Series Summary:

We all come to a place in our lives when we realize we can’t save ourselves. We are forced to ask: who will save us and how? Isaiah proclaims THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL’s justice against sin and rebellion, and hope as the saving Messiah. Isaiah’s message is simple: Yahweh, THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, is Judge and Savior of His people (1-12), of the nations (13-27), of Jerusalem (28-39), while in exile (40-48), as the suffering Messiah (49-55), and as LORD forever and ever (56-66). #isaiah #2024 #2025

Starter

Share some advice or wisdom that you have received that has been helpful in your spiritual life?

Pray

Lord we thank you that you are The Holy One of Israel. You are Holy perfect in all you do and worthy of our worship and obedience. We like Israel are the ones who wrestle with you, fight to see you, know that you always win, and must understand you bless those you choose to bless. Thank you for for loving us, for forgiving us, and for restoring us. We live through you raising up and tearing down nations. You know what is coming and what has really happened. Help us to repent and live in response to your oracles and judgements for you take no pleasure in death. May we exalt and praise your name alone and follow your advice and wisdom. Amen

Study Questions

READ: Isaiah 14:24, 27, Ezekiel 18:32, 33:11, 2 Peter 3:9

1. What is God’s purpose, plan, and heart behind His truth and judgements?

READ Isaiah 28:1-13, Revelation 4:9-11

Ephraim was the second son born to Joseph in Egypt and a grandson of Jacob. His name means “doubly fruitful,” because God has made Joseph fruitful with two sons in the land of suffering (Genesis 41:52). Ephraim was given a blessing by Jacob. When the kingdom split into north and south, Jeroboam was the first king of the northern kingdom who lead Israel into idolatry, and he was from the tribe of Ephraim (1 Kings 11-14). Ephraim became the largest and leading tribe of the northern kingdom Israel and the Scriptures often refers to northern Israel and Ephraim interchangeably. The tribe of Ephraim (Israel) was chastised for idolatry and their partnership with unbelieving nations by the prophets. As prophesied, the tribe of Ephraim (Israel) was taken into captivity by the Assyrians in 722 BC when the northern kingdom Israel was conquered. Yet, God still remembered Ephraim with great longing and compassion (Jeremiah 31:20). God almost always weaves together His judgement with hope in the scriptures.

1. What advice and wisdom did Ephraim (Israel) ignore? Why?
2. What was the condition of Ephraim (Israel) and the “priest and prophet” (Judah vs. 7)?
   1. What things do we see causing these same conditions in God’s people today? Why?
3. God explains harsh judgment in 28:1-4. What encouraging advice and wisdom does He give in verses 28:5-6 that is also referenced in Revelation 4:9-11?

READ Ephesians 2:1, 8-10, 5:1, 15-21, 2 Timothy 2:2-5

1. Isaiah 5:5-6 says, “On that day the Lord of Hosts will become a crown of beauty and a diadem of splendor to the remnant of His people, 6 a spirit of justice to the one who sits in judgment, and strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.”
   1. How do the verses we just read give us an action plan of beauty, justice, strength, and battle?
   2. Why don’t we listen to all this advice and wisdom?
2. God again gives judgment (vs 7-10) saying “They would not listen” (vs 12). Why?
3. What are the things in our day that keep God’s people from listening to God’s advice and wisdom causing them to stumble and stagger?
4. How do we currently see people who say they believe in God, mocking like the mockers? (vs. 10)
   1. What is God’s advice and wisdom to their mocking? (vs. 13)

READ Galatians 5:1, 7, 19-24

1. Isaiah says God’s advice and wisdom in His law and word are being mocked. God responds back with their own words and then says, “so they go stumbling backward, to be broken, trapped, and captured.” How does Galatians 5 point to this same battle?