesus was ultimately born, that He walked the earth, had human
parents, was a general contractor with His Earthly father and that He began a
3.5 year ministry. We also know that He ultimately was crucified, killed by a
spear, was buried and then resurrected. But who was He? What does the Bible say
about who and what He was? Who is this man and God, Jesus the Christ?
Today we will explore the Bible to answer these questions as I encourage all of
us to know Him.
Know Him.
Let us continue by moving from Isaiah 7 to Isaiah 9.
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.
Let us immerse ourselves in this verse.
What does it mean, "A son is given"?
How do we describe the concept of, "The government being on His shoulder"?
What is the meaning of these names, "Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The
everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace"?
A SON IS GIVEN
Unto us a son is given - (Psalm 2:7). God’s gratuitous gift, on which man had no
claim (John 3:16; Romans 6:23). ~Jamieson, Fausset, Brown
Quoted verses:
Psalm 2:7
I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day
have I begotten thee.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus
Christ our Lord.
Unto us a son is given - even he who is the Son of God, his own Son, his only
begotten Son, his beloved Son, the dear Son of his love; all which [intensify]
his love in the gift of him, to be the covenant and head unto us, to be the
Saviour of us, and a sacrifice for us; and in delivering him up into the hands
of men, justice, and death; this is a free gift of God's love, a very large and
comprehensive one, is unparalleled and unspeakable, unchangeable and
irreversible. ~John Gill
Unto us a son is given - The Messiah is often represented as having been given,
or sent; or as the rich gift of God; the note at Acts 4:12; John_3:16 [see
above]; Ephesians 1:22; John 17:4. The Messiah was pre-eminently the gift of
the God of love. Man had no claim on him, and God voluntarily gave his Son to be
a sacrifice for the sins of the world. ~Barnes Notes
Quoted verses:
Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under
heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Ephesians 1:22
And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all
things to the church,
John 17:4
I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest
me to do.
THE GOVERNMENT SHALL BE ON HIS SHOULDER
The government shall be on his shoulder — The ensign of office used to be worn
on the shoulder, in token of sustaining the government (Isaiah 22:22). Here the
government on Messiah’s shoulder is in marked antithesis to the “yoke and staff”
of the oppressor on Israel’s “shoulder” (Isaiah 9:4). He shall receive the
kingdom of the earth from the Father, to vindicate it from the misrule of those
to whom it was entrusted to hold it for and under the Most High, but who sought
to hold it in defiance of His right; the Father asserts His right by the Son,
the “Heir of all things,” who will hold it for Him (Daniel 7:13-14).
Quoted verses:
Isaiah 22:22
And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall
open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.
Isaiah 9:4
For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the
rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.
Daniel 7:13-14
13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with
the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near
before him.
14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people,
nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting
dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be
destroyed.
WONDERFUL
This is Hebrew word 6381. It means, "a miracle: -- marvelous thing, a wonder.
Many commentaries see "wonderful" and "counsellor" together as one phrase.
Notice the next heading.
COUNSELLOR
Wonderful counsellor - And so Christ is, because he hath been the counsellor of
his church in all ages, and the author and giver of all those excellent counsels
delivered not only by the apostles, but also by the prophets, and hath gathered
and enlarged, and preserved his church, by admirable counsels and methods of his
providence, and, in a word, hath in him all the treasures of wisdom and
knowledge, Colossians 2:3. ~John Wesley Explanatory Notes
Quoted verse and I will begin with verse to so you can see we are speaking of
Jesus Christ here:
Colossians 2:2-3
2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto
all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the
mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Notice the commentary on verse 3:
All the treasures - It is common to compare any thing valuable with “treasures”
of silver or gold. The idea here is, that in reference to the wisdom and
knowledge needful for us, Christ is what abundant treasures are in reference to
the supply of our wants.
Wisdom - The wisdom needful for our salvation. Notes, 1 Corinthians 1:24.
And knowledge - The knowledge which is requisite to guide us in the way to life.
Christ is able to instruct us in all that it is desirable for us to know, so
that it is not necessary for us to apply to philosophy, or to the teachings of
human beings. ~Barnes Notes
Quoted verse:
1 Corinthians 1:24
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God,
and the wisdom of God.
THE MIGHTY GOD
He is God, the mighty One. Such is the work of the Mediator, that no less power
than that of the mighty God could bring it to pass. He is God, one with the
Father. As the Prince of Peace, he reconciles us to God; he is the Giver of
peace in the heart and conscience; and when his kingdom is fully established,
men shall learn war no more. The government shall be upon him; he shall bear the
burden of it. Glorious things are spoken of Christ's government. There is no end
to the increase of its peace, for the happiness of its subjects shall last for
ever. The exact agreement of this prophecy with the doctrine of the New
Testament, shows that Jewish prophets and Christian teachers had the same view
of the person and salvation of the Messiah. To what earthly king or kingdom can
these words apply? Give then, O Lord, to thy people to know thee by every
endearing name, and in every glorious character. Give increase of grace in every
heart of thy redeemed upon earth. ~Matthew Henry Concise
THE EVERLASTING FATHER
The Everlasting Father - The father of eternity. Who, though as man he was then
unborn, yet was and is from everlasting to everlasting. ~John Wesley
Explanatory Notes
THE PRINCE OF PEACE
The Prince of Peace - The name pierces to the heart of Christ’s work. For the
individual He brings peace with God, peace in the else discordant inner nature,
peace amid storms of calamity-the peace of submission, of fellowship with God,
of self-control, of received forgiveness and sanctifying. For nations and civic
communities He brings peace which will one day hush the tumult of war, and burn
chariots and all warlike implements in the fire. The vision tarries, because
Christ’s followers have not been true to their Master’s mission, but it comes,
though its march is slow. We can hasten its arrival. ~MacLaren Expositions
So what did we see from all this in Isaiah 9:6?
1] Jesus is the Son of God.
2] Jesus is the Son given to us by God.
3] Eternal life comes from God through Jesus Christ.
4] Jesus is the covenant and head unto us, to be the Saviour of us.
5] He is a sacrifice for us.
6] the love of God the Father is large and comprehensive. It is unparalleled,
unspeakable, unchangeable and irreversible.
7] Salvation comes only by Christ; none other.
8] He is the head over all things to the church.
9] Jesus glorified God the Father while He was on earth.
10] He will receive the Kingdom of Earth from His Father.
11] Jesus will be called Wonderful Counsellor. He has been counseling the church
from the first century.
12] Jesus is all knowledge and wisdom. He has the wisdom needed for salvation.
13] He is God and one with the Father.
14] Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
15] Christ is a Mighty God. He is Mediator. He reconciles us to God.
16] He is the Giver of peace in the heart and conscience.
17] His name will be the Father of Eternity.
18] Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace and will be called by this name. He will
end all wars.
There is much here to know and consider. Know Him.
Let us look at scripture now that tell us who He is, what He is like and what He
has done.
John 1:1-3
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was
made.
John 11:35
Jesus wept.
John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto
the Father, but by me.
John 15:5
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the
same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
John 20:31
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son
of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Colossians 1:15-17
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in
earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or
principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that
was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at
the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
1 Timothy 2:5 [see
lesson]
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ
Jesus;
John 20:31
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son
of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
1 Corinthians 12:3
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God
calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by
the Holy Ghost [Spirit].
1 John 2:22
Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist,
that denieth the Father and the Son.
1 John 4:15
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and
he in God.
1 John 5:5
Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son
of God?
Now the recap of these fourteen verses:
1] All things were created by Him - John 1:1-3.
2] Jesus wept--He has compassion - John 11:35.
3] Jesus is the way, truth and life. No man comes to the Father but by Him -
John 14:6.
4] Firstfruits brings forth much fruit because He abides in us - John 15:5.
5] We have life through His name - John 20:31.
6] He is the image of the invisible God. He created all things - Colossians
1:15-17.
7] He is the author and finisher of our faith - Hebrews 12:2.
8] Jesus Christ is the same forever - Hebrews 13:8.
9] He is the mediator between God and man - 1 Timothy 2:5.
10] He is the Son of God and if you believe you might have eternal life through
His name - John 20:31.
11] Jesus is Lord. We are able to say this and know this by power of the Holy
Spirit - 1 Corinthians 12:3 .
12] Jesus is the Christ - 1 John 2:22.
13] Through Christ God dwells in us - 1 John 4:15.
14] Those that overcome the world are those that believe that Jesus is the Son
of God -1 John 5:5.
We know Him by the things He does that we then do.
Isaiah 53:4-5
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem
him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
John 14:15
If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 15:12
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Luke 19:10
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that
Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the
scriptures:
1 Corinthians 15:21
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
1 John 5:1-5
1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one
that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep
his commandments.
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his
commandments are not grievous.
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory
that overcometh the world, even our faith.
5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the
Son of God?
Here is the recap of these seven verses:
1] We are healed by the things Jesus went through: griefs, sorrows, being
smitten and afflicted, being bruised and taking stripes - Isaiah 53:4-5
2] He keeps the commandments. So do we - John 14:15
3] He loves us, so the commandment is that we love each other. - John 15:12
4] Jesus Christ is focused on salvation of mankind. - Luke 19:10
5] He died for our sins. He was buried and then resurrected. - 1 Corinthians
15:3-4
6] He brought the resurrection of the dead. - 1 Corinthians 15:21
7] Through Jesus Christ and our faith, we overcome the world. - 1 John 5:1-5
We know Him by what He has us to do.
1 John 4:15
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and
he in God.
Matthew 10:38
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in
one body; and be ye thankful.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God
hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Romans 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in
thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Here is the recap of these five verses:
We know Him by what He has us to do.
1] We believe and state that Jesus is the Son of God, that God dwells in Him and
He in God. - 1 John 4:15
2] We take up the elements of the salvation process, thus following Him. -
Matthew 10:38
3] We allow God to rule in our hearts. - Colossians 3:15
4] We know that we were created in Christ Jesus to do good works and walk in
them. - Ephesians 2:10
5] We know that God the Father raised Jesus from the dead. - Romans 10:9
Turn to a final scripture.
Job 19:25-26
25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day
upon the earth:
26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my [after my]
flesh shall I see God:
...and when He does, you will already know Him.