God's Chosen People: Transformed By Truth Isaiah 43:10 Series

God's Chosen People: Transformed by Truth Isaiah 43:10

Introduction:

As we gather today, let us delve into the transformative power of God's truth as revealed in Isaiah 43:10. This verse illuminates our identity as God's chosen people and the profound impact of His truth on our lives. Let us explore three key points to understand how God's truth transforms us.

1. Identity in God's Chosen People

Isaiah 43:10 (NLT) - "But you are my witnesses, O Israel!” says the Lord. “You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God—there never has been, and there never will be."

In this verse, God reaffirms the identity of Israel as His chosen people, called to be witnesses of His glory and sovereignty. This identity is rooted in knowing, believing, and understanding God as the one true God.

Charles Spurgeon said, "The Lord chooses His own people. He does not leave it to their own will, or their own wisdom."

Deuteronomy 7:6 (NLT): "For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure."

This verse emphasises God's chosen people and their special relationship with Him. It speaks of the Israelites' unique position as a holy nation set apart for God's purposes.

1 Peter 2:9 (NLT): "But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light."

Similarly, Peter addresses believers in Christ as a chosen people, highlighting their royal priesthood and identity as God's possession. This passage underscores the privilege and responsibility of believers to proclaim God's goodness to the world.

2. Transformation through Knowledge, Faith, and Understanding

Hosea 4:6a (NLT) - "My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me."

Exegesis: Lack of knowledge of God leads to spiritual destruction. Conversely, knowing God deeply transforms us. It fosters faith and understanding, leading to a vibrant relationship with Him and aligning our lives with His will.

A.W. Tozer stated, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us."

Philippians 3:10 (NLT): "I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death."

Paul expresses his deep desire to intimately know Christ and partake in His sufferings. This verse reflects the pursuit of spiritual depth and communion with Christ, even in the midst of challenges and hardships.

Colossians 1:9-10 (NLT): "So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honour and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better."

Here, Paul prays for the Colossian believers, desiring that they may have a deep understanding of God's will and grow in spiritual wisdom. He emphasises the correlation between knowing God's will and living a life that honors Him, bearing fruit in every good work.

3. Living as Witnesses of God's Truth

Matthew 5:16 (NLT) - "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."

Exegesis: As God's chosen people, we are called to live as witnesses of His truth. Our transformed lives, characterised by righteousness and love, reflect God's glory and draw others to Him.

Francis of Assisi famously said, "Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words."

Ephesians 5:8-10 (NLT): "For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord."

In Ephesians, believers are urged to live as children of light, reflecting the goodness and truth of God in their lives. This passage highlights the transformative power of Christ, who has brought believers out of darkness into His marvelous light.

1 Peter 2:12 (NLT): "Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbours. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honourable behaviour, and they will give honour to God when he judges the world."

Peter instructs believers to live exemplary lives, demonstrating God's goodness and bringing glory to Him through their conduct. This verse underscores the importance of living as witnesses for Christ, even in the face of opposition.