Isaiah 40:1-31
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This is the seventh and final sermon in our seven week series on Isaiah. This sermon is “Prepare the Way of the Lord”.
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
CONNECT: When you are facing challenge, what most helps you to stand firm and depend on the Lord?
WARM-UP
- In times of distress or uncertainty, what brings you comfort?
Read Isaiah 40:3-8
- Why would the words of Isaiah be words of “comfort” for the people of ancient Israel/Judah?
- How are these words different from the message of Isaiah 1-39? What has changed? How do you seek the Lordʼs comfort in times of need?
- What do these verses say about the barriers that exist between the Israelites and God (and between us and God)? How did they (and how do we) prepare a way for the Lord?
- What habits help you to maintain a clear way for the Lord? What do verses 6-8 say about our ability to maintain a way for the Lord? What do we need?
Read Isaiah 45:1-2a and 13
- In what way do these words speak about the return of the Lord to his people? How is it made clear that the Lord makes the way for the people to return?
- When and how is the prophecy of verses 1-8 finally fulfilled. How has God prepared the way for you to trust and follow him?
Read Isaiah 40:9-11
- What comfort is it for you now to know that Godʼs glory has been revealed in Jesus, and will be revealed completely when Jesus returns?
- How are we to respond to this good news? Can you think of examples in the New Testament of people shouting the good news to others?
- How can you share the good news on your frontlines? What are the barriers?
- What does the rest of Chapter 40 say about God? How does this help us to trust in Godʼs promises?
APPLY: Who can you invite to Carols this week?
Prayer
Almighty Father, thank you for your compassion and kindness. Thank you for sending Jesus to reconcile us to you, for clearing the way to you on the cross. Help us to trust in you and share this good news. Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Frontline This Week: As the end of the year events begin, what are opportunities you might have to introduce your Christian friends to your not-yet Christian friends?
Listen, Watch, and Read:
- Listen: “Behold Your God” by Christopher Ash
- Listen: “The Weighty God of Isaiah” by Dave Chiswell
- Listen: “Godʼs Mission in the Prophets” by Mike Raiter
- Listen: “Here is Your God” by Alistair Begg
SERIES Resources:
- Series Resource Guide: Isaiah - The Promise of The Messiah
- Watch & Read: The Bible Project: Isaiah Overview
- Learn: The Ridley Certificate: Isaiah
(Check St Bart’s Training Centre for upcoming courses: stbarts.com.au/training-centre) - Commentary: “Isaiah for Everyone” by John Goldingay
- Advanced Commentary: “The Prophecy of Isaiah” by J. Alex Motyer
- Advanced Commentary: “Isaiah: In Context and throughout Ages” by B. Witherington III
