God’s Message is for all
Isaiah 10:1-4
Introduction
- Focus: CLBC Response to Ministry and Evangelism
-- Purpose: To connect people with Jesus Christ
- Tonight, let’s continue in Isaiah and look specifically at our charge
- God continues to cry out to his people: Repentance is required
- The purpose of a believer is to reach out and evangelize; to tell of the Christ
-- To bring the message of Christ to the church … and to the lost around us
- If we follow Christ in everything we do – the ministry part becomes easy …
- BECAUSE the work belongs to God, if we will follow and serve Him
- Stand and Read Isaiah 10:1-4 / Pray
Point 1 – God’s message is for all
- Important to remember: the Law has been abolished by Christ’s death
- Romans 2:13 says, “For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.”
- The Law is something that we could never uphold; nor even meet
- APP: We were never supposed to uphold it; it shows us where we need to change
- Because of the cross, we are free and can testify to this freedom to all
- Because of God’s mercy however, the Law is forever behind us
-- Mercy and Grace are undeserved by mankind (discussed this before)
-- But through God’s love we have received a reprieve from the Law
- But even still, the Law of God is still important because it is a guide for us
- Remember, Romans 8:1-2 says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”
- APP: How does this apply to this portion of scripture … or to our lives?
1) God’s Law is set in stone
2) It is the method of judgment for those without Jesus
3) There are those who create laws apart from God for their own purpose
4) These who create laws to fulfill their desires; or puff themselves up
5) WOE to those who do (Isaiah 10:1)
- As believers, we must maintain God’s decrees and guidance in our lives
- But, be ready to explain the PEACE He gives through His Grace (freedom)
- Evangelism (telling others) is more than a fancy word that we see in church
- God’s people have struggled with this concept forever, so let’s break it down
-- Try this:
1) We are not called to introduce theology or philosophy
2) But we are called to introduce a person we know to others; He has:
a. Changed your life
b. Lives in you without bondage/condemnation
c. Freely gave His life for freedom for anyone that receives
- If we are to avoid this same judgment that is falling upon the people in Isaiah’s time, we must see ourselves in this and change as needed.
- God needs us to show Jesus … Because of the Law that He has saved us from
- Remember: It’s not theology … but introduction to relationship
- How does this tie to Isaiah 10? Look at verses 1-2 again
- If we do not go, and tell, and love, and witness … are we not judging?
- APP: Are we not becoming ones who are deciding what to do (creating laws)?
- TRANS: This WOE could apply to us, so will be so bold to stand for the truth?
Point 2 – When will we stand?
- Re-read Isaiah 10:3
- Day of Reckoning = Coming of the Lord
-- Matt 24:27, “For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”
-- As Jesus comes in an instant, we need to ensure we are busy with God’s work
- Disaster from afar = wars and destruction, etc.; because it’s already promised
-- Matt 24 & Revelation 6-10 shows us the urgency to correctly give the message
- APP: You may ask yourself, ‘How can I do it?’
- Examples of others who have had issues sharing the message of Christ:
- God can use you; if you would let him. Look at the company we are in:
-- ABRAHAM was too old...
-- ISAAC was a daydreamer..
-- JACOB was a liar...
-- MOSES couldn't talk.
-- RAHAB was a prostitute.
-- JEREMIAH and TIMOTHY were too young.
-- DAVID had an affair and was a murderer.
-- JONAH ran from God.
-- NAOMI was a widow.
-- JOB went bankrupt.
-- JOHN THE BAPTIST ate bugs.
-- PETER denied Christ.
-- The DISCIPLES fell asleep while praying.
-- ZACCHEUS was too small.
-- AND LAZARUS WAS DEAD!
- We must be willing to stand, to share, and to proclaim the freedom in Christ
- Re-read Isaiah 10:3b … then Turn to Matthew 6
- Where will we be able to run too? Where do we store our riches?
-- Matthew 6:19, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.”
- If there is that command, then where does our glory lie? (Keep reading)
-- Matthew 6:20-21, “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
- APP: We must always ask ourselves: Where am I storing my treasure?
-- God considers each life precious; each life is a treasure to Him
-- This is why the Bible is personal; it is 1 on 1; hence His interest in our freedom
- God’s judgment is (also) personal and we must be aware of the importance to tell
-- Isaiah 10:4 (NIV), “… NOTHING will remain”
-- Isaiah 10:4 (KJV), “… WITHOUT ME they shall bow under the prisoners”
- APP: Without the Lord we are powerless; completely helpless in the world
- We need the Lord’s provision, guidance, and protection – esp. to give to others
- CHALLENGE: Will we take the time to submit to God fully?
Conclusion
- Isaiah proclaims the need to change our thinking, to seek God in all things
- APP: Do we make unjust laws or rules for Jesus in others lives?
- John 3:27, “To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.”
… which ties into our required action …
- Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
- If others are going to receive, they must have it given to them
- Why? Because it was given to us!
- Will we too feel this same woe because we have not given/obeyed?
- Isaiah 10:4(b), “God’s hand is upraised …”; we need to be aggressively giving
- Will we be so bold to give the Way to others and bring them to freedom?
- Without the cross and shed blood of Christ there is no forgiveness or treasure in heaven to be had … and we need to give this message to everyone we meet
- Let us not be ones who make unjust laws, but be sharers of God’s word always
- Pray
