Saturday, December 22, 2018

Christmas the Back Story: Pt 4, Dreams Do Come True!


Pericope:  Matthew 2: 1-12 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. . 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. . 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.


Sermon Text: Matthew 2:11 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.


Christmas the Back Story: Pt 4, Dreams Do Come True!


Point 1:  You must be diligent. Vs. 8… 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”

a.) Discipline. Hebrews 12:6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”


Proverbs 13:24 Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.


Matt 2:9 9…And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.


Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Where God is there is no darkness does not comprehend it.


John 1:5 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.


You must be willing to travel when its dark. Vs 2….2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.



Point 2: You cannot get deceived. Vs 9 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.



a.)        Gift of discernment. 1 Cor 12: 10 to another discerning of spirits…

Matt 2: 7-8 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”


Vs 9 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.


Matthew 7:6 says - "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. 

Do as the Magi did:

1)  Stay away – vs. 12b they departed

2)  Stay on course – vs. 9b – they went their way.

3)  Stay silent – vs. 12b – they departed


Point 3: You must deliver.  Matt 2:11 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

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