Sermons

Summary: God has made a way to come to Him, provided an escape from sin, delivered hope to His people, and gave us a redeemer, Jesus, who brings redemption to all who will receive it. It is truly a gift, and one that we must accept and receive!

Isaiah, Part 18

God Keeps His Promises

Isaiah 43:1-28

Introduction

- Welcome to Seasons, we are so glad you are here today!

- Last week, we saw the emphasis on the ministry of God’s Messiah

-- He brings 1) a new covenant and 2) will be a light (standard) for the nations

- Today, we’ll examine the call to follow and serve God because of His promises

-- Believe this is a very important text, relevant to us NOW because He is God

- Read Isaiah 43:1-21 / PRAY

Point 1 – God’s Promises to Israel

- In the midst of their trials, they were encouraged to remember:

-- God formed them into this nation (Israel) for Himself! (v1)

- He gives 2 encouragements … see these through lens of love:

• First, He is the one who redeemed them (promised to rescue)

• Second, He knew each of them personally (called them by name)

- CHALL: To know true redemption only comes from the Lord

• Being enslaved to sin means that we are trapped (no rescue)

• However, don’t have to stay in our sins and continue to suffer/rebel

• Tough truth: We sin because of our depraved nature; no diff. than these

- We are on borrowed time; death is certain and we are all guilty of sin

-- Romans 3:23, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”

- I want us to unpack the promises that God gave His people

-- These are the same ones we see exemplified in Jesus’ life (servant)

1. God promises to be for His people (v2)

-- Whatever you face, or need, God promises comfort - Matt 18:20 (2 or 3…)

-- It is His desire to be known, to give rescue, to provide for His people

2. God promises to pay a ransom (set free) His people (vv3-4)

-- Consider: He provided victory over Egypt, Ethiopia & Seba (at war with Israel)

-- His desire to care for them outweighed their rebellion (parent’s love)

3. God promises to gather His people to Himself (vv5-9)

-- We are invited into fellowship … to be called His own … HOW?

• Believers are sons & daughters of God: John 1:12 (right to become…)

• Believers are remade by the Spirit of God: 2 Corin. 5:17 (new creation…)

4. God promises that His people will witness for Him (vv10-12)

-- v12: no other God has done this b/c no other God could have done this!

-- Critical: All other religions require you to DO something FOR “acceptance”

-- Yet, every “messenger” of other gods is DEAD! Mohammed, Buddha, Smith…

-- God’s invitation: For us to know Him, to believe Him, & to understand Him

5. God promises that no one will be able to undo His work (vv13-17)

-- See the security/prophecy in v13: No one is able to undo what He has done!

-- He guarantees deliverance because of who He is, not based on what we do!

-- Again, He swears on Himself; claiming His attributes / namesake / His integrity

-- This is key in understanding His sovereignty … He cannot be outdone!

6. God promises to do more than we could ever imagine (re-read v18-19)

-- Prophecy: “Watch what I will do!” Jesus (Messiah) will be given

-- He will do something new; the way is prepared; He will come soon!

-- CH: Will we follow what He will do? David wisdom: Psalm 27:11, “Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me.”

7. God promises to restore honor to His people (vv20-21)

-- God’s promise is that one day there will be honor given / restored (Rev 21)

-- This is what we await today; but the only way to do that is to know Him now

- Big question: Why are these important in demonstrating His faithfulness?

Point 2 – Israel’s Failure to Follow God Read Isaiah 43:22-28

- Still with me? I need us to focus and see the opportunity we have

-- APP: In this we find: an invitation to worship; to draw in; to receive mercy!

- AWE: God promises to save His people – even though they DO NOT deserve it

-- These people were constantly rebelling, sinning, but they mattered to God!

-- Examine: What patience God must have to still love us in our sin?

- CLEAR: Look at their rebellion:

1. They refused to ask God for help (v22)

2. They did not bring their offerings to God (v23)

o They snubbed the call to worship, to come together & honor God

o And in their rebellion they’ve decided they don’t need fellowship

3. Instead (watch), they’ve burdened God with their sins (v24) (is this us?)

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