Isaiah 43

Passage-

Attention-

Introduction-

In this section of the book the Lord tells His people “Fear not”

The specifics of these verses are specifically to Israel but the call to “Fear not” is just as true to us today as it was to Israel…we are just “not fearing” in a different culture and not fearing some different specific situations.

As Israel looked at returning from captivity to Jerusalem and rebuilding the city there would have been a multitude of things they could have feared.

Main truth-

What Isaiah is presenting here is there is one big reason NOT to fear… the Lord is with them and would be walking with them through any situation they would face..

Transition #1-

What is being taught? (Explain the passage and draw out the 1st century truth)

“Thus sayeth the Lord”

“that created thee”...“And he that formed thee”

Both of these phrases are to remind us that is by the pleasure of God that we were created.

We rely on Him for our existence

Nationally…Historically...Personally

“I have called thee by name”…also the end of the first phrase in verse 1...”O Jacob”

In the midst of His creation God chose Israel to be His people

In the church age those of us who have humbled ourselves and asked for forgiveness based on Jesus’ blood are His people

There are three reasons we are His according to Isaiah

-He formed and created us!

-He has redeemed us

-He calls us each personally

He says all of this for a specific reason...

“Fear not”

The word used here for fear is not just the way we understand fear

The word carries the sense of anxiety or apprehension.

“When thou passeth through the waters”

“And go through the rivers”

“When thou walkest through the fire”

“For I am the Lord thy God”

Transition #2-

How do we understand this in our context? (Bridge 1st century truth to today)

Transition #3-

How do we live this out in our context? (Application of the biblical truth to us personally)

How should this change my thinking. (Mental understanding and/or reasoning?)

How should this change my heart? (What do I love?)

How should this change my whole being? (Behavioral change)

Conclusion

Review-

Call to action-

Closing song-