Walk in Light of the Lord (Isaiah 2:5)

What does it mean to walk (live) in the light of the Lord (Isa 2:5)?

1. Be honest with yourself. This happens when we see ourselves in light of who God is (Isa 6:3; Lk 5:8).
2. Live a holy life because God is holy (Isa 1:4; 6:3, 5; Gen 17:1; Eph 1:4; Lev 11:44; 1 Pet 1:16).
3. Live by the word of God (Ps 119:105, 97; 1:2; Jn 6:63).
4. Live with no hint of darkness (Jn 8:12; 1 Jn 1:5).
5. Trust God "alone" (Isa 2:11, 17) not man (Isa 2:22).
6. Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God (Mic 6:8).
7. Clean out your heart; clean up your life; care for the fatherless and the widows (Isa 1:16-17).
8. Have a clearly defined goal of life (Phil 3:14; Ac 20:24) as our practical expressing of seeking God and loving God and exalting God alone (Isa 2:11, 17).

The Removal of Proud Women (Isaiah 3:16-4:1)

To deal with the pride of man expressing itself in self-exaltation (2:6-4:1), God will humble:

1. God's people (2:6-11)--for their idolatry (magic, money and military might).
2. All people (2:12-22)--resulting in humiliation, disillusionment and fear.
3. Men--for their oppressive leadership (3:1-15). Removal of Judah's arrogant male leaders.
4. Women--for their vanity leading to flirtatiousness, ostentation, shame and insecurity (3:16-4:1). God's judgement would be the removal of Judah's proud women.

Proud men oppress others, proud women draw attention to themselves. The pride of man--their essential sin--is expressed as oppression, while the pride and essential sin of women is expressed as ostentatious vanity.

God's judgment on proud women results in:

1. Judgment: Proud women will be judged (3:16-17).
2. Loss: Her objects of pride will be removed (3:18-24).
3. Humiliation: She will be humiliated and become desperate (3:25-4:1).

God hates pride. God loathes arrogance in his people. God's judgment on people (2:6-4:1) should compel and challenge each person to test their own heart to see if anything is motivated by pride or if it will result in pride. [In my case it might be my desire to study in depth "less common" books of the Bible.] Also, an excessive concern for my rights, my opinions, my way, and my honor is a sign of a sick self-centered society that fails to give complete honor and glory to God. Isaiah desires that we evaluate the central motivations and highest priorities that guide our lives. If we (male and female) exalt ourselves and thus fail to exalt God, we cannot but experience what the proud men and women of Judah experienced on the day of God's judgment.

The Removal of Male Leaders (Isaiah 3:1-15)

Leadership failure. 3:1-15 addresses the questionable character of leaders. It is closely related to 2:6-22 for Isaiah is addressing the people of "Judah and Jerusalem" (Isa 2:1). The leaders were proud. They trusted in their human accomplishments and in human security. Isaiah 2 emphasizes the demise of mankind in general, but Isaiah 3 considers the specific removal of the leaders (3:1-15) as well as the proud and vain women (3:16-4:1).

Trusting in man (leaders) could suggest not trusting in God. In 2:6-22 Isaiah repeatedly focuses on the humbling of the proud, the exaltation of God alone and the rejection of idolatry. But in 3:1-15 he illustrates the hopelessness of trusting in the specific accomplishments of the human leaders in Judah, which is in sharp contrast to the general exhortation not to put one's trust in mankind in Isa 2:22. People should not trust in human leaders to solve their difficulties (Isa 2:22; 3:7) because they do not have the power to bring about any real, lasting solutions.

Outline:

1. The problem: Childish, Immature Leaders (3:1-7).
2. The judgment: According To Your Deeds (3:8-11).
3. The indictment: Oppressing Others (3:12-15).

Reference:

1. Smith, Gary V. Isaiah 1-39. The New American Commentary: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture. B & H Publishing Group. Noshville, TN. 2007. 143-149.
   

Interchange and Contrast in Isaiah 1-6

1:1-31	2:1-5	2:6-4:1	4:2-6	5:1-30	6:1-13
Negative	Positive	Negative	Positive	Negative	Positive
Judgment	Hope	Judgment	Hope	Judgment	Hope

The interchange and contrast from Isaiah 1 to 2 is repeated as it is throughout Isaiah 1-5. The current Israel is totally corrupted (Isa 1:1-31). The future Israel (the Israel that will be) will be glorious (Isa 2:2-4). The abruptness of the shift in mood from ch. 1 to ch. 2 is very striking. In Isaiah 1 repentance was viewed as a hypothetical possibility (Isa 1:16-20) and restoration as an end product of destruction (Isa 1:27-31). The main focus of attention was on Israel's rebellion, hypocrisy and injustice. Suddenly in 2:2-4, with no transition at all, the focus is on Israel's glorious future destiny as a light of blessing to the whole world.

From Isaiah Session 2 by John Oswalt - Isaiah 2-3 (1 hr 4 min).

What Isaiah 1 Challengers People To Do

The message of Isaiah 1 serves as an introduction to the rest of Isaiah. The message of Isaiah demarcates people into two groups:

1. the rebellious people who forsake God.
2. the redeemed people who trust God.

Isaiah's goal is to open the eyes and heart of both groups to:

1. God's view of sinners who continue in iniquity and rebel against God (Isa 1:2-8, 11-15, 21-23);
2. God's offer of grace (Isa 1:18);
3. the seriousness of God's judgment on those who rebel/do not worship God (Isa 1:20, 28-31).

Isaiah wants his listeners to make a choice, take a stand, make a decision by ask ourselves questions such as:

• Is there a spirit of rebellion in you (Isa 1:2; 66:24)?
• Does justice and care for the oppressed characterize your Christian life (Isa 1:17, 23)?
• Is your heart attitude and worship acceptable to God with no hint of deceptive rituals (Isa 1:11-15)?
• Do you need to ask God for forgiveness of any particular sin (Isa 1:18)?
• Do you understand the consequence of not following God (Isa 1:20, 28-31)?
• Are you willing to brutally and honestly examine your own heart (Isa 1:16-20; Jer 17:10)?
• Do you think that because you keep some identity as a Christian that you're basically fine (like the people in Isaiah's day)?
• Does God's holiness and his standard of justice and righteousness uncover a veneer of piety and religiosity hiding a life of selfishness, rebellion, and unwillingness to trust God?

There are two ways to live and two destinations. All paths do not lead to God. Isaiah 1 presents choices that everyone of us must face as it did for the people during Isaiah's time:

1. Being God's children or rebelling against God (Isa 1:2-3).
2. Continuing to receive God's punishment or having the wars stop (Isa 1:5-9).
3. Offering prayers and sacrifices that please God or having God hide his face and reject useless ritual (Isa 1:11-15).
4. Making efforts to remove the stain and guilt of sin or allowing that stain to bring a curse (Isa 1:18-20).
5. Acting like faithful and righteous people or behaving like harlots and murderers (Isa 1:21).
6. Accepting God's redemption or being burnt up with fire in disgrace (Isa 1:27-31).

Random Questions on the Life of Abraham (Genesis 12-22)

Some questions for pondering and reflection:

1. What is your understanding of God calling a person (Gen 12:1)? What do you think is the affect on the life of one who has heard God's calling (Gen 12:2-4)?
2. What does the account of Abram and Lot in Genesis 13 teach about what can and cannot fulfill us human beings (Gen 13:10)?
3. How does one become right with God (Gen 15:6)? Is your righteousness credited or earned? What was God teaching Abraham in Genesis 15:9-16 (Jer 34:18-20)?
4. What is the problem with trying to have a child through Hagar instead of through Sarah (Gen 16:2)? Do you have a sense that God sees you (Gen 16:13)?
   
5. How does God expect his chosen person to live (Gen 17:1)?
6. Has God "appeared" to you (Gen 18:1)? Have you encountered God? How is your friendship with God? Is it experiencial? Does God reveal his secrets to you (Gen 18:17)?
7. Have you felt visited by God (Gen 21:1; 18:9-10)? Is your Christian life a life of laughter (Gen 21:6)? A life of wonder (Gen 21:7)?
   
8. How might Abraham have understood God's command to offer Isaac as a burnt offering (Gen 22:2)? Have you deeply felt God's provision for you (Gen 22:14)?
   
9. What is your understanding of:
• The grace of God (Ac 20:24; Eph 2:8-9)?
• The life of faith (Heb 11:6)?
• Trusting God (Prov 3:5-6)?
  
• The God of Abraham?
• Justification (Rom 3:24; 5:1)?
• Sanctification (Phil 2:12-13)?
  

The Ideal and the Actual (Isaiah 2-4): Bible Study Questions

Isaiah 2:1-4:6 (2:1-5; 2:6-4:1; 4:2-6); 2:2a, 5, 22

 

"In the last days the mountain of the Lord's temple will be established as the highest of the mountains..." "let us walk in the light of the Lord" "Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?" (Isa 2:2, 5, 22, NIV). [Exaltation of God and Humbling of the Proud; Present Judgment and Coming Glory; Hope in the Midst of Judgment.]

 

Theme: Despite our dark present reality (Isa 1:4-8, 10-15, 21-23), our hope is in Isaiah glorious vision of God's coming kingdom. Therefore, live in light of this (2:5). Set your heart on God. Live in the power of this future hope.

1. The Ideal: Our Glorious Future Hope (2:1-5). [The opening positive part has 5 verses.] Promises of God's future kingdom produce trust.
1. What God does: God establishes his rightful rule (2-3) and judges the nations (4).
2. How we respond: We walk in his paths and in the light of the Lord (3b, 5).
2. The Actual: Our Dark Present Reality (2:6-4:1). [The middle negative part has 44 verses!]  The removal of pride and the exaltation of God (2:6-22). The recurring common theme is human exaltation (pride, arrogance and self-sufficiency). This results in God's judgment on:
1. God's people (6-11). Idolatry (magic, money and military might).
2. All people (12-22). Humiliation, disillusionment and fear.
3. Men. Oppressive leadership (3:1-15). Removal of Judah's arrogant male leaders.
4. Women. Vanity leading to flirtatiousness, ostentation, shame and insecurity (3:16-4:1). Removal of Judah's proud women.
3. The New: Our Glorious Future Hope (4:2-6). The Branch (What is yet to be). [The closing positive part has 5 verses.] God's glorious holy kingdom.
1. The Branch of the Lord (4:2a).
2. A fruitful land (4:2b).
3. A holy city (4:3-4).
4. A canopy of glory (4:5-6).

2:1-5

1. What is the relationship between 2:1–5 and 2:6–4:1? How is Jerusalem described in 2:1–5 and in 2:6–4:1?
2. Why is the "mountain" of God's house so important that all nations will come there (2:2)? What is the significance?
3. Notice the same verb in 2:3 and 2:5. What does this say about salvation? God's intent for us (Gen 17:1; Eph 1:4)?
4. What does it mean to judge (2:4)? Why do people not like to hear about judgment?

2:6–4:1

1. Look for a common theme in 2:6-4:1. What is the problem with humanity (2:9, 11-12, 17; 3:16)? What is the most deadly sin according to church teaching (Gen 3:5; Prov 3:34; Jas 4:6)? Why?
2. What is a common word in 2:6–8? What are the four topics? Compare to 6:3. What is the problem?
3. How are 2:9–11 the logical result of 2:6–8? How do we find worth and significance (Lk 14:11)?
4. Why does the worship of humanity (which is what idolatry amounts to) necessarily humiliate us (2:18–22). What is the point being made by 2:22?
5. What is the repeated theme among the three stanzas in this section (3:1–5, 6–8, 9–15)? What happens when we idolize or idealize our human leaders? What should we do?
6. Why does the prophet "pick on" the women here (3:16ff)? Why the "overkill" in the list of finery in 3:18–23? What is the relationship between 2:16 and 17, and between 2:18–23 and 2:24-4:1? How does this relate to what has been said ever since 2:6?

4:2-6

1. What is the relationship between 4:2–6 and 5:1–30? How is Jerusalem described in 4:2–6 and in 5:1–30?
2. What is the question about the identity of  the branch in 4:2?
3. Compare the condition of Jerusalem in 2:6–4:1 with the condition described in 4:3–4. Specifically, what is the difference? Read Ex 19:5–6; Dt 28:9–10.
4. How will the cleansing occur (4:4)? Reflect on what has been said about God's intended purpose in judgment.

Let's Talk (Isaiah 1:1-31): Bible Study Questions

Isaiah 1:1-9, 10-20, 21-31; Key Verses Isa 1:18, 3, 13, 23

"Come now let us reason together" (1:18a, ESV). "Let us settle the matter" (NIV). "Let us discuss this" (HCSB).

Most scholars regard Isaiah 1–5 as an introduction to at least chapters 1–39 if not to the entire book of 66 chapters.

1:1-31	2:1-5	2:6-4:1	4:2-6	5:1-30	6:1-13

How Stupid Can You Be (1.1-9)	Stop Your Church Activities (1:10-20)	Care For Whom I Care For (1:21-31)
1. God's broken heart (1:2-3)	1. What displeases God (1:10-15)	1. Judgment (21-23)
2. Our broken life (1:4-8)	2. What pleases God (1:16-17)	2. Purification (24-26)
3. God's unbroken grace (1:9)	3. How to please God (1:18-20)	3. Redemption or ..... (27-31)

Questions: 1:1-9 (national failure): Sin. "The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner's manger, but...my people do not understand." (1:3).

1. What is Isaiah about (1:1)? Why is it a vision that Isaiah saw and not a message that he heard? Who does it concern?
2. Why call on the heavens and the earth (1:2a; Dt 30:19; 32:1, 4–6)? Note the verb used to describe Israel's attitude toward God in 1:2b and 66:24, the last verse of Isaiah. How is rebellion more than mere disobedience? 
3. Why is 1:3 rather comical and yet very serious (Dt 32:6)?
4. See the verbs in 1:4 as a further explanation of rebellion and its effects.
5. What do 1:5–8 describe? How is Isaiah making his point?
6. There are two important titles for Yahweh in 1:1-9. What are they (1:4, 9)? What is their significance?
7. Why the reference to Sodom and Gomorrah in 1:9?

1:10–20 (religious failure): Repentance. "I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly." (Isa 1:13, ESV).

1. What are some reasons the prophet may have brought up 1:10-15 at this point?
2. If God commanded rituals in the law, why is he angry when they performed them, and even called them "rebels"? What is the danger with religious ritual (1 Sam 15:22; Jer 7:21-23; Hos 6:6; Am 5:21–24; Mic 6:6–8)? Why does God not accept their worship and prayers (1:13, 15 explicitly states their problem)? How does all this relate to us?
3. What 9 thunderous corrective actions are commanded and demanded (16-17)?
• your heart (16a) [inwardly - 2 commands].
• your life (16b-17a) [outwardly - 3 commands].
• your society (17b) [socially - 4 commands]
4. What comforting promise does God offer regarding their sins (1:18)? How is this counterintuitive and remarkable? What do you learn about God's grace? Does righteous living (1:16–17) produce forgiveness (1:18)? Why or why not?
5. What are two alternate courses of actions and their respective consequences (19-20; Dt 30:15-20)?

1:21–31 (social failure): Redemption. "...they refuse to defend the cause of orphans or fight for the rights of widows" (Isa 1:23, NLT).

1. What are the contrasts in 1:21-22? What change occurred with Jerusalem?
2. What is the problem with her leaders (1:23, 17)?
3. Note the introduction of a third title for God (1:24). What is the impact here? Who are the "enemies" of Yahweh?
4. 1:25–27 express a key truth of Isaiah. What is God's intent when he brings destruction on his people?
5. What is the relationship of 1:28-31 to 1:25-27? Why do you think Isaiah ends on this note after the promises 1:26-27 (a reversal of vv. 21–23)? How would God deal with the penitent (27)? The sinners (28)?
6. What illustration did God use to describe the end result (29-31)?

An Encouragement to Study Scripture (and Isaiah)

From this Sunday, May 3, 2015, West Loop UBF will begin studying of a new book of the Bible--Isaiah. As we begin I would like to encourage our church community to prayerfully study Scripture in general and Isaiah in particular over the coming year, as God willing, we will plow through all 66 chapters of Isaiah!

Personally, I regard the serious study of Scripture as the most important, significant and necessary daily activity of every Christian. Why? In a word, it is because of the countless benefits of studying Scripture from our hearts as our daily priority.

What are the benefits of studying Scripture with all of our hearts?

1. A rich life, a fulfilling life (Jn 6:63).
2. A Spirit-filled life (Jn 6:63; Gal 5:22-23; 2 Cor 3:17).
3. A useful and profitable life (2 Tim 3:16).
4. A life of love and delight (Eph 5:2; Ps 1:2; 119:97).
5. A wholesome life of flourishing (Ac 20:27).
6. A life in constant awe of the amazing grace of God (Ac 20:24; Eph 2:8-9; 2 Tim 2:1; Tit 2:10).
   
7. A life of blessing (Gen 12:2; 1 Pet 4:11).

Some questions for your own personal HOT reflection and contemplation (There are no right and wrong answers, good and bad answers. These questions are primarily for those who profess to be Christians who regard the Bible as the Word of God.):

1. Are you happy?
2. Are you happy with your life and your lot in life?
3. Do you sense God's presence in your heart and life? Or do you feel a dryness about your life?
   
4. Do you generally love people, or are you often angry and annoyed at certain people?
5. Are you aware that you compare yourself, compete with and try to control others?
6. Do you feel guilty about anything?
7. Are you able to freely confess your sins to others?
   
8. What do you do the first thing in the morning?
9. What do you do the last thing before you retire at night?
10. Do you have a daily schedule for studying Scripture? For prayer, silence, solitude, reflection and contemplation?
11. Do you read the Bible every day? How much?
12. Do you find it difficult (or burdensome or unproductive) to read the Bible?
    
13. How much time do you spend studying and reflecting on Scripture each day?
    
14. Is there something that consumes or distracts you from studying Scripture?
    
15. Are you excited about reading and studying Scripture for yourself? Sharing and teaching Scripture to others?
16. Do you have a favorite book in the Bible?
17. Do you have one or more favorite verses in the Bible that you recite often to yourself and/or to share with others?
18. Will you consider having an accountability partner or mentor or both to help you study the Scriptures faithfully and diligently?
    

Why Study Isaiah

Why study Isaiah?

"Of all the books in the OT, Isaiah is perhaps the richest. Its literary grandeur is unequaled. Its scope is unparalleled. The breadth of its view of God is unmatched. In so many ways it is a book of superlatives. Thus it is no wonder that Isaiah is the most quoted prophet in the NT, and along with Psalms and Deuteronomy, one of the most frequently cited of all OT books. Study of it is an opportunity for unending inspiration and challenge.      ...the book of Isaiah...comes to us as a word from God, a revelation of the inevitable conflict between divine glory and human pride, of the self-destruction that pride must bring, and of the grace of God in restoring that destroyed humanity to himself. To read the book with the open eyes of the spirit is to see oneself, at times all too clearly, but also to see a God whose holiness is made irresistible by his love." John Oswalt, The Book of Isaiah, 1986.

 

"In terms of theological significance, the book of Isaiah is the 'Romans' of the OT." Barry G Webb, The Message of Isaiah, 1996.

 

"Isaiah is the Paul of the OT in his teaching that faith in God's promises is the single most important reality for the Lord's people: this is the heart of ch. 1-37. He is the 'Hebrews' of the OT in his proposal of faith as the sustaining strength of the Lord's people in life's dark days: this is the heart of ch. 38-55. He is also the James of the OT in his insistence that 'faith works,' proving itself in obedience: thus ch. 56-66." J. Alec Motyer, Isaiah, 1999.

 

What Bach's first biographer said about his music applies to Isaiah's prophecy:

"[Bach's music] is not merely agreeable, like other composers,' but transports us to the regions of the ideal. It does not arrest our attention momentarily but grips us the stronger the oftener we listen to it so that, after a thousand hearings, its treasures are still unexhausted and yield fresh beauties to excite our wonder."

Let's Talk, Part I: How Stupid Can You Be (Isaiah 1a)

Isaiah 1:1-31; 18, 3 (1-9, 10-20, 21-31)

"Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool" (Isa 1:18, ESV). "Let us settle the matter" (NIV). "Let's settle this" (NLT). "Let us discuss this" (HCSB). "Let's argue our case."

"The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner's manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand" (Isa 1:3, NIV).

Theme and title for the book of Isaiah: The Broken Heart of God (Isa 6:8). (Other titles: A Savior will suffer to save you; Only God saves; The Lord is salvation; God preserves a remnant; A suffering Messiah/Savior; Behold the beauty of the Lord; God loves and hopes as his heart breaks; God saves sinners; God judges and saves; Your God reigns; I am God and there is no other; On eagles wings.) [Some key verses of Isaiah: Isa 6:8; 12:2; 45:22; 48:11; 53:5.]

Introduction:

Isaiah means "Yahweh (is) salvation." ("The Lord is salvation" or "The salvation of the Lord.") It is one of the longest and most important books in the Bible. It is widely considered the deepest, richest and most theologically significant book in the OT, unparalleled in theological breadth, spanning from creation to new heavens and earth. Isaiah is the Paul of the OT, the Shakespeare of the prophets, and the "fifth gospel." The NT quotes Isaiah 66 x (alluded to >85 times), surpassed only by Psalms (79x). Isaiah's ministry was for 50 years from 740-690 B.C during the reigns of four kings (1:1).

Outline:

1.       Judgment (1-39): The Assyrian period.

a.       The Holy Judge (1-12).

b.      The Sovereign King (13-39).

2.       Salvation (40-55): The Babylonian period.

a.       The Suffering Servant (40-55).

b.      The Final Conqueror (56-66).

Big ideas (Isaiah 1:1-31):

1. God is gracious. He does not treat us as our sins deserve.
2. God is humble. He takes the initiative even though we are in the wrong.
3. There are always witnesses to our sin, even when we sin privately.
4. Our most urgent need is always a new self-awareness through the conviction of sin.
5. Conviction of sin leads to repentance before God and man. A hardened heart blames others for our own sins.
6. Sin makes us stupid. It makes our pets appear smarter than us.
7. Religious activity does not please God. Beware of hypocrisy and duplicity in yourself. A godly life always includes justice and righteousness by caring for the needy: the fatherless and the widows.

Read Isaiah 1:1-31:

1. What is Isaiah about (1:1)? Who does it concern? What is God doing in verse 2 (Dt 30:19)?
2. Sin affects God's people nationally (2-9) [rebellion], religiously (10-15) [hypocrisy], and socially (21-31) [injustice]. Despite this, what 9 corrective actions are commanded and demanded (16-17)? Identify them.
• your heart (16a) [inwardly - 2 commands].
• your life (16b-17a) [outwardly - 3 commands].
• your society (17b) [socially - 4 commands].
3. What is God's gracious invitation and promise (18)? How is this remarkable and counterintuitive?
4. What are two alternate courses of actions and their respective consequences (19-20; Dt 30:15-20)?
   

Let's Talk, Part I, II, III (Isaiah 1:1-31):

1. How Stupid Can You Be (1:2-9, 3): Your pets are smarter.
2. Please Don't Burden Me By Coming To Church (1:10-20; 13): Nothing grieves God more than unrepented personal wrongdoing and hypocritical worship in the house of God. Religious practices commanded in the Bible, divorced from a heart grateful for redemption that is purely and entirely by grace and resulting in a life of obedience, is meaningless and abhorrent to God.
3. Care For What and Whom I Care For (1:21-31; 23): Injustice and oppression.

Let's Talk, Part I: How Stupid Can You Be

1. The broken heart of God (2-3).
2. The broken strength of the church (4-8).
3. The unbroken grace of God (9).

"What is conviction of sin? It is not an oppressive spirit of uncertainty or paralyzing guilt feelings. Conviction of sin is the lance of the divine Surgeon piercing the infected soul, releasing the pressure, letting the infection pour out. Conviction of sin is a health-giving injury. Conviction of sin is the Holy Spirit being kind to us by confronting us with the light we don't want to see and the truth we're afraid to admit and the guilt we prefer to ignore. Conviction of sin is the severe love of God overruling our compulsive dishonesty, our willful blindness, our favorite excuses. Conviction of sin is the violent sweetness of God opposing the sins lying comfortably undisturbed in our lives. Conviction of sin is the merciful God declaring war on the false peace we settle for. Conviction of sin is our escape from malaise to joy, from attending church to worship, from faking it to authenticity. Conviction of sin, with the forgiveness of Jesus pouring over our wounds, is life." Ray Ortland, Isaiah: God Saves Sinners.

Conviction of Sin

Isa 1:2-9 is a lament that decries God's people's disregard for righteousness and brings conviction to their souls.  What is conviction of sin?

"Conviction of sin is the lance of the divine Surgeon piercing the infected soul, releasing the pressure, letting the infection pour out. Conviction of sin is a health-giving injury. Conviction of sin is the Holy Spirit being kind to us by confronting us with the light we don't want to see and the truth we're afraid to admit and the guilt we prefer to ignore. Conviction of sin is the severe love of God overruling our compulsive dishonesty, our willful blindness, our favorite excuses. Conviction of sin is the violent sweetness of God opposing the sins lying comfortably undisturbed in our lives. Conviction of sin is the merciful God declaring war on the false peace we settle for. Conviction of sin is our escape from malaise to joy, from attending church to worship, from faking it to authenticity. Conviction of sin, with the forgiveness of Jesus pouring over our wounds, is life."

Ray Ortlund, Isaiah: God Saves Sinners, p. 26

Our Urgent Need: A New Self-Awareness 1 (Isaiah 1:2-9).

No Other Savior (Isaiah 45-46)

Isaiah 45:1-25; 21b-22; 46:1-13

"And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me. Turn [Look] to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other" (Isa 45:21b-22, NIV).

In Isaiah 44-46, Isaiah repeatedly and emphatically declares that apart from God there is no God (Isa 44:6, 8; 45:6, 14, 18, 21-22; 46:4, 9). Isaiah also declares that there is none but God who is man's Savior (Isa 45:21b-22; 46:13). God's salvation is an everlasting salvation (Isa 45:17). How does God save his people?

1. Through humiliation by a foreign power (45:1-8, 13; 44:28).
2. By his sovereign will as man's Maker (45:9-13).
3. By hiding himself and revealing himself (45:14-17, 18-25).
4. By carrying you (46:1-13).
   

References:

1. Charles Simeon's Horae Homileticae: Isaiah.
   
2. Isaiah: Title of each chapter and commentary. Matthew Henry Complete Commentary: Isaiah.
   
3. Study Guide for Isaiah 45 (David Guzik): Look To Me and Be Saved. Charles Spurgeon conversion is from Isa 45:22.
1. Look to God who choose Cyrus (1-7).
   
2. Look to God who created everything (8-13).
   
3. Look to the God above all Gods (14-25).
   
4. Study Guide for Isaiah 46 (David Guzik): Dead Idols and the Living God.
   
1. The idols of the nations are carried into captivity (1-7).
2. A call to remember (8-13).
   
5. Outline of Isaiah 45, 46, 47, 48 —The fall of Babylon and rise of Persia. Isaiah 40-51 deliver a series of messages to Judah and the remnant of Israel. Isaiah looks into the next two centuries. He sees beyond the Babylonian captivity to the fall of Babylon, and even predicts that Cyrus king of Persia will return the captives to Jerusalem to rebuild it.
• The last verse of Isaiah 44 names a future king of Persia who would shepherd the remnant of God's people and oversee the rebuilding of Jerusalem. All this came to pass.
• The Lord calls Cyrus by name before he has even been born and before the kingdom over which he will reign has risen to power (Isa 45:1-7).
• Cyrus is warned in advance not to argue with God (Isa 45:8-10).
• Cyrus will respect God's purpose and plan, and will co-operate with it to rebuild Jerusalem (Isa 45:11-13).
• God promises that, when Israel has been saved by the Lord, he will give over to Cyrus the idolatrous Egyptian kingdom and other southern nations (Isaiah 45:14-19).
• When God so powerfully brings to pass the purpose he has long ago announced, as he did in the case of Cyrus, all peoples of the earth should acknowledge him, every knee should bow to him (Isa 45:20-25).
• The gods of Babylon like Bel and Nebo, will be useless before Cyrus (Isa 46:1-2).
• Now God tells all the remnant of Israel to listen and remember. He reiterates that he is their true God, not some dumb unmoving idol. He, God, will save them from Babylonian exile when he calls Cyrus from the east, Cyrus the man of God's purpose (Isa 46:3-13).

No Other God (Isaiah 44)

Isaiah 44:6-28; 6, 24

"This is what the Lord says—Israel's King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God" "This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the Lord, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself" (Isa 44:6, 24, NIV).

Who is the only God?

1. The first and the last (6-8). There is no other like God.
   
2. The one offended by our idolatry (9-20). Idolatry is the worst sin.
3. The Redeemer of his people (21-23, 6, 24). God desires his people to remember him and return to him.
4. The Creator who delivers his people (24-28). God is faithful to his people.

References:

1. Outline of Isaiah 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 — Messages to Judah and the remnant of Israel.
• Do not fear! (44:1-8).
• A satire on idolatry (44:9-20).
• Remember these things (44:21-28).
2. Study Guide for Isaiah 44 (David Guzik): The Lord, Your Redeemer.
1. A promise to pour out the Spirit (1-5).
• Fear not, knowing the promise of the outpoured Spirit (1-4).
• The promise of belonging to the Lord (5).
  
2. The Lord alone is God.
• The LORD declares to witnesses that He alone is God (6-8).
• The folly of idol makers (9-20).
• Remembering and praising the greatness and the glory of the true God (21-23).
• The LORD demonstrates He is the true God by prophesying a future deliverer of Israel (24-28).
  

When God is Your Savior and King (Isaiah 43)

Isaiah 43:1-28; 3a, 15

"For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..." (Isa 43:3a, NIV). "I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel's Creator, your King." (Isa 43:15, NIV).

What are the practical effects of God being our Savior and King?

1. He redeems and protects us (43:1-7). There is no fear in adversity.
2. He makes us his witnesses (43:8-13). We declare that he is God (Isa 43:13).
3. He will do a new thing (43:14-21). We experience miracles.
4. He forgives our sins (43:22-28). Despite our rebellion (Isa 43:22-24), God extends mercy.
5. He blesses our children (44:1-5). Despite the parent's sins, God pours out his Spirit on the children.
   

References:

1. The LORD is the Gracious Redeemer (Isaiah 43:1-13).
2. Study Guide on Isaiah 43 (David Guzik): Fear Not.
1. Reasons to not fear (1-7): You belong to God (1). God is with you (2-7).
   
2. Witnesses to the work of the Lord (8-13).
• The nations and the people of Israel are called to either prove their case or accept God's (8-9).
  
• The Lord commissions his witnesses (10-13).
  
3. The Lord redeems a hard-hearted people (14-28).
• A promise to judge Babylon (14-17).
  
• God promises his exiled people a new work (18-21).
  
• The hard-heartedness of God's people (22-24).
  
• The Lord's mercy to a hard-hearted people (25-28).
  
3. Outline of Isaiah 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 — Messages to Judah and the remnant of Israel.
• Do not fear! (Isa 43:1-7).
• You are my witnesses (Isa 43:8-13).
• God's plan to rescue Israel from Babylonian captivity (Isa 43:14-21).
• Israel has forgotten God (Isa 43:22-28).
4. Webb Barry G. The Message of Isaiah. Isaiah 43:1-44:5 is a reaffirmation of Israel's calling to be the Lord's servant. Though the Lord has pointed to another greater Servant, it does not mean that Israel's own servant role is abrogated. Rather, God states otherwise (Isa 43:10; 44:1-2). Isa 43:1-44:5 can be summarized in six great statements of encouragements, one for each of its six parts:
   
1. Fear not (43:1-7).
2. You are my witnesses (43:8-13).
3. I am the Lord ... your King (43:14-15).
4. See, I am doing a new thing! (43:16-21)
5. I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions (43:22-28).
6. I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring (44:1-5).

The Servant of God (Isaiah 42)

Isaiah 42:1-25; 1

"Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations" (Isa 42:1, NIV).

The "servant of God" theme is one of the richest strands of Isaiah's thought. It lies at the heart of his message as it moves to its climax in the 2nd part of the book (ch. 40-66). Isa 42:1-9 is the first of four "Servant Songs" (Isa 49:1-13; 50:4-9; 52:13-53:12).

What does Isaiah say about the servant of the Lord (Isa 42:1-4, 5-9)?

1. God upholds him as "my servant."
   
2. God chose him.
3. God delights in him.
4. God puts his Spirit on him.
5. He brings justice to the nations.
6. He is not self-assertive (Isa 42:2). His demeanor is quiet, gentle and unaggressive, unlike human leaders and conquerors. He does not startle, raise his voice, dominate, shout others down or advertise himself.
7. He is not dismissive of others, however useless or beyond repair (Isa 42:3a), however "past it" or near extinction (Isa 42:3b) they may seem. Positively speaking, he can mend the broken reed and fan into flame the smoldering wick.
8. Though he is gentle (Isa 42:2-3) he is not weak or discouraged (Isa 42:4). His work of justice will extend to the whole world. The privilege of one nation will become the possession of all.
9. God identifies himself as the Creator and Sustainer (Isa 42:5).
10. The servant, as a covenant for the people (Isa 49:8) will become a light for the Gentiles, a blessing to the world, by bringing the knowledge of God to them (Isa 42:6-7; Jn 8:12).
11. God declares his own unique glory as the only God (Isa 42:8).
12. God announces the future (new things)--the work of the servant--before they happen (Isa 42:9).
    

• What God does (1a, 9): Presents the servant to the world.
  
• What the servant does (1b-4): Gentle, kind, unassuming and strong for the sake of justice for the weak.
  
• What God does through his servant (6-7): Enlightenment, deliverance and liberation.
• Who God is (5, 8): Creator, Sustainer, the only God.
  

In Isa 42:10-17 God calls all the nations to rejoice in his triumphant self-vindication as a result of the work of the servant (1-9).

Isa 42:18-25 shows how God's own people need deliverance as much as the nations do, for Israel too (and not just the nations) is "deaf" and "blind." So how can this people be God's representative servant, drawing others to Yahweh (18–20; Rom 10:14–21)? They are themselves "hidden in prisons" (Isa 42:22), so how can they set the captives free? How can Israel reveal God's glory and deliverance when God's people themselves have ignored what has been given them (20)?

Only the promised Messiah, ultimately revealed in Jesus, the true servant of God and King of Israel, is able to overcome the predicament (49:5–7). For God's people need a representative who will draw the nations in, yet who has not himself become, as Israel has, "plunder with none to rescue" (42:22). Jesus stands in for God's people, fully identified with them yet with one crucial difference: he is without any sin of his own (Heb 4:16).

References:

1. Through God's Chosen Servant, God Glorifies Himself and Heals the World (Isaiah 42,43). My daily bread Jan 2011. The servant is the ultimate non-showman.
   
2. ESV Study Bible. Isa. 42:1–9 is the 1st of 4 Servant Songs, fulfilled in Christ (49:1–13; 50:4–9; 52:13–53:12). Isaiah sprinkles references to "the servant of the Lord" throughout chs. 40–55. Often it is a title for the people as a whole (41:8–9; 42:19; 43:10; 44:1–2, 21, 26; 45:4; 48:20), but at times the servant is a specific person within Israel who is distinct from the whole, with a calling to serve Israel and beyond (49:5–6; 50:10; 52:13; 53:11). The second Servant Song (49:1–13), which clarifies that the servant is distinct from Israel, also calls him Israel (49:3); this is best explained as identifying the servant as the representative and embodiment of the whole people. This last point shows why the traditional Christian reading, that the servant is a messianic figure, accurately captures Isaiah's intent. 1st, in the Davidic covenant, David's heirs represent and embody the people as a whole: Israel is God's "son" (Ex 4:22–23), and the king becomes God's "son" on his coronation (2 Sam 7:14; Ps 89:26–27). Therefore the servant follows the pattern of David's heirs. 2nd, the servant achieves the expansion of his rule throughout the Gentile world (Isa 42:1–4; 52:13–15), which is the work of the Davidic Messiah in chs. 7–12. 3rd, later prophets describe an heir of David, and especially the Messiah, as the servant (Eze 34:23–24; 37:25; Hag 2:23; Zech 3:8; cf. Jer 33:21–22, 26), which supports reading the servant in Isaiah as a messianic figure. In addition to his royal function, the servant also has a prophetic role (Isa 49:1; 50:4, 10) and a priestly one (53:11; Ps. 110:4, which folds a priestly role into Messiah's royal office). Isaiah's audience must know that God will restore the exiles and then fulfill the mission of Israel by means of the servant whom he will raise up at some unspecified time after the return from exile: this is where their story is headed.
3. ESV Gospel Transformation Bible.
   

• Isa. 42:1–17 This passage is commonly referred to as the first "Servant Song" in Isaiah (42:1–9), and other such "songs" follow in 49:1–13; 50:4–11; and 52:13–53:12 (cf. 51:12–13; 61:1–11). In these texts, one who represents and sacrificially serves others emerges. The suffering servant is most directly associated with Israel (cf. 41:8–10), but in a representative way (the entire nation represented in her king), the image can also point to an individual who is meant to represent the whole (11:1–5, with Jer 33:16). The king was expected to represent Israel, and Israel was intended to be a blessing to the nations. Though far too often this had not been the case, the expectation is of a time of renewal brought about by God's "servant" (i.e., the nation), whose hope and identity would ultimately be personified in the Messiah (Isa 42:1; cf. 49:5–6).

  Filled with the Spirit, able to heal, and deeply concerned about justice, Jesus is recognized as the fulfillment of Isaiah's expectation for God's "servant." Matthew picks up on Isa 42:1–4, making a direct link with Jesus (Mt 12:17–21). Gentle yet powerful, this servant is unflinching in his mission, and Matthew reminds us that he "brings justice to victory," not by destroying the nations but by becoming the very hope of the nations (Mt 12:20–21). The divine warrior has come, and he will bring light where there is darkness (Isa 42:13, 16). Jesus' mission is the mission of the Creator God who cares for the whole earth (4). Reconstituting Israel in himself, the Messiah comes in righteousness as a blessing to the nations (Gen 12:3; 17:4) and a light to the world (Lk 2:32). As that blessed light, his servant calling is opening the eyes of the blind and setting the prisoners free (Isa 42:6–9). We now go out in his name and, in that way, bring his salvation and light to the world (Acts 13:47).

4. The Messiah in Isaiah Chapter 42: Behold my Servant.
5. Isaiah 42 - The Servant's Song.
1. The Lord speaks of his servant (1-9).
• The character of the servant (1-4).
• The Lord of glory and his promise to his servant (5-9).
  
2. The work of the Lord's servant (10-25).
• Praise for the victory of the servant (10-12).
• The Lord brings judgement against all who serve false gods (13-17).
• The deaf and blind come to the Servant (18-20).
• The Lord defends his defrauded people (21-25).
6. Outline of Isaiah 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 — Messages to Judah and the remnant of Israel.
1. Messiah, the chosen Servant of God (Isa 42:1-4).
2. The Creator speaks of his glory (Isa 42:5-9).
3. The new song (Isa 42:10-13).
4. God brings light into darkness (Isa 42:14-17).
5. The blind and deaf servant —referring to Israel (Isa 42:18-25).

The Servant's Ministry is Justice

Isaiah 42:1, 3, 4

The servant's ministry is justice (Isa 42:1, 3, 4).

• It is justice to the nations (1): worldwide justice.
• It is in faithfulness (3): genuine justice.
• It is justice on earth (4).

Authoritative pronouncement and decision. We naturally think of justice as implying a fair, unbiased, pure and just society, with no prejudice or favoritism. The Hebrew word מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat) does cater to this -- but only derivatively. The parallel in Isa 42:4 between "justice" and "law" provides a clue that in this passage Isaiah is using the word to express one aspect of divinely revealed truth. "Law" means "teaching" (Isa 1:10). Mishpat occurs (421 times in the OT) nearly 30 times in Psalm 119 (Ps 119:7, 13, 20, etc) and nearly 20 times in Deuteronomy (Dt 4:1; 5:1; etc) as one aspect of what we would call "the word of God." The verb behind the noun means "to give judgment," the authoritative pronouncement of king or judge. Just as the Lord's law is his teaching, so his justice (judgment) is what he has pronounced to be true, the decision he has reached.

Worldwide revelation. The Servant comes, then, as the bearer to the nations of what they have hitherto lacked: a veritable word from God, the answer to their needs as exposed in Isa 41:24, 28-29. The Servant's task is to be the Agent of worldwide revelation, corresponding to the worldwide role of Abraham and his "seed" (Gen 12:3; 18:18; 22:18; 26:4).

Justice is to proclaim and declare that God alone is sovereign. It is nothing less than to put God's plans for his people into full effect, and to make the truth about the Lord, Israel's God, known everywhere, especially the fact that he alone is the sovereign creator and Lord of history.

The only hope for a truly just world. Biblical justice creates the perfect human society (Dt 10:18; Isa 1:17; 16:5; 32:1–2; 61:8; Zech 7:9). The messianic servant is the only hope for a truly just world. This Messiah will bring not only individual spiritual forgiveness and health (Isa 1:18) but also the establishment of perfect justice throughout all earthly governments.

How God Helps His People (Isaiah 41)

Isaiah 41:1-29; 14

"'Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,' declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel" (Isa 41:14, NIV).

The fall of Jerusalem in 587 BC tested Israel's faith more profoundly than any other single event in the entire OT. Isaiah knew that it would happen (Isa 39:5-7). He never regarded this as calling God's sovereignty into question. Babylon, like Assyria before her, had a part to play in the drama of history, but it was the Lord, not they, who wrote the script.

In Isaiah 41, God presents himself as the helper of his people. What can we learn about how God helps his people Israel?

1. God confronts you (the world) with Himself as the Sovereign Ruler of history (1-7).
2. God chooses you (his people) by his grace (8-9). My servant (Isa 41:8-9)--the great keyword of ch. 40-55--makes its first appearance. These verses tell us that:
   
• Israel came to be the Lord's servant by divine choice (Isa 41:8b, 9b; Eph 1:4).
• The relationship began with Abraham, God's friend (2 Chr 20:7; Jas 2:23), which is literally God's loving one, or the one who loved me.
• The extension of the covenant promise to Abraham's descendants sill stands.
• In his choice and calling of Abraham the Lord showed that his power extends to the ends of the earth, to its farthest corners (Isa 41:9).
3. God encourages you to not be afraid (10-14).
4. God strengthens and empowers you (14-16). How (Isa 41:14)?
   
• By personal divine action (I myself).
• By the affirmed word of divine promise (declares).
• The Lord (YHWH) who proposes to act has already proved both his willingness and power to do so through the exodus (Ex 3:15).
• By undertaking whatever we need as Redeemer (Isa 35:10), the Next-of-Kin who takes upon himself his people's needs as if they were his own.
• God being on the side of his people in the fullness of the divine nature, the Holy One of Israel (Isa 1:4). This title holds two ideas together: he possesses the divine nature to the full (holy); he has pledged himself to his people (of Israel).
  
5. God provides for you (17-20).
6. God charges you with idolatry (21-29).
   

References:

1. Fear Not, For I Am Your God (Isaiah 41). My daily bread Dec 2010.
2. Webb, Barry G. The Message of Isaiah. 165-180.
   
• God, his people, and the nations (41:1-29): The nations on trial (1-7, 21-29). Israel, God's servant (8-20).
• God's perfect servant (42:1-9).
• Praise the Lord! (42:10-17).
• Sinful Israel, the blind and deaf servant (42:18-25).
  
3. ESV Study Bible.
• Isa. 41:1–20 The One True God Moving History for His People. God reassures his people that he alone is guiding all events in human history, for his glory and their benefit.
• Isa. 41:21–29 Set forth your case. God renews his challenge from v. 1, that the nations of the earth, with the help of their gods, demonstrate the truth of their beliefs. This is a recurring theme in this part of Isaiah: the Lord is superior to all other "gods," whether Canaanite (who tempted Isaiah's audience) or Mesopotamian (who confronted the exiles).
4. 50 sermons on Isaiah by Ray Ortlund
• The Reality of God in an Unreal World (Isaiah 41:1-20).
• A Delusion, a Servant, a New Song (Isaiah 41:21-42:17).
• God's Way to Reformation (Isaiah 42:18-43:21).
• God's Way to Revival (Isaiah 43:22-44:23).