Embracing Hope: The Messiah's Dual Nature and Our Mission

Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into the book of Isaiah, focusing on the dual nature of the Messiah as both a reigning king and a suffering servant. Isaiah's prophecies can be challenging to understand, especially when considering the poetic language and the different timeframes they address. We paused to reflect on the nature of prophecy itself, recognizing that it often speaks to immediate, future, and eschatological events simultaneously.

Isaiah 64 captures the prophet's lament and plea for God to intervene dramatically, as He did in the past, to awaken His people from their spiritual slumber. Isaiah's frustration is palpable as he sees the people's persistent sin and their failure to repent despite his warnings. He acknowledges that human efforts alone are insufficient for salvation; we need God's intervention. This is vividly illustrated through the metaphor of our righteous acts being like "filthy rags," emphasizing our dependence on God's grace.

Isaiah also points to the hope of a new creation, a new heaven, and a new earth where justice and righteousness will prevail. This future vision is not just a distant dream but a promise that shapes our present actions. We are called to live in anticipation of Christ's return, actively participating in God's work here and now. This involves proclaiming the gospel, serving our communities, and preparing others for the day of the Lord.

As a church, we are committed to this mission, whether through local outreach, like our efforts in Port Isabel and Los Fresnos, or through personal acts of faith and service. We are reminded that our work is not in vain, even if we don't see immediate results. Like Isaiah, we trust that God's word will not return void and that our efforts contribute to His eternal kingdom.

### Key Takeaways

1. Understanding Prophecy: Prophecy in the Bible often addresses multiple timeframes—immediate, future, and eschatological. This layered approach can be challenging but enriches our understanding of God's plan. Recognizing this helps us see the continuity and fulfillment of God's promises through history. [02:03]

2. Human Effort and Divine Grace: Isaiah's lament in chapter 64 highlights the insufficiency of human efforts for salvation. Our righteous acts are like "filthy rags," underscoring our need for God's grace. This humbling truth calls us to rely on God's intervention and mercy rather than our own deeds. [17:52]

3. Hope in New Creation: Isaiah's vision of a new heaven and a new earth offers profound hope. This future reality shapes our present actions, encouraging us to live in anticipation of Christ's return. It reminds us that our current sufferings and injustices will be made right in God's perfect timing. [22:42]

4. Active Participation in God's Work: We are called to actively participate in God's mission, not just wait passively for Christ's return. This involves proclaiming the gospel, serving our communities, and preparing others for the day of the Lord. Our efforts, though seemingly small, contribute to God's eternal kingdom. [24:39]

5. Faithfulness in Ministry: Like Isaiah, we may not always see immediate results from our ministry efforts. However, we trust that God's word will not return void. Our faithfulness in proclaiming God's message and serving others is part of His larger plan, and we are called to persevere in this work. [29:20]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:13] - Introduction to Isaiah and Prophecy
[02:03] - Understanding Biblical Prophecy
[07:59] - The Dual Nature of the Messiah
[08:49] - Isaiah's Lament and Plea
[09:38] - God's Past Interventions
[10:28] - Personal Reflections on Life's Challenges
[11:56] - God's Faithfulness and Our Response
[12:49] - Parental Analogies and Divine Wisdom
[14:26] - Trusting God's Plan
[15:29] - The Problem of Sin and Need for Salvation
[15:58] - Faith and Works in Christian Life
[16:58] - The Insufficiency of Human Righteousness
[17:52] - The Metaphor of Filthy Rags
[18:24] - God's Role as Potter
[19:52] - The Humble Arrival of the Messiah
[20:54] - The Second Coming of Christ
[21:52] - The Promise of New Creation
[22:42] - Future Hope and Present Action
[23:58] - Cosmic Renewal and Vindication
[24:39] - Active Participation in God's Mission
[25:41] - Preparing for Christ's Return
[26:48] - Local Outreach and Ministry Efforts
[27:46] - Faithful Stewardship and Mission
[28:49] - Proclaiming God's Word
[29:49] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Isaiah 64:1-9
- Isaiah 65:17-19
- James 2:18

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Isaiah express in his lament in Isaiah 64:1-9? How does he describe the people's spiritual state and their need for God's intervention? [08:49]
2. In Isaiah 65:17-19, what future hope does God promise? How does this vision of a new creation contrast with the current reality? [21:52]
3. According to James 2:18, how are faith and works related? How does this passage connect to Isaiah's message about the insufficiency of human righteousness? [15:58]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Isaiah describe human righteous acts as "filthy rags"? What does this metaphor reveal about our need for divine grace? [17:52]
2. How does the promise of a new heaven and a new earth in Isaiah 65:17-19 shape our understanding of God's ultimate plan for justice and righteousness? [21:52]
3. What does it mean to actively participate in God's work, as discussed in the sermon? How can this be seen in the context of local outreach and personal acts of faith? [24:39]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt your efforts were insufficient and you needed God's intervention. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [11:12]
2. Isaiah calls us to live in anticipation of Christ's return. What are some practical ways you can actively participate in God's mission in your community this week? [24:39]
3. The sermon mentioned the importance of faithfulness in ministry, even when immediate results are not visible. How can you stay motivated and trust that your efforts contribute to God's eternal kingdom? [29:20]
4. Considering Isaiah's vision of a new creation, how can this future hope influence your actions and decisions today? What specific steps can you take to align your life with this vision? [22:42]
5. The sermon highlighted the need for local outreach and ministry efforts. Identify one area in your community where you can serve and make a difference. How will you commit to this in the coming month? [26:48]
6. Reflect on the metaphor of God as the potter and us as the clay. In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control and allow God to shape you? [18:24]
7. How can you proclaim the gospel and prepare others for the day of the Lord in your daily interactions? Share one specific way you plan to do this in the next week. [25:41]

Devotional

Day 1: The Complexity of Prophecy
Description: Prophecy in the Bible often addresses multiple timeframes—immediate, future, and eschatological. This layered approach can be challenging but enriches our understanding of God's plan. Recognizing this helps us see the continuity and fulfillment of God's promises through history. Isaiah's prophecies, for instance, speak to the immediate context of Israel's situation, the future coming of the Messiah, and the ultimate eschatological hope of a new creation. Understanding this complexity allows us to appreciate the depth and richness of biblical prophecy and its relevance to our lives today. [02:03]

Isaiah 46:10 (ESV): "Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’"

Reflection: How does understanding the multi-layered nature of prophecy change the way you read and apply biblical promises in your life today?

Day 2: The Insufficiency of Human Righteousness
Description: Isaiah's lament in chapter 64 highlights the insufficiency of human efforts for salvation. Our righteous acts are like "filthy rags," underscoring our need for God's grace. This humbling truth calls us to rely on God's intervention and mercy rather than our own deeds. Isaiah's frustration with the people's persistent sin and their failure to repent despite his warnings is a powerful reminder of our own limitations. We cannot achieve salvation through our efforts; we need God's grace and intervention to truly transform our lives. [17:52]

Isaiah 64:6 (ESV): "We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own efforts rather than God's grace? How can you shift your focus to depend more on His mercy and intervention?

Day 3: Living in Hope of New Creation
Description: Isaiah's vision of a new heaven and a new earth offers profound hope. This future reality shapes our present actions, encouraging us to live in anticipation of Christ's return. It reminds us that our current sufferings and injustices will be made right in God's perfect timing. This hope is not just a distant dream but a promise that influences how we live today. We are called to live in a way that reflects the coming kingdom, embodying justice, righteousness, and love in our daily lives. [22:42]

Isaiah 65:17 (ESV): "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind."

Reflection: How does the promise of a new creation influence your daily actions and decisions? What changes can you make to live more in line with this future hope?

Day 4: Active Participation in God's Mission
Description: We are called to actively participate in God's mission, not just wait passively for Christ's return. This involves proclaiming the gospel, serving our communities, and preparing others for the day of the Lord. Our efforts, though seemingly small, contribute to God's eternal kingdom. This active participation is a vital part of our faith journey, as we partner with God in His redemptive work in the world. Whether through local outreach or personal acts of faith and service, we are called to be active agents of God's love and justice. [24:39]

Matthew 5:16 (ESV): "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: What specific actions can you take this week to actively participate in God's mission in your community? How can you proclaim the gospel and serve others in your daily life?

Day 5: Faithfulness in Ministry
Description: Like Isaiah, we may not always see immediate results from our ministry efforts. However, we trust that God's word will not return void. Our faithfulness in proclaiming God's message and serving others is part of His larger plan, and we are called to persevere in this work. This faithfulness requires patience and trust in God's timing, knowing that our efforts contribute to His eternal kingdom even when we don't see the fruits immediately. We are encouraged to remain steadfast and committed to the mission God has given us. [29:20]

1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV): "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

Reflection: In what ways can you remain faithful in your ministry efforts, even when you don't see immediate results? How can you trust in God's larger plan and timing?

Quotes

1. "A message of prophetic warning and of hope. That is what we have been reading in our readings through the book of Isaiah. In the first section of Isaiah, we looked at some of those things. In the last three weeks, in Isaiah chapters 1-39, those prophetic words through Isaiah, the prophet. And now when we get to the second section, we see some more prophetic promises, but also some extraordinary ways that God is going to work. In ways that seemingly are unexpected." [02:03] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "For some when our world is rocked they run away from God. They don't want anything to do with God because God hasn't worked in the way that they thought He should work. And so they turn their backs on Him. And others though as Isaiah is inviting us to be is people who actually cling to God in those moments. That we turn to Him when things seem out of control. When chaos seems to be ruling and reigning. That we find ourselves humbled and brought to the presence of our Lord God. Who can answer and who does. Answer His people when they call to Him." [11:12] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If God explains himself to you. We saw this in Job a few weeks ago. That even if Job knew why he was suffering. It wouldn't make the suffering any easier. Knowing why or knowing the plan doesn't necessarily make it any easier. Because we still would rather it be the way that we want it to be. And so Isaiah recognizes this. And so he pummels himself under God. And realizes Lord you alone are God. You alone are in charge. Yes there are some days I want to know the reason. There are some days I want an explanation. But I'm going to be able to trust you. Because you're faithful to your people. You're faithful to your promises. I've checked the record. And there is no God except you." [14:26] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We don't do the things we should do. And we haven't done the things we should have done. This is our problem. And so we can join Isaiah and say. How can we be saved if we remain in our sins? The question is we can't save ourselves. We need you to act oh God. And this doesn't mean though. That we don't strive to do righteousness. We don't strive to walk in the path. That God would have us walk in." [15:29] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We will come together to take and receive. Our Lord's body and blood at this table. Knowing that we need that forgiveness of sins. Knowing that our faith doesn't always match up. To the works that we do. We will come in repentance. But when we get up from that repentance. We don't just simply say well I give up. And I guess I'm just going to sin. No we continue to strive after those things. God has given us to do. Knowing that it's his power that gives us the strength to do it. It's his might at work. Not our own." [16:26] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "We can't be the potter. And the pot at the same time. We can't be the creator. We are the creation. And so we need his consuming and control. Or his conforming word. To be continuing changing our hearts. And our lives. For his sake. Isaiah looks forward to the day. As he prays this prayer. When God would break in. In the person and the work of the Messiah. The Christ. To bring about this redemption." [19:24] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "He doesn't come with trumpets that are shouting. Or archangels that are blowing trumpets. Or the earth is shaking. But he comes in humble form. In the form of a servant. And in the cry of a newborn baby. Born in Bethlehem. To a teenage mom. Witnessed by those who were invited. Who were simply watching their sheep at night. But yet invited to see the arrival. Of the one that everyone had been waiting for. This Messiah. This coming king. But also this suffering servant. Who will bear on himself the sins of the world. And who by his death. And by his resurrection. Gives to us that forgiveness and life. And that salvation. That we so desperately need." [20:24] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "When overwhelmed with the latest natural disaster, personal setback, family hurt, genocidal atrocity, or violent revolution, we are invited to look beyond our present tears and behold our future home in the Lord's new heavens and new earth. In the end, the Lord will vindicate his people. He will restore. He will restore all things. Then finally and forever, death will be dead. If this were not so, if life were random, without any divine plan, and death had the final word, then nothing would make sense. But biblical faith incests that on the last day, everything that is so wrong will finally be made right. Cosmic crumbling will give way to cosmic renewal." [23:10] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "And so while we wait for that day, and while we wait for that return, our call is not simply to sit on the sidelines and say, come on God, any day now, get here. Our call is to get into the game. It's to join people like Isaiah. I mean, Isaiah, think about his ministry. Here he is over and over again proclaiming this message and the people don't repent. He even walks around naked for three years and they still don't repent. So we're not going to try that. We don't need to do that as the body of Christ. But we do other things, right? To make sure that message of Christ gets out to the places that God has positioned us." [25:12] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "We want to be like Isaiah, recognizing that the message we have has to be proclaimed. The results are not always in our hands. Isaiah's results, I mean, if you look at his track record, he didn't accomplish anything. But yet he did. Because he proclaimed the word that God had given him to proclaim. And that word that goes forth from his mouth never returns void. And so the things that God has given you to do and the places that he's positioned you to do, I pray that he would give you an eternity mindset to recognize that that person that is before you is an eternal person." [29:20] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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