Determination Series

Determination

Sunday Sermon May 20, 2007 / Series: Getting Ahead

Intro: If we are to ever “Get Ahead” we must make a determination (coming to a decision based on the facts) and then walk in determination to the end.

Through out these last weeks we have been looking at the different, necessary heart changes needed to “get ahead” with God. These involve a far amount of sacrifice on our part. We may be asking ourselves “Why?”

- Why should we hunger and thirst for God?

- Why should we seek God?

- Why should we turn from our sin and our wicked ways?

- Why should God have control over our lives? (Changing the way we think and the way we live?)

- Why allow God to amend and prune our dreams?

- Why should we make sacrifices of our time and money?

God is leading those who desire to be wise to make a determination about their lives.

Do you wish to be wise in life?

If yes then you have several determinations to make; and then have determination to walk by faith towards those goals.

Text:

Isaiah 55:12-13

"For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace;

the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing,

and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

13Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle;

and it shall make a name for the LORD, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off."

Isaiah 55:12 starts with the Word “For”

This “for” is critical, it’s here for us to see that everything we were just told to do is “for” a reason!

“For” the whole purpose of the Gospel transitions in this “For” Here is the whole point of Creation, the Incarnation of God the Son, for Jesus Christ’s Life, Death and Resurrection comes into focus right here in Isaiah 55:12 first word, “For”

God gives us four reasons to answer the “Why?” questions.

As we read the promises of God in Scripture we often have to look at them several points of view.

• The first is the Localized fulfillment, (the fulfillment intended for the Jews of that time.)

• We also look at them from the spiritual point of view for a “right now” application.”

• Finally we can zoom all the way out and look at the broadest, most complete application.

This passage fits into those three views.

I. God will heal your heart

"For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace…”

I’m not talking about greeting-card theology. This isn’t just wishful thinking.

God is promising a huge transformation of the human heart.

a. God leads you out of despair into hope

Isaiah 54:10-14 “10 For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you. 11"O afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in antimony, and lay your foundations with sapphires. 12I will make your pinnacles of agate, your gates of carbuncles, and all your wall of precious stones. 13All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children. 14In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you.

i. The single greatest anchor for our souls is the Love of God.

But not only must we have the existence of His love; we must live with the revelation of His love.

Matthew 16:15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" 16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.

• Why seek, hunger and thirst? Because he will fill us!

• For if we have the revelation (determination) of His love we can walk with determination in our lives. We need not walk in fear.

ii. Are you being led or driven?

Most herd animals must be driven. Ever hear of a “cattle drive” the animals are basically chased using their fears as a motivator. Sheep are led by their Sheppard. Jesus said, ‘My sheep know my voice…”

Are you waiting for God to chase you out of sin or will you be led in peace

b. God leads you away from the hurtful past.

We probably all agree that fossil fuels are becoming a problem. Where do fossil fuels come from?

• Dead, rotted flesh, dead bones from the past they we dig up and use to power our lives to get us were we wish to go, it’s the fuel we use to heat our homes.