Embracing the New

Embracing the New: God's Promise in Our Lives

Bible Passage: Isaiah 43:18–19

Do not call to mind the former things,

Or ponder things of the past.

19 “Behold, I will do something anew,

Now it will spring forth;

Will you not be aware of it?

I will even bmake a roadway in the wilderness,

Rivers in the desert.

a Is 42:9; 48:6; 2 Cor 5:17

b Ex 17:6; Num 20:11; Deut 8:15; Ps 78:16; Is 35:1, 6; 41:18, 19; 49:10; 51:3

New American Standard Bible: 1995 update (Is 43:18–19). (1995). The Lockman Foundation.Summary: In Isaiah 43:18-19, the Lord encourages His people to forget the former things and not to dwell on the past, promising to bring forth newness and deliverance as He makes a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Application: This passage is a powerful reminder for Christians to let go of past hurt and struggles, and to embrace God’s new work in their lives, helping them to overcome discouragement and to foster hope in challenging times.

Teaching: This sermon will teach that God is in the process of doing something new, and that as believers, we are called to focus on His promises rather than our past failures or traumas.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader context of Scripture, this theme points to Christ as the ultimate new creation, where through Him, believers are offered redemption from the old ways of sin and are invited into the new covenant of grace.

Big Idea: God invites us to forget our past and trust Him for the new things He is bringing into our lives, which ultimately leads us to live in the hope and fullness provided in Christ.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon, consider exploring the historical context of Isaiah’s audience and the significance of God’s promise for a new exodus. You might find it helpful to utilize Logos to dig into commentaries that discuss the implications of 'forgetting the past' in light of New Testament revelations about becoming a new creation in Christ. Additionally, examining the Hebrew terms used in this passage could provide deeper insights for your message.

1. Release the Past

Isaiah 43:18

You could focus on how God calls us to release the grip we have on past failures and pains, acknowledging that these hold us back from experiencing the new things He has prepared for us. This verse sets the foundation for living with a forward-thinking faith, especially as it highlights God’s ability to bring change. Emphasize Jesus' role in creating a new path for us, encouraging the congregation to embrace renewal rather than past regrets.

2. Receive the Promise

Isaiah 43:19

Perhaps, explore God’s promise of doing something new, which mirrors the fresh start found in Christ’s redemptive work. This promise is about transformation—He ensures paths in the wilderness and streams in the desert. Relate this to the new life believers receive through Christ, where impossibilities become possible. This point can inspire trust in God's provision, encouraging listeners to anticipate His workings eagerly and to find hope in His promises.