A Spiritual Rain Is Needed Series

A Spiritual Rain is Needed

Isaiah 5:6

Introduction

- We will take a small leap forward and discuss Isa 3 and 4, with 5 as focus

- Chapter 3 continues with Isaiah speaking to the people to repent; change

- Isaiah warns in Chapter 3 of impending judgment on Judah and Jerusalem

- Consider the doom and gloom (read) in Isaiah 3:7-9, 16-17 and 24-26 …

- He speaks of God’s judgment removing people from their homes

- There will be much calamity in the land – but why? Why does God do this?

- Because God is just; Judgment will fall … because of our disobedience

- Just means “of moral excellence” and “indicating preciseness in action”

- Just: Free of favoritism – God is NO respecter of persons (Romans 2:11)

- Our disobedience leads to His just actions – consider a visit to the woodshed

- It’s not fun to discipline our children, but it is required – God view is the same

- Good news though – change is coming! We have access to peace; to relief

- Yet, peace must be delivered to us because we have no other way

- Restoration is from the Lord alone; and we must note this and pay attention

- We are not able to bring ourselves back to God; He must provide the route

- Isa 4:2-6 is actually a breath of fresh air and brings us comfort and hope

- So, this brings us to Chapter 5 tonight, which shows us we need rain (spiritual)

- We have to see, and take heed, that God’s Word is relevant to right now

- Is it not a matter of “if”, but a matter of “when” that God will get His glory!

- Standard theme of Isaiah … that it ALL belongs to God … and He will speak

- Stand and read Isaiah 5:1-6 / Pray

Point 1 – What it Means

- A warning to the church and to its leaders of what may happen

- Ordinances celebrated, but without God’s blessing and commission

- Assemblies are gathered, but the Lord is not in the midst

- The Word is read, but with no application; ministers preach without power

- Formality of prayer is maintained and performed; but w/o crying out to God

- What’s the reality: The Holy Ghost is restrained – even grieved against

- This is often the case in our world; and we must prevent this at all costs

- There is no necessary connection between outward ordinances and grace

- The clouds, which are given to us for rain, are ordered not to rain by God

- APP: We will see the clouds; but no rain – we’ll look like church; but no grace

Point 2 – What it Involves

- No conversions because the Spirit of the Lord is not involved in the church

- No restorations of backsliders; withered plants have no life without rain

- No refreshing of the weary; comfort and strength only come from grace of God

- No spiritual activities’ luke-warmness reigns supreme … “God is convenient”

- Rev 3:16 – “So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

- Just as plants die now without “rain”; so will be our Spiritual life without “reign”

- Nothing can replace it – nothing can flourish without it – we need it!

Point 3 – How it Manifests Itself

- A parched season spiritually has its own sings in the individual believer

- The soul experiences no benefit under the Word (preaching’s void) – WARNING

- Men feel burdened by the Gospel; rather than relieved to hear it

- Soon, the heart hardens and we turn away from God’s instruction

- Man begins to change it to fit his/her situation … proclaiming themselves God

Point 4 – How it can be prevented

- We must confess where we have failed Him; where we need to repent/change

- We must acknowledge our dependence on ALL that God can give us. (James 1:17, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”)

- Pray like it’s going out of style – always in and out of season; depend on God

- Look to Jesus constantly – “He is our source and strength”

- Value grace at all costs; no matter how small or insignificant – watch for it

- Be diligent to bless God in everything, without hesitation

Application:

- Spiritual rain comes only through the spiritual matters … if we turn to it

- God is ready to bless; He alone is prepared to give to us what we need

- Will we be so bold as to turn towards Him?