Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 51

Isaiah 51

 

-Chapter 51 is an exhortation chapter for the people of Israel to get with the program of God in seeking Him with all their heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). They are told early to look to the Rock from which they were hewn (craved) and the quarry from which they were dug (Isaiah 51:1). Abraham, the man of faith, is to be their mentor and leader, along with Sarah. This patriarch was called, blessed, and multiplied as the forerunner of God’s chosen people. Because of his faith, the LORD will comfort his descendants in Zion and make their waste places and wilderness like Eden, the garden of the LORD (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3, Galatians 3:6, James 2:23). Joy and gladness will be found in her once again, and thanksgiving will be given with the sound of a melody (Isaiah 51:2-3). Attention should be given to these incredible acts and the Word of the LORD being given. His law will go forth from Him (Messiah), and He will set His justice for a Light of the peoples. His righteousness is near, His salvation has gone forth. His arms will judge the peoples with perfect equity; there will be an expectant waiting for His arrival, which is to come (Isaiah 51:4-5). While the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die, the salvation through Messiah Jesus will be forever, and His righteousness shall not diminish (Psalm 102, Isaiah 51:6, Hebrews 1:10-12). The exhortation goes forth again and again as the ones who should know righteousness are told to listen as those who have the law of the LORD in their heart. They are told not to fear the reproach of mere man, nor be dismayed by the revilings of wicked human beings. The moth will eat them like a garment, and the grub will eat them like wool. In contrast, God’s benefits of salvation and righteousness will endure forever to all generations. Therefore, again the people are encouraged to “awake, awake” and put on the strength of their position in the LORD, as the days of old, in past generations of faith. God had done immeasurably great things, and He would perform again for His benefit and glory. The redeemed will cross over into victory and blessing. The ransomed of the LORD will return to the land, and come with joyful-everlasting shouting and gladness. Sorrow and sighing will flee away. God again claims His comfort. The exhortation now is to not forget the Maker. Remember Him and dismiss the continual fear of the fury of the oppressor. The oppressor has lost his power in the radiance and power of the LORD; the exile will soon be set free with food and better lodging. The Creator, who stirs up the sea making its waves roar, will put His words in His peoples’ mouths and cover them in the shadow of His Hand (Isaiah 51:7-16). Again the charge goes forth to rouse (revive, be ardent, be excited, be triumphant) themselves up who have gone through the hardships of the LORD’s displeasure because of their sin. Though God’s anger made life rough on them (for good reason), the chalice of His anger is complete, and they will never drink of it again in that day (Isaiah 51:17-23). *Application* God challenges us in the same way as redeemed people who have faith in His power to save. Listen to His Voice, pay attention to what He is doing, awake from any stupor you may be in, and get excited about the events of the Kingdom as they unfold. God will comfort the weary and make all things new (Revelation 21:5). Don’t fear man or go his way. The King will make all things right for those who hold on to His promises.

 

Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 51:6

Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 50

Isaiah 50

 

-God declares that He has a right to offer His wayward bride, the children of Israel who committed to Him exclusively in the Mosaic covenant on Mt. Sinai, a certificate of divorce because of their many iniquities. When He called, there was none to answer. His Hand had never been too short to pay their ransom for sin; He has all power (Isaiah 50:1-3). However, rather than forsake them forever, God will give them the tongue of disciples. He will sustain the weary with a Word. This Word is Jesus, the Messiah, who is promised to come (John 1). This suffering Servant will listen to the Voice of His Father in Heaven. He will be perfect with an open ear. He is not disobedient, nor will He turn back. He will give His back to those who strike Him (the flogging of Jesus, Matthew 27:27-31, Mark 15:16-20, John 19:1-3). His beard will be plucked from His cheeks. He will not cover His face from humiliation and spitting. Jesus speaks, “For the LORD God helps Me, therefore, I am not disgraced; therefore, I have set My face like flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed. He who vindicates Me is near; who will contend with Me? Who has a case against Me? Let him draw near to Me (Isaiah 50:7-8).” Here is the go between. Jesus bridges the gap between sinful man who has no hope and a Holy God who is gracious to accept His payment for mankind’s iniquities. The ones who condemn Him and His righteous work will wear out like a garment and the moth will eat them. The obedient, on the other hand, will fear Him and obey the Voice of His Servant. He, the Messiah, is the Light (John 8:12). God says that mankind should trust in the Name of the LORD and rely on his God (Isaiah 50:9-10). The ones who kindle a fire in pagan and idolatrous worship are the ones with false faith, and they will lie down in torment for eternity (Isaiah 50:11). This, creating false gods who can never save or rescue, is self-reliance and self-sufficiency at its peak. *Application* In the same way today we look to our own intelligence, appearance, or accomplishments rather than trusting in God for His righteousness. Allow God to speak His Word over you and rescue you through His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true Way (John 14:6).

 

Verses to Memorize: Isaiah 50:6-7

Kaleo Sermon Notes from Aug. 31st, Day 3- Pray About Everything

[Phl 4:6-7 ESV] 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

If worry and anxiety amount to unbelief in our lives, the opposite is maintained through devoted prayer concerning everything in our lives (Colossians 4:2). Notice that thanksgiving is a big part of letting our requests being made known too. What's the result? The incredible, insurmountable peace of God that goes beyond our comprehension and ability to grasp. His peace is our security. There is no greater guard over our heart and mind. Pray about everything!

*Life Point* Trust Him, let Him take control

Kaleo Sermon Notes from Aug. 31st, Day 2- Pray Continually

[1Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV] 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Do you ever struggle with knowing God's will for your life? Well, here it is in part: rejoice all the time, pray (communication in fellowship with God) all the time, and be thankful all the time. In other words have joy, relationship, and gratitude continually and you will please your heavenly Father. Don't just think about it, apply it!

*Life Point* Lord help me be joyful, prayerful, and grateful in every circumstance of this life you've blessed me with.

Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 49

Isaiah 49

 

-Salvation’s message will be delivered by the Messiah from Israel to all the ends of the earth. Jesus (God saves) was called from the womb in His incarnation. His mouth was made like a sword to discern and judge the very intentions of the heart. He was concealed His first time around on the earth as the lowly Servant King who sacrificed His life as an atonement for the sins of mankind. He was a select arrow into the heart of the evil one, Satan. His work as a Servant would be the glory of Israel. His work can never be considered vain or for nothing as some would speculate. The justice due Him is with the LORD of grace and mercy, and He rewards His anointed. He gathers the nations and is honored with God as His strength. He raises up and restores Israel, and He is a Light to the nations for salvation. The LORD is faithful to accomplish this as Redeemer and the Holy One to the despised One, the suffering Servant who has been chosen (Isaiah 49:1-7). In the day of salvation the LORD has answered and helped. He will keep His righteous ones giving the Christ as a covenant of the people to restore the land and make them an inheritance even of the desolate places. Along the roads they will feed and their pasture will be on the bare heights of mountains. They will not hunger or have thirst, and the scorching sun and heat will not have its effect on them. The God of compassion will lead them and guide them to springs of water (Living Water). All the mountains will be a road, and His highways will be lifted up as His people come from afar, even the north and west and south from Sinim (southern Egypt). This will cause shouting for joy and great rejoicing in the heavens and the earth, “for the LORD has comforted His people and will have compassion on His afflicted (Isaiah 49:8-13).” *Application* God will not forget us who have trusted solely in Him for our salvation. He is compassionate and gracious, even to the whole world who will turn to Him for forgiveness and His righteousness. Look to Jesus, Israel and all the nations of the world!

-Zion, in its desperation, believed sincerely that the LORD has forsaken and forgotten them, but God reassures them that this is not the case. He will never forget them. He has inscribed them on the palms of His Hands; Zion’s walls are continually before Him. The nations will eventually come to them and adorn them with jewels and bind them on as a bride. The place will become packed with people to the point of overcrowding. The LORD’s Hand will be lifted to the nations and His standard will be set up to the peoples. They will come from everywhere back to the land. Kings of the earth will be their guardians, and princesses will nurse them as they bow down before the Holy One of Israel knowing that He is the LORD. He says, “Those who hopefully wait for Me will not be put to shame (Isaiah 49:14-23).” In the end, God promises to contend with those who contend with His people. He will save their sons. He will feed their oppressors with their own flesh. These oppressors will become drunk with their own blood as with sweet wine; “and all flesh will know, that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob (Isaiah 49:24-26).” *Application* God will absolutely rescue His people. Count on it. Don’t grow weary in well-doing. God is always on the throne and will redeem all of your struggles for His sake.

 

Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 49:6

Kaleo Sermon Notes from Aug. 31st, Day 1- Pray Honestly

[Exo 5:22-23 ESV] 22 Then Moses turned to the LORD and said, "O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? 23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all."

[Exo 6:1 ESV] 1 But the LORD said to Moses, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land."

A little context will be helpful here. Moses was called from a burning bush to go rescue his Hebrew people from the oppression of slavery in Egypt. When Moses, along with his brother Aaron, went to the Pharaoh with their demands from the LORD, the situation initially got a lot worse for the Hebrew people and they were angry with this seemingly ineffective leader.

Moses' response was to cry out earnestly and honestly before the LORD. Notice God's response. We don't see any anger from the Almighty for Moses' posture. In fact, He says that "now" he will see what He will do. God was actually waiting for Moses to get serious with Him before He would act.

Often our faith will be tested to its limits for the purpose of us crying out to the LORD in desperation and passion. Be real with God; He wants to be real with you.

*Life Point* God can handle our honesty before Him.

Bible Study Notes in Isaiah- Chapter 48

Isaiah 48

 

-Israel is called out by the Spirit of God through his prophet Isaiah as this chapter begins. They are the “house of Jacob (taking hold of the heel, supplanter, layer of snares, trickster), who are named Israel (God prevails, contender, soldier of God), and who came forth from the loins of Judah (praised), who swear by the Name of the LORD and invoke the God of Israel, but NOT in truth NOR in righteousness (Isaiah 48:1).” They are called after the holy city and lean on the God of Israel, but they were obstinate despite His incredible dealings and acts to deliver and save them. They dealt treacherously with their LORD and rebelled against Him with their idolatry and waywardness. However, for the sake of His great Name and His praise, God delayed His wrath on them and restrained Himself to not cut them off (Isaiah 48:2-9). They have been refined, but not as silver; they have been tested in the furnace of affliction. For God’s sake and for His glory He has acted in faithfulness to His people even through their severe discipline (Isaiah 48:10-11). *Application* Like any good father, the LORD disciplines those whom He loves (Hebrews 12:5-14). Endure the testing of your faith as a tutor to greater things in the Kingdom of God. The LORD is gaining glory and will redeem in every situation. Do not harden your heart, but turn unto Him, the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).

-Deliverance is then promised after the harsh word that Israel gets. God tells them to listen to Him, the One who called them because He is the “I Am,” the First, and also the Last. He is the One who founded the earth and spread out the heavens. They stand together at His call (Isaiah 48:12-13). He acknowledges Cyrus of the Persian, who delivered the Jewish people from the Babylonians in verses 14 and 15. This must have been a shocking statement to the Israeli audience when given, but it did indeed come to pass in time. The LORD loves him (Cyrus) and will use him to carry out His good pleasure on Babylon and the Chaldeans in the release of the Jewish people. Cyrus was called, and his ways were made successful by the LORD God. For more on Cyrus, read in 2 Chronicles 36:22-23, along with the books of Ezra and Daniel.

-God has not spoken in secret. He wants His people to draw near and listen; over and over again He calls out to them for their attention. He was, is, will be always there by His Spirit. He is the great Redeemer, Holy One, and LORD who teaches them to profit and leads them in the way that they should go. If they would only pay attention and give Him His just glory, all would be well like a mighty river with righteousness as powerful as the waves of the sea. Their descendants would be as numerous as the sand, and their name would never be cut off or destroyed from His presence. This great God, who led the captives through the desert without thirst making water flow out of the rock, is willing and ready to do His redeeming work once again for His servant Jacob (Exodus 17:6). But, there will be no peace for the wicked, which is a dire warning to the wretched in the land of Israel (Isaiah 48:16-22). *Application* God calls to us in the same way He did with the children of Israel in the Old Testament. His ways have been opened up to the Gentiles in this age (Isaiah 56:7, Mark 11:17, Acts 10:34-35, Romans 9-11), and He desires for all mankind to come to Him, the Redeemer (John 3:16, 2 Peter 3:9).

 

Verses to Memorize: Isaiah 48:10-11, 17