Genesis 3:15
I will put enmity between you [the serpent] and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” (ESV)
Isaiah 9:1–7
But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time He brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time He has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; You have increased its joy; they rejoice before You as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
For the yoke of His burden, and the staff for His shoulder, the rod of His oppressor, You have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.
For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His Name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (ESV)
Introduction:
a. Advent begins with longing and darkness.
b. Advent shows our need for a Redeemer.
c. The promise traced from Genesis 3 to Isaiah 9.
1. The First Gospel Promise (Genesis 3:15)
1.1 The Fall and Judgment
1.1.1 Humanity’s sin and God’s judgment.
1.1.2 In wrath, God gives grace.
• Romans 5:12
• Romans 3:23
1.1.3 Before exile from Eden, God promises a Deliverer.
1.2 The Seed Who will Crush the Serpent
1.2.1 Genesis 3:15 as the ‘Protoevangelium’.
• Galatians 4:4
• Romans 16:20
1.2.3 The “seed” is singular: Christ.
1.3 Salvation Begins with God’s Sovereign Initiative
1.3.1 God gives the first word of hope.
1.3.2 Adam and Eve did not seek God; He sought them.
• John 6:44
• Ephesians 1:4–5
Application:
• We cannot save ourselves.
• Hope rests in divine initiative.
• God sought us before we sought Him. While we were enemies.
2. The Darkness of Human Sin (Isaiah 9:1–2)
2.1 The World’s Darkness
2.1.1 Israel’s context of judgment and oppression.
2.1.2 The darkness is moral and spiritual.
• Isaiah 53:6
• John 3:19
2.2 Our Total Inability Apart from Grace
People love darkness, not just stumble in it.
2.3 Light must come from Outside of us
Darkness cannot dispel itself.
• John 1:5
Application:
• Advent is realistic, not sentimental.
• Christ comes to a world in rebellion.
• The Gospel shines brightest against darkness.
3. The Promised King and His Kingdom (Isaiah 9:6–7)
3.1 The Divine Identity of the Child
3.1.1 “Wonderful Counsellor”- divine wisdom (Col. 2:3).
3.1.2 “Mighty God”- true deity (John 1:1).
3.1.3 “Everlasting Father”- eternal and caring.
3.1.4 “Prince of Peace”- reconciler (Eph. 2:14–16).
3.2 The Certain Victory of His Kingdom
His reign will be unending (Isa. 9:7).
• Daniel 7:14
• Revelation 11:15
3.3 The Zeal of the Lord will Accomplish it
The promise rests on God’s faithfulness.
• Philippians 1:6
Application:
• Christ’s kingdom advances despite chaos.
• Assurance rests in God’s zeal, not our strength.
• Advent renews hope in the unstoppable King.
4. Conclusion
• Advent begins with the promise of a Redeemer.
• Christ has come once; He will come again.