For Further Study


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Series: ISAIAH: Repent/Receive/Restore

For Further Study

REPEN T/R ECEIVE/R EVIVE Isaiah 56:9-57:21 Pastor Doug Schillinger

Introduction:  

2016-2017 Ministry Initiatives @ Parkview: Are we ready for God to work? Isaiah 40-66: “Comfort My People”  God offers His Presence and His Power: Isaiah 41:10-13  God has redeemed us and calls us by name! Isaiah 43:1-3  We have been blessed by the Servant/Messiah! Isaiah 42, 49, 50, 52-53



The Gift of Repentance Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4

I. A Call to Repentance: Isaiah 56:9-57:13a A) Call to the Leaders Isaiah 56:9-11 His watchmen are blind, they are all without knowledge; they are all silent dogs; they cannot bark, dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber. The dogs have a mighty appetite, they never have enough. But they are shepherds who have no understanding; they have all turned to their own way, each to his own gain, one and all. Isaiah 56:10-11 Three signs of weak leadership: 1) Blind Watchmen/Lazy Dogs: A failure to __________ the people. 2) Unsatisfied Appetite: A failure to _________ after and please God. 3) No Understanding: A failure to pursue God’s _________________.

B) A Call to the People Isaiah 57:3-13a Whom did you dread and fear so that you lied and did not remember Me, did not lay it to heart? Have I not held My peace, even for a long time, and you do not fear Me? I will declare your righteousness and your deeds, but they will not profit you. When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you. The wing will carry them all off, a breath will take them away. Isaiah 57:11-13a

Two evidences of spiritual weakness 1) Spiritual Adultery: A failure to _____________ God above all gods. 2) Powerless Spirituality: Evidence of _________________ worship.

II. A Call to Effective Ministry: Isaiah 57:13b-21 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. Isaiah 57:15 People who are ready for God to work through them: 1) Worship—the One who is high and lifted up, eternal, and holy 2) Repent—are contrite about their sin 3) Depend—rely on and surrender to Him

1) Peace: Isaiah 57:21 warns that there is no peace for the wicked. The Bible has several passages that teach us clearly where peace is found. Look at these themes: Peace is found… *through Jesus and His work for us on the cross (Romans 5:1; John 14:27, 16:3) *through knowing and depending on God (Psalm 46; Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 23) *through prayer (I Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6-7)

2) Spiritual Leadership: Isaiah confronted weak leadership in our passage today. In contrast, look at these passages that point to examples of strong leadership—what practices can you strengthen in your life to strengthen your leadership? Joshua 1:1-9 (Moses’ powerful words on courageous leadership) Acts 20:18-38 (Paul’s parting words to the leaders at the church in Ephesus) Exodus 33:12-34:10 (Moses’ relentless desire for God’s presence in his life) I Timothy 4:7-16 (Paul’s instruction to an emerging leader) Mark 10:42-45 (Jesus’ teaching on servant leadership—see also Phil. 2:3-11)

3) God dwells with the humble: Isaiah 57:15 makes a powerful statement—that the Almighty God chooses to dwell closely with the person who is humble. Look at these passages to trace this theme: God opposes the proud (I Peter 5:5-6) God hates pride (Proverbs 6:16-17) God draws near to the humble (Isaiah 66:2; Psalm 34:18; Luke 14:11) Great examples of humility (Philippians 2:3-11; John 3:30)

To Discuss: With families, friends, community groups 1. Points that hit you from Isaiah 56:9-57:21? What truths did you learn or were you reminded of that you needed to hear? 2. In what areas of your life is God calling you to be a spiritual leader? If God were to do an assessment on your leadership, what would He say? Which of the three areas addressed to the leaders in Isaiah 57 could apply to you? 3. What evidences of pride do you see in your life? What evidences of humility? Pride is very difficult to see in our own lives. We can see it clearly in others’ lives, but usually not our own. Are these questions ones that you can ask each other in your group/family/ friendship?