SF575 - THE MAKING OF A MIGHTY OAK (Isaiah 61 1-3)
SF575
THE MAKING OF A MIGHTY OAK
Isaiah 61:1-3
INTRODUCTION
Oak Trees
Oak trees are found all over the world. They can be no larger than a shrub or grow to more than 100 feet. Oaks grow slowly, do not bear acorns until they are about 20 years old and often live 200 - 400 years.
Oak Trees in the Bible - The Lebanon Oak
Oak (Quercus species) trees provide excellent timber for ships (Ezek. 27:6) and other construction, Oaks were used to mark graves (Gen. 35:8) or as landmarks (1 Sam. 10:3)
In this passage God’s people are likened to an Oak of Righteousness...
Let’s examine what goes into the making of a Mighty Oak for God!
1A. THE PRESENCE OF GOD’S SPIRIT (1A)
1B. The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit - Salvation
(Titus 3:5) ...He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
(1 Corinthians 6:19) Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
(Ephesians 1:13‑14) ... you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, {14} who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession...
2B. The In Filling of the Holy Spirit - Spirit Filled
(Ephesians 5:18) Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
(John 7:37‑38) ... "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. {38} Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
2A. THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOD’S MESSAGE (1B-2A)
1B. Repentance (1b)
“Good news to the poor” = humble, lowly, meek, poor`.
(Matthew 5:3) "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
We are all spiritually bankrupt without Christ!
2B. Restoration (1c)
“Bind up the brokenhearted” = ‑bind (up), gird about, govern, healer,
(Matthew 5:8) Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
3B. Release (1d)
From bondage
(John 8:34‑36) Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. {35} Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. {36} So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
From blindness
(2 Corinthians 4:4,6) The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, ....(6) For God, ... made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
4B. Renewal (2a)
“Year of the Lord’s favor” = delight, desire, favor, (good) pleasure,
5B. Regret (2b)
3A. THE PERFORMANCE OF GOD’S MINISTRY (2b-3)
1B. Evangelism (2b-3a)
We must have a burden (2b)
“Comfort” = to pity, to console
(Matthew 5:4) Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
We must provide the answer
(Matthew 11:28) "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
2B. Encouragement (3) - God gives...
Crown for ashes (3b)
(Romans 8:17) Now if we are children, then we are heirs‑‑heirs of God and co‑heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Gladness for mourning (3c)
(Psalms 30:5) ...weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Praise for despair (3d)
Paul and Silas in the Philippian Jail.
APPLICATION
Do you have the making of a Mighty Oak?
Have you experienced the indwelling of the Holy Spirit?
Are you Spirit filled?
Are you proclaiming the Good News?
Are you ministering in God’s name?