Isaiah Series (2)

Chapter 6

When God Calls: Answering the Divine Commission

Bible Passage: Isaiah 6:1-13

Summary: In Isaiah 6:1–13, the prophet Isaiah is called into prophetic ministry after encountering the holiness of God in a vision. His vision emphasizes God's majesty and the urgent need for a messenger to deliver a difficult message to Israel.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to understand the weight of God's calling in their lives, especially when facing personal fears and insecurities. It reassures them that despite their weaknesses, God equips and empowers those He calls to fulfill their purpose.

Teaching: The sermon aims to teach about the nature of God's holiness, the importance of recognizing our unworthiness, and the transformative power of God's forgiveness and commissioning. It stresses that God often calls imperfect people to carry out His perfect will.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's mission. Just as Isaiah was sent to proclaim God's message, Jesus came as the Word made flesh to reveal God's ultimate purpose of salvation. Isaiah's vision foreshadows the coming of Christ who cleanses and commissions us for His service.

Big Idea: God's holiness demands a response from us, and despite our inadequacies, He equips us for His mission when we answer His call.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider exploring the historical context of Isaiah’s ministry, especially the socio-political environment of ancient Israel to deepen your understanding of the challenges he faced. Utilize Logos to analyze commentaries that address the tension between God’s holiness and human sinfulness present in this passage. Also, look into the literary structure of the text and consider how these elements enhance the narrative of God’s call.

1. Majesty of God's Holiness

Isaiah 6:1-4

You could begin by exploring Isaiah's vision of God, highlighting God's holiness and majesty. This does two things: firstly, it emphasizes the overwhelming reality of encountering God's perfection, illuminating our own inadequacies. Secondly, it sets up the sermon to establish that such divine encounters often lead to a profound sense of mission. This, in turn, mirrors Christ's holiness and His calling to followers, transforming their lives for service to His kingdom.

2. Mercy in Our Brokenness

Isaiah 6:5-7

Perhaps delve into Isaiah's confession and the subsequent cleansing he received. This passage shows the power of divine forgiveness and restoration. It could suggest that despite our sinful nature, God's forgiveness through Christ equips us for His work. Emphasize how Christ's sacrifice is the ultimate atonement for our sins, making us worthy to answer God's call.

3. Mission in Difficult Times

Isaiah 6:8-10

Maybe discuss God's direct call to Isaiah and Isaiah's willing response. Highlight the difficulty of the message and the importance of obedience to God's call. It suggests that answering God’s call often requires courage and trust in His plan. Christ's obedience unto death becomes a model for us, as we are called to follow His example in proclaiming God’s truth regardless of the challenges.

4. Message of Hope and Judgment

Isaiah 6:11-13

Consider focusing on the message of judgment and hope entrusted to Isaiah. This passage might encourage believers to understand that God's call can involve hardship and perseverance. Nevertheless, the promise of a 'holy seed' points toward hope and redemption, inviting listeners to reflect on Christ’s redemptive mission as the fulfillment of God’s promises.