TEXT: MATTHEW 2: 1 – 23
INTRODUCTION:
It is exciting and heart-warming to see that we gradually coming to the last quarter of the year 2019 despite that challenges, troubles and dangers we encountered at different times and places. More importantly, is to acknowledge the power, protection and provision of God over our lives. Indeed, God has not left us to the destructive and evil plots of the enemies against our souls. The birth of Jesus, which came as fulfilment of God’s promise to mankind, was expected to be herald with joy and gratitude; but Herod rather devised plan to kill Him. God, who knows the intent of all men, disappointed his wicked crafty device (job 5: 12). In the same way, we have seen God’s wonderful acts of mercy and kindness toward us all. This study will help us to understand that we need to be spiritually sensitive in order to escape the evil plots of the enemy.
QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSIONS
1. Why did Herod seek to kill Jesus? Matthew 2: 3 – 8; John 8: 44. 2. How can we escape from evil plots of our enemies just like Joseph experienced? Matthew 2: 13 – 14; Ephesians 6:10 – 18; 2 Kings 6: 8 – 10. 3. Discuss what would have been the fate of people today if Herod succeeded in killing Jesus in His infancy. 4. Enumerate the benefits we enjoy when the Lord is for us. Romans 8: 31; Numbers 14: 6 – 9; Psalm 118: 1 – 7; Isaiah 51: 16; Hebrews 13: 5 – 6; Psalm 121: 1 – 8; Psalm 27: 1 – 3
CONCLUSION
Despite all schemes and evil plots of Herod, God who is committed to His salvation plan for us subverted them all. The numerous benefits we receive cannot be attributed to our righteousness or goodness, but His enduring mercies. How have you shown gratitude and appreciation to God? Truly, we have reason to echo it aloud, “If the Lord had not been for us…” His grace is sufficient to take us through the journey of life.
MEMORY VERSE
“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us, them they would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us” Psalm 124: 2 – 3