Isaiah 7:1-25 – “Apostasy and Grace”

Jon Beck

My sermon notes for Sunday morning, Feb 16th as we continue our study through the Book of Isaiah. Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon.  They are provided to help follow as we walk through the Word each week.  To see the sermon each week or subscribe to the weekly sermon podcast please visit http://www.fbcap.net

 

Isaiah 7:1-25 – Apostasy and Grace

WHOM DO WE TRUST

 

Ahaz’s Apostasy – vv. 1-12 (The Sins of Ahaz)

 

David had been warned earlier 2 Samuel 7:14 – I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, (ESV)

 

  • The enemies where mounting.
  • Alliances where made
  • Yet, Ahaz did not turn to the ONE that could help.

 

Isaiah approaches Ahaz – vv. 3-9 (God Speaks)

 

Go and out and meet Ahaz – v. 3

  • It is personal with God. (We reject Him.  We accept Him.  We all will stand before Him.)
  • He knows all that was going on in “Ahaz’s world”
  • Shear-jashub is a prophetic reminder – God is with us.

 

And say to him – v. 4

  • Be Careful – PAY ATTENTION
  • Be Quiet – stop talking! LISTEN
  • Do Not Fear – TAKE COURAGE
  • Do Not be Faint Hearted – TRUST

 

Because of these two smoldering stumps – v. 4

  • Ahaz saw them as a power enemy
  • God saw them as they were… evil – v. 5
    • An enemy of God’s people is an enemy of God.

 

 

God reminded Ahaz to … Stand Firm – v. 9

  • James 1:12 – Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (ESV)

 

Ahaz’s Rejection– v. 10-12

 

Ask for a sign… you name it.

  • DO YOU TRUST ME?
  • God was giving him an opportunity to respond in faith and trust of who God really was.

 

I will not ask.  I will not put the Lord to a test

  • Trying to respond with God’s Words, but the heart was not right. EMPTY WORDS
  • He has created a God in his own image
  • His heart did not really embrace who God was.

 

God’s Grace.  A Promise – vv. 13-16 – A SIGN

Amid sin and rebellion, God promises to BE WITH THEM.

  • The remnant. Not all will fall away.
  • Those of FAITH and TRUST (Ears to Hear)

 

Immanuel will come – v. 14– God with us.

  • Ultimate fulfillment is Christ. Matthew 1:23 – “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (ESV)

 

Their land will be deserted – v. 16

  • Syria fell in 732 BC
  • Israel fell in 722 BC

 

 

God’s Judgment – vv. 17-25

WHEN WE DO NOT LISTEN, TRUST, and OBEY

 

In that day – v. 18 – Whistle for the fly and bee

  • Enemy nations attack… VERY MANY

In that day – v. 20 – Shave with a razor

  • Humiliation

In that day – v. 21- Keep alive a young cow and 2 sheep

  • Population diminished

In that day – v. 23 – land will become briars and thorns

  • Total destruction

 

Judgment now with Babylon – And leading up to Christs day with Roman control

 

 

What about us today: THE WHAT NOW

 

Ahaz’s condition was a heart issue – He was fearful and delusional (faulty judgment)

  • His ears were dull – 6:9-10
  • He rejected God’s Word – 7:7-9
  • He rejected God’s provision (sign) – 7:10-12
  • He was unable to discern God’s promises – 7:13-16

 

  1. God gave clear instruction warned of the consequences.
  2. Ahaz did not take heed.
  3. His sin was evident by his lack of faith (his actions)
    1. Where one places their faith is demonstrated by how one lives their life
    2. What one places their trust in… what they depend on.
    3. How one responds to the Words and Promises of God
  4. Earthly solutions only last for a season
  5. God’s promises are eternal.
  6. God is faithful. GOD IS WITH US
    1. Those with ears to hear…Listen
  7. Sand firm in faith! Trust in God.  Place your faith in Him.

 

Leave a Reply