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?)
- God even offered to let them present their case for innocence: (v26) (not good)
• BUT: They have NO case to present; Why? We cannot justify sin!
• Even those charged with teaching were sinning (vv27-28) against God
- BIG: This is exactly how WE come to Him as well: guilty and w/o excuse
• We cannot redeem ourselves or explain why we are worthy of forgiveness
• KEY: Only a God who loves you as His own could forgive you (parent)
- Remember God’s promises? He sums them up in one sentence: (v25)
• He promises to remove their sins – to “blot them out” – with His power
• How? By granting unearned forgiveness and remembering sins no more
• Psalm 103:12, “He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.”
- LOOK: God promises to redeem them … to KEEP the promises He’s made
-- Why? Because only a God who has the authority as Creator could do this!!
BIG IDEA
- He made a way, provided escape, delivered hope, gave us a redeemer (promise)
-- His redeemer (Jesus) is the One who will bring redemption to all who receive
-- FACT: No religion; no other “deity”; no other faith gives assurance like this!
-- Every other asks you to do / be something, but Jesus says: Matt 11:28 (give rest)
- Singers / Invitation: “You Won’t Relent” … Without fanfare, this is for you:
• Invite to know Jesus; or to spend time in worship; offer of membership here
• Whatever is going on in your life, know: He has already provided a way
- Pray
