Isaiah (Hope)

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DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Our church family is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit, and we are missionaries.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

WHAT IS THE REASON WHY THIS MESSAGE IS BEING SHARED / WHAT IS THE PROBLEM THIS MESSAGE IS ANSWERING?…

BIG IDEA FOR TODAY: God faithfully preserves His remnant, offering hope and assurance to those who remain dedicated amidst adversity.

WHAT IS THE PICTURE OR ILLUSTRATION FOR THIS BIG IDEA?

Opening Scripture:

Nathan’s Teaching on Hope in Isaiah - Hope Amidst Suffering

The Resilient Remnant: God’s Promise to His Faithful

Summary: Isaiah shows us that God preserves and protects his faithful remnant throughout trials and tribulations.

1. Preservation Amidst Judgment

Isaiah 10:20–23 “20 In that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no more lean on him who struck them, but will lean on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. 21 A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God. 22 For though your people Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will return. Destruction is decreed, overflowing with righteousness. 23 For the Lord God of hosts will make a full end, as decreed, in the midst of all the earth.”

Jesus fulfills these promises by gathering all nations to Himself.

No matter how dire circumstances seem, God’s promise of preservation and hope for His people stands firm.

The saints prove their conversion by their perseverance, and that perseverance comes from a continual supply of divine grace to their souls. The Candle, Volume 27, Sermon #1594 - Matthew 5:15, 16

Charles Spurgeon

2. Grace Sustains the Faithful

Romans 11:1–5 “1 I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” 4 But what is God’s reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.”

The Apostle Paul explains the remnant concept through the lens of grace, showing that God’s faithfulness endures.

Be confident in God’s unwavering commitment to His people, seen ultimately in Christ’s redemptive work.

3. Spiritual Conflict and Victory

Rev. 12 & 13 Context: The Age-Long Struggle of The Church and The Adversary.

Revelation 12:13–17 “13 And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. 14 But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. 15 The serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, to sweep her away with a flood. 16 But the earth came to the help of the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the dragon had poured from his mouth. 17 Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea.”

Here, Christ is the protector and fulfiller of God's promises.

In Christ, we are defended against all adversarial forces seeking to thwart our faith.

The conflict between the faithful remnant and spiritual opposition.

Conclusion/Reflection:

The remnant of Isaiah serves as a foreshadowing of Christ's faithful people.

In times of spiritual dryness or societal pressure, we can be reassured that we are not alone and that God's promises hold true for those who remain faithful to Him.

Stay steadfast in your commitment despite challenges.

Once, I heard about a man who embarked on a hike, excited to reach the peak of a mountain. However, along the way, he faced steep climbs and unexpected storms. But he remembered the promise he made to himself—to reach that peak. Just as the climber keeps his focus on the summit, we fix our eyes on Christ, our ultimate promise, guiding us through life’s challenges.

Christ embodies the ultimate promise of God, standing as the hope for all who believe and remain faithful.

Talk It Over

What does it mean to be part of God’s remnant according to the sermon?

According to the sermon, what role does grace play in sustaining the faithful remnant?

What are some practical ways we can support each other as a faithful remnant in our peer groups?