Sermon Study Guide

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Maranatha Bible Church

Chicago

Sermon Study Guide

We've Come To Worship Him | Pastor Daniel Batarseh | Christmas Day Service

Pastor Daniel Batarseh|Sunday, December 25, 2022

Scripture References

Matthew 2:1-6John 2:20Hebrews 11:12Revelation 2:12-13Psalms 76:10Matthew 12:30Micah 5:2Joshua 19:15

Sermon Summary

Pastor Daniel Batarseh explores the visit of the Magi to contrast their diligent worship with King Herod’s hostile resistance. The sermon highlights God’s sovereignty in placing Christ in a perilous time and calls listeners to choose between worshiping Jesus or remaining on the throne of their own lives.

Key Takeaways

1God's purposes are never thwarted by earthly opposition; He often displays His power most clearly in hostile environments.
2True worship requires sacrifice and diligence, contrasting with the modern tendency toward 'convenient worship.'
3There is no neutral ground with Jesus; you are either with Him in worship or against Him in resistance.
4Biblical prophecy is precise and reliable, serving as a supernatural foundation for our faith.
5Salvation requires surrendering the 'throne' of our lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.

1Why do you think God chose for Jesus to be born during the reign of a man as wicked and paranoid as Herod?
2How does the concept of 'costly worship' challenge your current approach to serving and honoring God in your daily life?
3In what ways do people today 'resist the King' to keep themselves on the throne of their own lives?
4How does the example of the church in Pergamum (situated at 'Satan's throne') change your perspective on living as a Christian in a secular culture?
5The Magi asked 'Where is He?' with absolute certainty. How can we develop that same level of concrete trust in God's Word?
6What does it practically look like to 'gather with Jesus' rather than 'scatter' in your workplace or family environment?

Application Points

Practical ways to apply this message to your life.

Evaluate your worship habits to ensure you are offering 'costly worship' rather than just what is convenient or comfortable.
Study biblical prophecies, such as Micah 5:2, to strengthen your confidence in the supernatural origin and reliability of the Scriptures.
Identify areas of your life where you are still sitting on the 'throne' and consciously surrender those specific areas to Christ's Lordship.
Pray for your local city with renewed hope, believing that God can establish a faithful remnant even in spiritually dark or hostile places.
Commit to a 'tenacious determination' in your walk with God, refusing to give up even when you do not immediately see the results of your faith.

Personal Reflection

Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.

How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?

What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?

Who can I share this truth with this week?

What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?

Prayer Points

Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.

Notes

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