Crush Your Sin. Isaiah 6:1-13

David Hume (1711–1776): In his Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, Hume revived the argument with sharp clarity, questioning how an all-powerful, all-good God could allow suffering. His version is closer to the way people discuss it today.

1. The Standard “Problem of Evil” Objection

Some people say:

“If God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good, then evil shouldn’t exist. But evil does exist. Therefore, God cannot exist.”

This is the classic version of the Problem of Evil. It assumes that a perfectly good, all-powerful God would eliminate all evil. So the presence of evil is used as “evidence” against God.

2. The Hidden Assumption

To make this argument, the person is implicitly appealing to an objective standard of good and evil. Think about it:

They are saying: “This evil is wrong or bad, and therefore God would not allow it if He exists.”

For them to say evil is “wrong,” they are assuming there is a moral law or objective standard of good and evil outside of themselves.

3. Why This Actually Implies God

By arguing that evil exists and is wrong, they are essentially admitting:

There is a standard of goodness that their statement relies on.

But if there is an objective standard of good and evil, where does that standard come from?

Most theists argue: it comes from God. A purely naturalistic universe (without God) has no ultimate moral standard; good and evil would just be subjective preferences. So in order to complain that evil exists, you must already be assuming that there is a God-based moral standard.

In other words:

1. Evil as the Absence of Good

Philosophers like St. Augustine taught that evil isn’t a thing in itself.

Evil is the absence, corruption, or distortion of good, just like darkness is the absence of light.

In other words, without good, evil cannot exist — it’s defined by contrast with goodness.

2. Rust Analogy

Think about rust: rust isn’t something that exists on its own; it only happens to metal when it is exposed to certain conditions.

If there were no metal, there could be no rust. Rust depends on metal to exist.

Similarly, evil depends on good to exist. Without goodness, there’s no evil; evil is a corruption of what is good.

3. Putting It Together

Just as rust shows that metal exists (and is being affected), evil shows that good exists.

Complaining about evil presupposes the existence of good — which, in a theistic framework, ultimately points to God as the source of all good.

💡 Summary Analogy for Conversations:

“Evil is like rust. Rust can’t exist without metal, and evil can’t exist without good. So when we recognize evil, we are already acknowledging the reality of good — and the God who is the ultimate source of it.”

Title: Standing Strong in an Evil World

Opening – Isaiah 6 Connection: In Isaiah 6, we see the prophet Isaiah confronted with the holiness of God. He sees God in all His glory, and immediately realizes his own unworthiness in the face of divine perfection. Yet, God doesn’t leave him in despair — He cleanses Isaiah and sends him out to be a messenger in a dark and sinful world. This is a powerful reminder that as Christians, we are called to stand strong and serve God even in the presence of evil.

Our Call as Christians

Just like Isaiah, we are called to live boldly in a world where evil exists. Recognizing evil doesn’t mean God isn’t real; it means His goodness is the standard by which we judge evil. And because He exists and has called us, we can stand strong:

We fight evil not by denying it, but by walking in God’s goodness.

We are strengthened by the holiness of God, the same holiness Isaiah encountered.

We are empowered to be lights in a dark world, knowing that evil cannot overcome the ultimate good.

Closing Thought: When you see evil — in the world, in your life, or around you — remember: it cannot exist without good, and good comes from God. Let that reality encourage you to stand firm, live boldly, and shine God’s light, even when the world seems dark.

Lets get into Isaiah chapter 6:

Isaiah 6 (New International Version)

Isaiah’s Commission

1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple.

“In the year King Uzziah died…” (v. 1)

Isaiah begins by marking a moment of national uncertainty — King Uzziah’s death. Israel was facing political instability and spiritual corruption. In other words, it was an evil and broken time. 👉 Just like today, when the world seems unstable and darkness feels overwhelming, God reveals Himself.

Isaiah sees the Lord on the throne, high and exalted — reminding us that no matter how chaotic or evil the world becomes, God still reigns. Evil doesn’t dethrone God; it simply shows how much we need His holiness.

2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.

Seraphim is one of the highest angels and in Hebrew it means “to burn” and They are described as fiery, holy beings who proclaim:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.”

Their position — “above” the throne — and their constant worship of God show that they are in the immediate presence of His glory.

These are the only two verses in all of Scripture where seraphim are directly described as heavenly beings and that is in this chapter.

1. Covering Their Faces

The seraphim cover their faces out of reverence and awe for God’s overwhelming holiness.

Being in the presence of pure holiness is so intense that even heavenly beings cannot look directly at God without shielding themselves.

This shows that God’s holiness is absolute and awe-inspiring — it demands respect.

2. Covering Their Feet

Covering their feet symbolizes humility and submission.

Feet were often associated with the lower, less honorable part of the body, so covering them shows complete reverence and the acknowledgment of their own unworthiness.

It’s a sign that even angels recognize their dependence on God and His authority.

3. Wings for Flying

The remaining two wings are used for mobility, showing they are messengers or attendants, ready to act at God’s command.

3 And they were calling to one another:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.”

Their position — “above” the throne — and their constant worship of God show that they are in the immediate presence of His glory.

These are the only two verses in all of Scripture where seraphim are directly described as heavenly beings and that is in this chapter.

The seraphim declare God’s holiness three times — emphasizing His absolute moral perfection. This is not just “goodness”; it’s pure goodness — the very standard by which all good and evil are measured.

When people say, “How can there be evil if God exists?” — they’re missing this truth: Evil exists precisely because God’s holiness defines what is good. Without the light of God’s holiness, we wouldn’t even know what darkness is.

Emphasis on God’s Absolute Holiness

The repetition of “holy” three times is a Hebrew literary technique called “tricolon”, which emphasizes supreme completeness or intensity.

By saying “holy” three times, the seraphim are declaring that God’s holiness is perfect, complete, and beyond measure.

It’s like saying: “God is holy above all else; holy in every way; holy in the ultimate sense.”

Spiritual Meaning for Us

Repeating “holy” three times reminds us that God’s holiness is infinite and unmatched.

Isaiah reacts with awe and conviction of sin (Isaiah 6:5) because he realizes that even a small impurity contrasts with God’s perfect holiness.

For us today, it’s a call to worship God with reverence and recognize His absolute moral purity, even in a world filled with evil.

The seraphim declare God’s holiness three times — emphasizing His absolute moral perfection. This is not just “goodness”; it’s pure goodness — the very standard by which all good and evil are measured.

When people say, “How can there be evil if God exists?” — they’re missing this truth: Evil exists precisely because God’s holiness defines what is good. Without the light of God’s holiness, we wouldn’t even know what darkness is.

By saying the whole earth is full of His glory, the seraphim are declaring that:

God’s presence and power are not limited to heaven or Israel — His holiness and authority extend everywhere.

Everything in creation reflects God’s majesty, even if people fail to recognize it.

omnipotent means God is all-powerful, but it doesn’t mean He can do the logically impossible. Let me explain:

1. What Omnipotence Really Means

God can do all things that are consistent with His nature.

He has unlimited power over creation, life, death, nature, and even the laws of the universe.

This is why Isaiah 6 says His glory fills the whole earth — He sustains, controls, and governs everything.

2. Logical Limits Don’t Reduce God’s Power

Omnipotence doesn’t mean God can do nonsense like:

Make a square circle

Make 2 + 2 = 5

Sin or become evil (because He is perfectly holy)

These are contradictions, not actual “things” to do. So God’s inability to do contradictions doesn’t limit His power.

Also, it shows that God is Omniscience (knows all things).

Emphasis on God’s Absolute Holiness

The repetition of “holy” three times is a Hebrew literary technique called “tricolon”, which emphasizes supreme completeness or intensity.

By saying “holy” three times, the seraphim are declaring that God’s holiness is perfect, complete, and beyond measure.

It’s like saying: “God is holy above all else; holy in every way; holy in the ultimate sense.”

Spiritual Meaning for Us

Repeating “holy” three times reminds us that God’s holiness is infinite and unmatched.

Isaiah reacts with awe and conviction of sin (Isaiah 6:5) because he realizes that even a small impurity contrasts with God’s perfect holiness.

For us today, it’s a call to worship God with reverence and recognize His absolute moral purity, even in a world filled with evil. That why we said that God is omnipotence (all-powerful) and the seraphim are declaring that God’s presence, authority, and power extend everywhere. His glory isn’t limited to one place; it permeates the entire earth and universe.

4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

Literal and Symbolic Meaning

Literal: The temple itself trembled when the seraphim proclaimed God’s holiness. This shows that God’s glory and power are so overwhelming that even the physical temple shook.

Symbolic: The shaking represents the intense, awe-inspiring presence of God. It’s a sign that no earthly structure or human effort can contain His glory fully.

2. Connection to God’s Holiness and Power

The trembling doorposts and thresholds highlight that God’s holiness isn’t just spiritual — it has cosmic and earthly impact.

His glory shakes the foundations of everything, showing that evil and sin cannot stand in His presence.

It’s a vivid reminder that God’s omnipotence (all-powerful) is real, and His presence demands reverence and fear.

5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”

Talk about how when he saw God you notices that he didn't ask for things, etc..… Not it shows how sinful we are and how we see we actually hurt God and that why we are reminded do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God Paul teaches that sin, disobedience, or bitterness in our lives causes sorrow to God’s Spirit, because it goes against His perfect holiness and will.

Woe to me I cried is an exclamation of grief, distress, or lamentation! It’s used in Scripture to express deep sorrow or alarm over a calamity or a personal failing.

2. Context in Isaiah 6:5

Isaiah sees the Lord in His absolute holiness and becomes aware of his own sin and unworthiness.

“Woe to me!” expresses:

Shock and awe at God’s glory.

Conviction of personal sin.

Recognition of human insufficiency in the presence of perfect holiness.

This woe is not despair without hope; it’s the first step toward repentance and cleansing (v.6–7).

True awareness of God’s holiness brings humility and dependence on Him.

Now remind them what the Gospel means:

“The gospel isn’t just a ticket to heaven — it’s the power to live differently now.”

“Jesus didn’t die just to change where you’ll go when you die — He came to change how you live while you’re alive.”

“Eternal life doesn’t start after death; it starts the moment you believe.”

“The cross wasn’t just about saving your soul — it was about transforming your story.”

“The gospel isn’t only for your afterlife; it’s for your everyday life.”

1. Proverbs 9:10 (NIV)

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Application:

Christians today are called to revere God, recognizing His holiness, power, and authority.

This “fear” isn’t terror — it’s a deep respect and awe that shapes our decisions, priorities, and moral choices.

6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar.

7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”

The Live Coal:

The coal comes from the altar, symbolizing purification and God’s holiness.

Fire in Scripture often represents God’s presence, judgment, and cleansing.

By touching Isaiah’s lips, the seraphim removes his guilt and purifies him, preparing him to speak God’s words.

b. Atonement and Cleansing

Isaiah recognizes his own sin (v.5) and feels unworthy to stand before God.

God doesn’t leave him in guilt, but provides cleansing so he can serve.

This shows that God’s holiness purifies us, making us ready for His work.

2. How Christians Should Live Today

Recognize Your Sin

Like Isaiah, we should honestly see our imperfections and areas of sin.

Fear of the Lord means acknowledging our need for God’s cleansing.

Receive God’s Cleansing

Through Jesus’ sacrifice, our sins are atoned for. We are purified to serve God.

Daily repentance and reliance on the Holy Spirit keeps our hearts aligned with God’s will.

Speak and Act for God

Isaiah’s lips were purified so he could proclaim God’s message.

Christians today are called to use our words and actions to reflect God’s holiness, sharing His truth and goodness in an evil world.

Stand Boldly

Cleansing removes guilt and fear, enabling us to serve boldly.

Even when surrounded by sin and evil, God equips us to act and speak on His behalf.

💡 Summary:

The live coal touches Isaiah’s lips to cleanse him from sin and guilt. As Christians, we should recognize our sin, receive God’s cleansing through Jesus, and boldly live and speak for Him, reflecting His holiness in a broken world.

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

9 He said, “Go and tell this people:

‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’

Absolutely! Let’s carefully look at Isaiah 6:8–9 and see how it applies to Christians today.

Isaiah 6:8–9 (NIV) “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’ He said, ‘Go and tell this people: “Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.”’”

1. What This Means

a. God’s Call to Service (v.8)

God asks, “Whom shall I send?” — He is looking for someone to deliver His message.

Isaiah responds immediately, “Here am I. Send me!” — showing willingness, courage, and faith.

Lesson: God calls imperfect people to serve Him. What matters is availability and willingness, not perfection.

b. God’s Message to the People (v.9)

God tells Isaiah to speak to a people who won’t listen or understand.

This may seem discouraging, but the point is:

Some will reject God’s message.

Our job is faithful obedience, not guaranteed results.

It highlights the reality of living in a world that resists God’s truth — something Christians face today.

2. How Christians Should Apply It Today

Be Willing to Serve

Like Isaiah, say: “Here am I. Send me!”

God calls us to serve in schools, workplaces, communities, and families — wherever He places us.

Speak God’s Truth Even if It’s Hard

Some people will reject or ignore the message of God’s love and holiness.

Faithfulness matters more than immediate success. God’s work may take time to bear fruit.

Trust God’s Guidance

Isaiah was sent to a hard audience, yet God equipped him (cleansed his lips, empowered his words).

Christians today rely on prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit to speak and act rightly in a challenging world.

Live Boldly in a Rebellious World

Evil and rebellion exist, but our obedience and courage reflect God’s glory.

Standing strong doesn’t mean everyone will listen — it means we faithfully fulfill God’s call.

💡 Summary:

God called Isaiah to speak to a resistant people, and Isaiah said yes. Christians today are called to be willing, bold, and faithful, speaking God’s truth and living for Him

10 Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”

11 Then I said, “For how long, Lord?” And he answered:

“Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant, until the houses are left deserted and the fields ruined and ravaged,

12 until the Lord has sent everyone far away and the land is utterly forsaken.

13 And though a tenth remains in the land, it will again be laid waste. But as the terebinth and oak leave stumps when they are cut down, so the holy seed will be the stump in the land.”

Verse 10 – Spiritual Hardness

God tells Isaiah to proclaim a message to people whose hearts are calloused.

Calloused hearts, dull ears, and closed eyes symbolize spiritual resistance: people refuse to see God’s truth or respond to His Word.

Theological point: God’s judgment allows humans to experience the consequences of persistent sin. It’s not cruelty — it’s a warning about the danger of rejecting God’s holiness.

Practical application:

Christians are called to recognize when hearts are hardened — in ourselves or others.

We must pray for soft hearts, remain receptive to God, and persevere in sharing His Word even when others resist.

2. Verses 11–12 – The Period of Judgment

Isaiah asks, “For how long?” — showing concern for both the people and the nation.

God’s response describes desolation: cities emptied, houses abandoned, fields ruined.

Theological point: Sin leads to decay and separation from God. The description of desolation shows that God’s holiness cannot coexist with persistent, unrepented evil.

Practical application:

Christians are called to take sin seriously in our lives and communities.

We are to proclaim God’s Word faithfully, knowing that God’s judgment is real but His mercy invites repentance.

3. Verse 13 – The Tenth Remains / Holy Seed

Even after judgment, God preserves a “holy seed” — a remnant.

The imagery of stumps after a tree is cut down shows resilience: though most is destroyed, God protects what is faithful and will use it to restore the future.

Theological point:

God always preserves a faithful remnant. This is a messianic foreshadowing: Jesus, the “holy seed,” comes to redeem and restore humanity.

God’s work is never ultimately defeated, even when evil seems overwhelming.

Practical application:

Christians are called to be part of this holy remnant: living faithfully, standing firm, and reflecting God’s holiness.

Even in a corrupt or sinful world, our obedience sows the seeds for God’s redemption and future restoration.

4. Overall Theological Summary

God allows hardness and judgment when sin is persistent, showing His justice.

Even in judgment, God preserves a faithful remnant — showing His mercy and plan for restoration.

Evil is not ultimate; God’s holiness and redemption triumph.

Christians are called to faithfulness, perseverance, and holiness, even when surrounded by moral decay.

5. How Christians Can Live It Out Today

Guard your heart: Don’t become spiritually numb. Stay sensitive to God’s Word.

Share God’s truth faithfully: Even if people resist, God’s Word is powerful.

Stand as part of the holy remnant: Live with integrity, worship fully, and reflect God’s goodness.

Trust God’s plan: Even if the world seems full of sin, God preserves His faithful and works toward redemption.

💡 One-Line Takeaway:

Even when the world resists God and evil seems to prevail, Christians are called to remain faithful, live holy lives, and trust in God’s ultimate restoration through His holy seed.