INTRODUCTION<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several labels have been attached to the Book of Isaiah. Among them are \u201ca Bible within the Bible,\u201d \u201ca miniature Bible,\u201d \u201cthe centerpiece of the story of Israel,\u201d and \u201cthe Romans of the Old Testament.\u201d A number of quotations from the Book of Isaiah are found in the New Testament. Jesus himself (the infallible Teacher) quoted from this book, and other parts are recognized as the witness of the Holy Spirit. Where could we find greater authenticity than the endorsement of members of the Godhead?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Little is known of Isaiah except what is recorded in this book. He was a prophet who ministered in Jerusalem from about 750 to 700 BC. He worked under four Judean kings: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (1:1). He wrote of hope and disaster. His portrait of the future of Jerusalem is beautiful, and his foretelling of Babylon\u2019s fall is horrific.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Isaiah and his son Shear took the message of the Lord to King Ahaz (see ch. 7). Under divine direction, Isaiah was instructed to walk around Jerusalem naked as a sign of God\u2019s displeasure with Jerusalem\u2019s apostasy (see ch. 20). He foretold Jerusalem\u2019s deliverance from Sennacherib\u2019s siege (see chs. 36-37), and was a witness to Hezekiah\u2019s recovery (see ch. 38). Jewish tradition claims that Isaiah suffered martyrdom by having been sawn asunder. We don\u2019t know if this is true, but there is a reference in the listing of the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11<\/a> to some who were \u201csawed in two\u201d (v. 37 NIV). There is an account in the apocryphal The Ascension of Isaiah<\/em> that says he suffered martyrdom under Manasseh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Book of Isaiah carries the message of a sovereign God who, out of His heart of love, provides redemption for humankind. His sovereignty is on display in His connection with the Jewish people. In their sins, they faced divine judgment; in their return to God, they found salvation. As much as in any other Biblical account, the majesty and holiness of God are on display in this book. Isaiah also shows us what a marvelous future God has in store for those who are His.<\/p>\n\n\n\n SIN, JUDGMENT, AND RESTORATION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Sins of a Nation <\/strong>(Isaiah 1:1-15<\/a>, 21-23<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Call to Repentance and Cleansing <\/strong>(Isaiah 1:16-20<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Judgment and Restoration Promised <\/strong>(Isaiah 1:24<\/a>\u20142:5)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Central Truth: <\/strong>God will judge the sinner, but forgive and restore the penitent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n EVERLASTING JUDGMENT OR EVERLASTING JOY?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. God\u2019s Judgment Against the Wicked <\/strong>(Isaiah 34:1-7<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Divine Retribution <\/strong>(Isaiah 34:8-17<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. The Gladness of the Redeemed<\/strong> (Isaiah 35:1-10<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Central Truth: <\/strong>God\u2019s judgment awaits all who rebel, but the redeemed of the Lord will experience everlasting joy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n THE BIRTH OF THE KING (Christmas)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. The King Is Born<\/strong> (Matthew 1:18-25<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. The King Is Sought <\/strong>(Matthew 2:1-8<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. The King Is Worshiped<\/strong> (Matthew 2:9-11<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Central Truth: <\/strong>Because He is the King, Jesus is worthy of our adoration and praise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n OUR GREAT GOD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. God\u2019s Comforting and Enduring Word <\/strong>(Isaiah 40:1-8<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. King, Shepherd, and Omniscient Sage <\/strong>(Isaiah 40:9-17<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. God\u2019s Supreme Reign <\/strong>(Isaiah 40:18-31<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Central Truth: <\/strong>God\u2019s greatness is manifested, not only through His divine attributes, but also in His personal care for His own.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n GOD\u2019S SUFFERING SERVANT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Despised and Rejected<\/strong> (Isaiah 52:13<\/a>\u201453:3)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Wounded for Our Transgressions<\/strong> (Isaiah 53:4-9<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Bruised and Exalted by God<\/strong> (Isaiah 53:10-12<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Central Truth: <\/strong>God the Father\u2019s exaltation of Jesus showed His approval of Jesus\u2019 substitutionary death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n GOD\u2019S COMPASSION FOR ALL PEOPLE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. God\u2019s Everlasting Mercy and Kindness<\/strong> (Isaiah 54:1-10<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. God\u2019s Promise to His People<\/strong> (Isaiah 54:11-17<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. God\u2019s Invitation to the Nations<\/strong> (Isaiah 55:1-13<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Central Truth: <\/strong>God is full of love and compassion for all people.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A NEW WORLD PROMISED<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Coming of the Messiah<\/strong> (Isaiah 61:1-9<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Invitation Accepted or Rejected?<\/strong> (Isaiah 62:10-12<\/a>; 65:1-12<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\nDecember 6, 2020<\/strong> (Lesson 1)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
December 13, 2020<\/strong> (Lesson 2)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
December 20, 2020<\/strong> (Lesson 3)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
December 27, 2020<\/strong> (Lesson 4)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
January 3, 2021<\/strong> (Lesson 5)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
January 10, 2021<\/strong> (Lesson 6)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
January 17, 2021<\/strong> (Lesson 7)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n