Where are You Going for Christmas? – December 23, 2018

Where are You Going for Christmas? – part 3

Mike Thorburn/ Matthew 2:1-12/ December 23, 2018

God uses the circumstances of our lives to change us – Mary and Joseph (Luke 2:1-7)
- Life gives us struggles and trials but allow the Holy Spirit to change you and make you more like Jesus
God uses the circumstances of our lives to change those around us – the shepherds (Luke 2:8-20)
- Allow the Holy Spirit to turn your fear into joy as you fix your eyes on Jesus and his salvation
God uses the circumstances of our lives to change the world – the wise men (Matthew 2:1-12)
- Allow the Holy Spirit to produce in you a faithfulness that will not only endure but allow others to see Christ in you and their need for Jesus

Galatians 4:4

[bctt tweet=”Your faithful testimony will bear fruit at the Lord’s appointed time – Matthew 2:1-12″ username=”baysidesanjose”]

Because your faithful testimony will bear fruit at the Lord’s appointed time:

(1) Be faithful because God is at work in your life, the lives of those around you, and around the world (2:1-2)
- Matthew 2:1–2
- Ecclesiastes 3:11 – What can we say is true of every person in the world?
- Daniel 4:9
- Daniel 5:11
- God will also place believers into places of influence so that they share the true path to eternity – How is this true in the life of Daniel?
- What God has done through others will bear fruit – How did Daniel bear fruit?

Because your faithful testimony will bear fruit at the Lord’s appointed time:

(2) You can bear fruit in spiritually troubled times (2:3-6)
- Matthew 2:3–6
- 3 reasons believers can be spiritually troubled
  - Troubled because of those who hate God (3)
  - Troubled because of those who should know God (4-5)
  - Troubled because we do not realize that God is over all things (6)
  - How can we overcome these difficulties?

Because your faithful testimony will bear fruit at the Lord’s appointed time:

(3) God will give you joy when you acknowledge His unstoppable will (2:7-10)
- Matthew 2:7–10
- He’s Everything to Me – if you know this song take time to sing it with your group

Because your faithful testimony will bear fruit at the Lord’s appointed time:

(4) Be faithful at Christmas to worship Jesus (2:11-12)
- Matthew 2:11–12
- What are you offering to Jesus? Don’t focus on how difficult you journey has been or how others have it easier. Fix your focus on Jesus and giver him your worship.
- Share how you can be faithful, seek the Holy Spirit’s power to persevere and endure.

Your faithful testimony will bear fruit at the Lord’s appointed time