Trusting in God

Sermon notes “Trusting in God Rather Than Power” Isaiah 30:1-18 Answer questions as the verses are read: V1 What is the background of Judah “heaping sin upon sin”? [Alliance with Assyria, Assyria turns on them, and they make another alliance with Egypt.] V1 Do we “form alliances but not by [God’s] spirit”? How do we guard against doing that? V2 Do you consult God for plans? Note the “range” of asking: asking God to bless and approve by pre-made plans all the way to asking God openly willing to accept what He says.] -- Do we wait on God for everything? “I’m not going to work until God tells me to”? V3 Preacher said, “Anytime we trust in something other than God it becomes our downfall.” Powerful. Anyone have past experience with that, or present? V4-11 Discuss whether you or Christians you know want to hear “pleasant things” and not be confronted with “the Holy One of Israel.” Isn’t the Gospel a “pleasant thing”? Or is it pleasant until it’s hard? V12-14 Discuss the image of a strong wall collapsing or a pot breaking “in an instant.” V15 Salvation in repentance is familiar turf, but salvation in “repentance and rest”? Look at the words associated with “rest” – restore, restoration… Compare the first 3 verses of Ps 23. “He restores my soul…” V16-17 Image of rejecting God’s salvation and rescue. --“You have to renew trust daily.” How do you do that? Is it enough to say each morning, “I trust you Jesus”? [That’s a good start.] --Before all, we need to settle in our hearts the question, “Can I trust God?” [What about the solid Christian who dies of cancer, of D. Bonhoeffer executed days before Germany fell, of disappointments we’ve all faced.] -What does repentance, rest, quietness and trust look like today? - Do you think it’s “over-spiritualizing” to pray each morning, “Lord, what do you have planned for me today?” And listen for an answer? How long do you listen? What do you do if you hear nothing?