Isaiah, Part 1
The Revelation of Isaiah to Israel
Isaiah 1:1-31
Introduction
- Welcome to Seasons! This morning, for ~2025, we begin our study of Isaiah
-- Much to learn, and to examine, from a man who was faithful to God’s calling
-- If there is any encouragement we can grab hold of – it is to comprehend this:
• Faithfulness to God is more than performing ceremonially, obedient stuff
• It is an eagerness to live for, to worship freely, and to testify about Him!
- APP: Now, here is our challenge from the beginning:
• This is where most people tune out … Why? B/c Isaiah challenges our faith
• He challenges us to examine what we know and asks us critical questions
• Calls those who know God to be different than those who know about God
• To be penitent (repentant) in the face of a world that will judge you for it
- Big challenge is simple: Will we follow God’s ways or choose our own?
-- This will be the overarching question for this entire series … lots to unpack
- Read Isaiah 1:1-31 / Pray
- TR: Let’s begin by …
Point 1 – Setting the Foundation of Isaiah
- He is referred to as “the Messianic prophet”: prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus
-- Hebrew: navi; prophet - means: “one who proclaims or announces”
-- APP: It is an overflowing of what God is doing that comes out of a prophet
• NT quotes more scriptures from Isaiah than any other book of the OT
• However, Isaiah’s work was not just about being a “fortune teller”
- Isaiah’s favorite (most used) reference for God is: “Jehovah” (Yahweh)
-- It means, “The Lord of Hosts”; used 62 times in this book (~1 per chapter)
- Ministry: Isaiah was God’s spokesman to Judah and Jerusalem
• His name means, “salvation of the Lord”
• He is the son of Amoz; Isaiah was married and had two sons
- History tells us that Amoz was a brother of Amaziah, son of Joash, King of Judah
-- This would mean that Isaiah would be closely related to royalty
-- Think: He’d have royal access – a way to share the word with those in power
- There are 2 major divisions in this book:
1. The Assyrian Period (Chapters 1-39)
a. Shows God’s indictment against Judah and Jerusalem
b. Also portrays a sovereign rule by a God who still loves them
2. The Babylonian Period (Chapters 40-66)
a. A deep exhortation to have faith and patience in God
b. Describes the salvation for those who trust in the true God of Israel
- When Isaiah was commissioned there was great political turmoil in Judah (Israel)
• Assyria’s kingdom was expanding because they attacked region continually
• When Judah refused to be a part it, they were attacked by Assyrians too
• When Judah wanted relief – they began to look into joining the coalition
• However, Isaiah challenged the king to (big) “put their trust in Jehovah”
• Their king (Ahaz) rejected Isaiah’s word – and they fell under attack
• The capital of Israel (Samaria) was crushed & overtaken in 722 BC
- There are also two major themes occur in this book:
1. There is an exhortation to “trust in the Holy God of Israel”
-- Why? Because putting their faith in God would lead to their sins being forgiven
2. There is a prophecy of the Messiah to come (and the glory He will bring)
-- Eight times the people are urged to “wait upon the Lord” - to trust and remember
- TR: This would be a recurring theme in history (actually) – to wait/trust in God
-- Why? Because once we know who He is, we can faithfully follow His will
Point 2 – Understanding Judah’s Sinful Condition
- As Isaiah unpacks the country’s ailments, see if you can see our own parallel
-- TJ: Trust me, what they are dealing with is also what we experience today!
I. God’s primary charge against Israel
- God indicts Israel in the presence of Heaven and earth (witnesses) (vv2-3)
-- Want us to know, this charge is public; it’s chastening & it’s very directive
-- What is the charge? They are rebellious children who’ve turned against God!
-- EX: Even an ox knows it’s owner, even a donkey knows it’s caregiver
-- APP: Yet, they have become strangers to the very God who created them!
II. The condition of Israel
- They are a sinful, corrupt nation that has turned away from God (vv2-4)
-- Like an injured body with wounds and ailments, yet asks for more (vv5-6)
-- The countryside is overthrown by strangers; they are in ruins! (vv7-8)
-- Except for a small group of faithful – they’d be Sodom and Gomorrah (v9)
-- BIG: If there was ever a charge to/for the church today … it is verse 9!
III. Israel has a problem with hypocritical worship
- God can no longer endure their “fake” religious activities (vv10-14)
• EX APP: They are going to church without a heart of worship for God!
• They are doing the things they’ve been taught, but missing the reason for it
• SEE: It is impossible to convince yourself you are clean while in your sin!
- But don’t miss what the outcome of this is – because it’s painful … (v15)
• God will not answer their prayers – because blood is on their hands!
• CH: What more could we need to know how God feels about fake worship?
• APP: “Faking it” when we worship will never bring about God’s approval!
- TR: 15 verses that (clearly) outline how far they have fallen from God’s calling!
-- So, what does God tell them to do because they are guilty of these sins?
Point 3 – God issues a Call to Repentance
I. God issues a clear plea to repent
- He is very clear about the action to take: “wash yourselves & be clean” (v16)
• Very specific: “Get your sins out of my sight & give up your evil ways”
- Do good, seek justice, reprove the oppressor, defend the fatherless/widow (v17)
• Be merciful, do things that brings others to God; take care of one another
II. God gives a very merciful invitation
- An invitation to be made “white as snow” and “white as wool” (v18)
-- APP: You can be forgiven for the things you do, IF you turn to Him!
- There’s blessings for those who obey; dire consequences for rebellion (vv19-20)
• Those who heed will eat of the land (Hebrew: akal; to eat)
• Those who refuse will be devoured by the sword (Hebrew: akal, to devour)
-- SEE: Isaiah uses the same word, applied to two different meaning!
- TR: Might wonder: Why does understanding a call to repent matter, even now?
Point 4 – God gives a preview of the coming judgment
I. Because of the corrupt condition of Jerusalem …
- They were once faithful, now a “prostitute” (v21a) (Hebrew: zanah; harlot)
-- They were once full of justice and righteousness, now they’re murderers (v21b)
-- They have become a polluted city; valueless and with no morals (v22)
-- It’s leaders are corrupt and heartless, caring not for the fatherless/widows (v23)
II. They will be Purified by God …
- The Lord will get rid of His enemies (the rebellious) (v24)
-- The Lord will purge away the “slag” (the dross, the unpure) (v25)
-- God will restore good judges and counselors (v26) And…
-- Once again it will be called “the home of justice; the faithful city” … HOW?
III. The penitents will be redeemed, and the guilty will be consumed!
- Those who repent will be redeemed with justice and righteousness (v27)
• There will be a restoration for faithfulness (Hebrew: padah; ransom, rescue)
• True followers will seek forgiveness earnestly and receive it from God
• They will also be given good judges who will lead/teach them accountability
- But … those who rebel (refuse to repent) will be destroyed and consumed (v28)
-- Hebrew: pasha; rebels or transgressors (those who willingly deny)
• They will be ashamed of their practices (re: idolatry is rampant) (v29)
• Despite their strength, they will be consumed like dry vegetation (vv30-31)
- We’ve seen this before: Remember these from Revelation (msg title) 2 and 3?
• Ephesus: Looked strong; but turned away from their first love
• Pergamum: Tolerant church; yet allowed wicked practices within
• Thyatira: Love, faith, good works; allowed bad doctrine (idolatry, immoral)
• Laodicea: Practiced neither faithful nor unfaithfulness; lukewarm temp.
Big Idea
- Isaiah gives Judah/Israel a great insight into what irritates God
-- He also gives you and I (2025) the very same insight – this is what God detests!
- CH: What kind of church do we want to be? How do we want to serve?
-- Maybe take the time to consider it this week … and let’s dive into 2025?
- Pray
