1. In 2 Peter 1:4, the promises of God are described as "exceeding great and precious." 2. In our study we have observed several principles that will help us to fully appreciate and properly understand God's promises. a. To help us fully appreciate God's promises, we have shown that: 1) they are "effective" a) God's promises will have a positive effect upon those who trust them. b) Abraham, Sara, Isaac, and Jacob illustrate this principle -- trusting God's promises led them to serve Him faithfully (Hebrews 11:13-16). 2) they are "trustworthy." a) God "is not slack concerning His promise" (2 Peter 3:9). b) God's promises are believable because He cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18). b. To help us properly understand God's promises, we have shown that some of them are "conditional." 1) God's promise of eternal life illustrates this principle (Titus 1:2). 2) An important condition is revealed in Revelation 2:10 -- "faithfulness." 3. With these principles in mind, let us concentrate on "God's promise to send Jesus."
Discussion:
I. THE COMING OF CHRIST WAS BASED ON GOD'S PROMISE
A. Even though Christ is a member of the eternal Godhead, He came to earth in the flesh (John 1:1-3, 14). B. His coming in the flesh fulfilled: 1. the Law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17) 2. God's promise (Acts 13:23, 32-33).
II. THE DETAILS OF GOD'S PROMISE TO SEND JESUS DEVELOPED OVER MANY CENTURIES
A. The first mention is in Genesis 3:15 -- God announced that "the seed of the woman" would bruise the head of the serpent. B. He would be a descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12:3; 26:4; 28:14). C. He would come from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:8, 10; 1 Chronicles 5:1-2). D. He would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14). E. He would be a descendant of David with great authority (Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6). F. He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).
III. GOD KEPT HIS PROMISE TO SEND JESUS
A. When the time was right, God sent Jesus who was "made of a woman" (Galatians 4:4). B. The Lord's genealogy indicates that He is a descendant of David, Judah, Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham (Matthew 1:1-6). C. Jesus was born of a virgin (Matthew 1:18-25). D. Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-6).
Conclusion:
1. God promised to send Jesus, and God kept His promise. 2. Because God kept this promise we can be redeemed and be adopted as His children (Galatians 4:4-7).
