The Name
RLC Home Group Handout | December 14th, 2025
“ The Name” | Isaiah 9:1-7 | Matthew 1:18-25
Recap
In this Advent message, we saw that Isaiah 9 promises us a God who does not remain distant but comes near—embodied in human flesh, earning a reputation through humility and suffering, and driven by a clear and unstoppable purpose. We reflected on how Jesus fulfills the prophetic titles of Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, not as abstract ideas but as lived realities revealed through His life, death, and resurrection. As we wait between Christ’s first coming in humility and His second coming in glory, we are reminded that our hope, joy, and peace are grounded in who Jesus has already proven Himself to be. We do not contribute to our salvation; we receive it by faith, trusting the zeal of the Lord to finish the work of restoring all things.
References
Psalm 113:7-8 – God’s grace for the lowly.
Proverbs 6:34 – The intensity of God’s zeal..
Proverbs 6:34 - God fully restores creation.
Discussion Questions
Head
Is there anything that stood out or spoke to you in this week’s sermon?
How does Isaiah’s historical context of darkness, fear, and political instability shape our understanding of Advent?
How does Advent hold together both waiting and confidence?
Heart
Which title of Jesus—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, or Prince of Peace—do you find most comforting right now, and why?
Where do you find yourself tempted to be a “functional atheist,” living as though God is not truly capable or present?
Where are you waiting on God and finding the wait difficult?
Hands
What would it look like this week to actively walk toward Jesus as your Prince of Peace rather than searching for peace elsewhere?
How can you practice trusting God’s zeal and purpose when prayers feel unanswered or situations feel unresolved?
Who in your life needs to hear that Christmas is not just about sentiment, but about a God who came to rescue and restore?