Immanuel: God With Us
God Has Arrived Matthew 1:18-25
Have you ever had a season in your life when God felt distant?
Christmas is the declaration, not that we climbed our way up to God, but that God came down to us.
1. The Context of _______________
“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.” (Luke 2:1, ESV)
When Jesus arrived, the world was not peaceful, orderly, or spiritually mindful. It was chaotic.
Christmas reminds us that God is not scared of our chaos. He enters it.
2. The _______________ of God
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made…And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1–3, 14 ESV)
• The Word was with God – This speaks to the distinct _______________ of the Son. He was a person in the closest possible fellowship with the Father.
• The Word was God - The one who was “with God” is simultaneously declared to be God— _____________ The baby in the manger is the second person of the Holy Trinity. • The One who entered creation ____________ creation!
3. The _______________ of the Incarnation (Matthew 1:18-25)
• To fulfill _______________
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14, ESV)
• The core reason for the coming of Jesus is __________
• To Reveal God’s Character and _______________
“No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.” (John 1:18, ESV)
4. The _______________ in Humanity
“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2:14–18, ESV)
God didn't just visit earth; He participated in our existence. The Incarnation wasn't just a costume; it was a commitment.
• _______________ in our flesh and blood
• _______________ our struggles and temptations • _______________ a way of redemption and help in our weakness
The miracle of the Incarnation stands as a powerful testament to God’s profound love for us. A love so deep that it compelled Him to enter our world and become one of us. Let us embrace this truth wholeheartedly and open ourselves to its transformative power in our lives.
Making It Personal:
• When have you felt like God was distant? What emotions or beliefs surfaced in that season, and how might the truth of the Incarnation speak into that experience?
• When you think of Jesus, do you tend to picture Him more as the baby in the manger or as the eternal Son who created all things? How does this shape your faith? How might remembering Jesus’ eternal nature give you stability in uncertain times?
• Where do you need to experience the rescuing work of Christ in your life today? Patterns of sin? Fear or anxiety? Control or self-sufficiency?
• In what practical ways can you lean on Jesus as your “merciful and faithful high priest” this week?
• How would your life look different this week if you lived as though “God is with you” in every situation?
• Who can you share these truths with?
Ready to take your Next Step?
• Go by the Next Steps area today after the service • Fill out a Connect Card and drop it in the offering box • Text Next to 803-637-8484 • Go to FBCFM.COM and click “Next Steps.”