From Doubt to Faith: Embracing God's Promises
Summary
In our journey through Isaiah, we find ourselves moving from the darkness of chapters 7 and 8 into the light of chapter 9. This transition mirrors the Reformation theme, "Post Tenebras Lux"—after darkness, light. Last week, we explored the darkness of fear, using King Ahaz as an example of how fear can lead us to make poor decisions and stray from trusting God. This week, we delve into doubt, a close companion of fear. Often, our initial reaction to life's challenges is doubt, which then breeds fear. We question God's attention, His promises, and His faithfulness. Yet, the reminder that God is faithful and trustworthy is not just for children; it is a truth we all need to embrace.
In Isaiah 7:10-25, God offers Ahaz a sign to confirm His promises. Despite Ahaz's pious refusal, God provides a sign anyway: the prophecy of a virgin conceiving and bearing a son, Emmanuel, which means "God with us." This prophecy, fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, is a profound sign of hope and a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness. It serves as a reminder that God is with us, dispelling doubts and fears.
However, the prophecy also carries a warning. For those who choose doubt over faith, the sign of Emmanuel becomes a sign of judgment. Ahaz's alliance with Assyria, instead of trusting God, leads to destruction. This duality of hope and judgment is a reminder that faith in God is paramount. The coming of Christ, celebrated during Advent, is meant to dispel doubts and affirm God's promises. It calls us to trust in Jesus, who was born to save us from our sins and will return to gather His people and judge the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. Doubt and Fear: Doubt often precedes fear, leading us away from trusting God. When life's challenges overwhelm us, we must remember that God is faithful and His promises are true. Embracing this truth helps us overcome fear and remain obedient to God. [03:43]
2. God's Sign of Faithfulness: The prophecy of a virgin birth, fulfilled in Jesus, is a sign of God's faithfulness. It assures us that God is with us, dispelling doubts and affirming His promises. This sign is a beacon of hope for those who believe. [10:27]
3. The Dual Nature of Prophecy: Prophecies often have both immediate and ultimate fulfillments. Isaiah's prophecy had a near fulfillment in his time and an ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. This duality underscores God's faithfulness across time. [26:06]
4. The Consequences of Doubt: Ahaz's choice to trust Assyria over God led to destruction. This serves as a warning that choosing doubt over faith results in judgment. Trusting in God is essential for experiencing His protection and provision. [31:12]
5. The Call to Believe: The birth of Jesus is a call to believe in God's promises. Despite doubts and fears, we are commanded to trust in Jesus, who came to save us and will return to judge the world. This belief is the foundation of our hope and salvation. [40:28]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[03:43] - The Darkness of Doubt
[05:30] - God's Offer to Ahaz
[06:25] - Ahaz's Pious Refusal
[07:23] - Isaiah's Rebuke
[09:16] - The Reality of Doubt
[10:27] - God's Knowledge of Our Hearts
[11:28] - Honesty About Doubts
[13:11] - The Sign of Emmanuel
[14:42] - The Virgin Birth
[15:45] - The Importance of Prophecy
[17:24] - Understanding Prophecy
[18:10] - Fulfillment in Jesus
[19:42] - Emmanuel: God With Us
[21:11] - The Hope of Emmanuel
[22:20] - The Historical Reality of Jesus
[23:20] - The Call to Believe
[24:53] - The Diet of Curds and Honey
[26:06] - Near and Far Fulfillment
[27:24] - The Immediate Fulfillment
[29:30] - The Sign of Hope and Judgment
[30:25] - The Underlying Bad News
[31:12] - The Consequences of Trusting Man
[32:24] - The Flies and Bees
[34:00] - The Razor's Edge
[34:50] - The Reality of Famine
[36:06] - The Sign of Emmanuel: Hope and Judgment
[36:56] - The Dual Coming of Christ
[38:09] - The Eternal Consequences
[38:55] - The Common Experience of Doubt
[40:28] - The Command to Believe
[41:41] - The Call to Trust in Jesus
[43:26] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 7:10-25
- Matthew 1:18-23
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Observation Questions:
1. What sign did God offer to Ahaz, and how did Ahaz respond to this offer? [05:30]
2. How does the prophecy of a virgin birth in Isaiah 7:14 connect to the New Testament account in Matthew 1:18-23? [18:10]
3. What were the consequences of Ahaz's decision to trust in Assyria instead of God? [31:12]
4. How does the sermon describe the dual nature of the prophecy in Isaiah, both as a sign of hope and a warning of judgment? [36:56]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might Ahaz have chosen to refuse God's offer of a sign, and what does this reveal about his faith? [06:25]
2. How does the prophecy of Emmanuel serve as both a sign of hope and a warning, according to the sermon? [30:25]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that doubt can lead to fear and disobedience? How does this relate to Ahaz's story? [09:16]
4. How does the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy in the birth of Jesus affirm God's faithfulness across time? [19:42]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when doubt led you to fear or a poor decision. How can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness in similar situations? [09:16]
2. The sermon emphasizes honesty about our doubts. How can you create a space in your life or community where doubts can be openly discussed and addressed? [11:28]
3. Ahaz's story warns against trusting in human alliances over God. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to rely on human solutions rather than trusting God? How can you shift your trust? [31:12]
4. The prophecy of Emmanuel is a call to believe in God's promises. What specific promise of God do you find challenging to trust, and how can you work on strengthening your faith in that area? [40:28]
5. The sermon mentions the dual nature of prophecy as both immediate and ultimate. How can understanding this duality help you interpret and apply biblical prophecies in your life? [26:06]
6. How does the historical reality of Jesus' birth and life impact your faith today? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding and belief in this truth? [22:20]
7. The sermon calls us to share the good news of Jesus with others. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from hearing about Jesus. How can you engage them in a conversation about faith this week? [41:41]
Devotional
Sure, let's proceed with the 5-day devotional based on the key takeaways from the sermon summary.
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Day 1: Trust Overcomes Doubt and Fear
In life's challenges, doubt often precedes fear, leading us away from trusting God. This pattern can be seen in the story of King Ahaz, who allowed his doubts to overshadow his faith, resulting in fear-driven decisions. When we face overwhelming situations, it's crucial to remember that God is faithful and His promises are true. Embracing this truth helps us overcome fear and remain obedient to God. The journey from doubt to trust is not just a mental exercise but a spiritual discipline that requires us to lean on God's unwavering faithfulness. [03:43]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: What specific doubts are you facing today, and how can you actively choose to trust God in those areas?
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Day 2: Emmanuel: A Sign of God's Faithfulness
The prophecy of a virgin birth, fulfilled in Jesus, is a profound sign of God's faithfulness. This prophecy, given to Ahaz, was a testament to God's promise to be with His people, dispelling doubts and affirming His promises. Emmanuel, meaning "God with us," serves as a beacon of hope for those who believe. It reminds us that God is not distant but intimately involved in our lives, offering assurance and comfort. This sign is not just historical but a present reality that calls us to trust in God's presence and faithfulness. [10:27]
Matthew 1:22-23 (ESV): "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel' (which means, God with us)."
Reflection: How does the reality of "God with us" change your perspective on a current challenge you are facing?
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Day 3: Prophecy's Dual Fulfillment: Hope and Judgment
Prophecies often have both immediate and ultimate fulfillments, as seen in Isaiah's prophecy. The near fulfillment in Ahaz's time and the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus underscore God's faithfulness across time. This duality serves as both a promise of hope and a warning of judgment. For those who choose faith, prophecy is a source of hope and assurance. However, for those who choose doubt, it becomes a sign of judgment. This dual nature calls us to examine our faith and trust in God's promises, knowing that His word is true and reliable. [26:06]
2 Peter 1:19 (ESV): "And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts."
Reflection: In what ways can you be more attentive to God's prophetic word in your life today?
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Day 4: The Consequences of Doubt
Ahaz's choice to trust Assyria over God led to destruction, serving as a warning that choosing doubt over faith results in judgment. This story illustrates the importance of trusting in God rather than relying on human alliances or solutions. When we place our trust in anything other than God, we risk missing out on His protection and provision. This takeaway challenges us to evaluate where we place our trust and encourages us to rely on God's faithfulness, even when circumstances seem daunting. [31:12]
Jeremiah 17:5-7 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.'"
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you are tempted to trust in human solutions. How can you shift your trust to God in this area?
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Day 5: The Call to Believe in God's Promises
The birth of Jesus is a call to believe in God's promises. Despite doubts and fears, we are commanded to trust in Jesus, who came to save us and will return to judge the world. This belief is the foundation of our hope and salvation. The call to believe is not just a one-time decision but a daily commitment to trust in God's promises and live in light of His truth. As we celebrate the coming of Christ, we are reminded of the hope and assurance found in Him, urging us to deepen our faith and trust in His promises. [40:28]
Hebrews 10:23 (ESV): "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."
Reflection: What is one promise of God that you need to hold onto today, and how can you remind yourself of this promise throughout the day?
Quotes
God offers to Ahaz a miraculous sign to confirm that he is who he says he is, and that the promises he made to the house of David, the people of God, that Ahaz stands as king and represents, that they are still able to be trusted. [00:05:58] (19 seconds)
I believe that in my life, I have doubted God far more often than I've admitted that I was doubting God. [00:09:16] (7 seconds)
God has a plan. His plan is still going to take place. He's going to give you a sign. In the face of your disobedience, in the face of your doubts, you're going to see a sign of God. [00:12:42] (11 seconds)
The ultimate fulfillment of Isaiah chapter 7 and this prophecy of a child to be born of a virgin is the birth of Jesus conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin. [00:19:27] (14 seconds)
The coming of Christ is there to dispel your doubts. The birth of Jesus, born of a virgin, exists to dispel doubts you might have about who God is and whether or not you can trust him and believe in him. [00:21:46] (16 seconds)
But it's also a sign of destruction and judgment for those who do not believe. If you choose doubts over faith, the sign of Emmanuel is a sign of judgment to come. [00:36:56] (14 seconds)
He lived a life of perfect obedience to God, a righteous life that none of us are able to live on our own. And he was crucified, and he died to bear the penalty for our sins, a price you and I could not pay. [00:37:26] (16 seconds)
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