God's Active Commitment: Embracing His Salvation and Renewal

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound truth that God is actively at work in our lives, as illustrated in Isaiah 46. This passage reminds us of God's unwavering commitment to His people, from birth to old age, promising to carry and deliver us. We reflected on the futility of idols, which cannot save or respond to our cries, contrasting them with the living God who hears and acts. The series we've been on has highlighted various aspects of God's work: mobilization, confrontation, salvation, renewal, and now, action. Each of these elements underscores God's comprehensive plan for His people, a plan that is unyielding and certain.

We revisited the themes of God's confrontation with idolatry, emphasizing the need for sincere worship from a heart free of idols. The message also touched on God's salvation, which is accessible to all who believe, regardless of their status or past. We were reminded of the renewal that comes from waiting on the Lord, trusting in His promise to renew our strength and enable us to rise above life's challenges.

Today's focus was on God's action—His deliberate and purposeful intervention in our lives. God has a plan, and He is committed to fulfilling it, despite human stubbornness or resistance. This plan is centered on salvation, a testament to His grace and mercy. We were encouraged to remember God's past deeds, as this remembrance strengthens our faith and keeps us aligned with His will.

The message concluded with a call to those who may have drifted from their relationship with God, urging them to return and experience the joy and acceptance that awaits them. Just as a child returning to familiar surroundings finds comfort and celebration, so too do we find restoration in God's embrace. This is a reminder that God's love and salvation are ever-present, ready to welcome us back into His fold.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's Unwavering Commitment: God promises to carry and deliver us throughout our lives, from birth to old age. His commitment is unwavering, and His actions are deliberate and purposeful, ensuring that His plan of salvation is fulfilled. [03:16]

2. The Futility of Idols: Idols, whether physical or metaphorical, cannot save or respond to our cries. They stand powerless, highlighting the contrast with the living God who hears and acts on our behalf. This calls us to examine the idols in our lives and turn to God, who is truly capable of delivering us. [16:55]

3. The Power of Remembrance: Remembering God's past deeds strengthens our faith and keeps us aligned with His will. This discipline helps us maintain a proper perspective on life and guards against falling into idol worship. [30:25]

4. God's Salvation is Near: God's salvation is not distant; it is near and accessible to all, even those who feel far from righteousness. His grace and mercy extend to everyone, inviting us to embrace His salvation and return to a right relationship with Him. [31:35]

5. Returning to God: For those who have drifted from their relationship with God, there is an invitation to return and experience the joy and acceptance that awaits. God's love is constant, and He welcomes us back with open arms, ready to restore and renew us. [39:50]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:54] - Introduction to Isaiah 46
- [03:16] - God's Commitment to His People
- [05:11] - The Problem of Idolatry
- [07:05] - God's Plan of Salvation
- [09:20] - The Rhetorical Question of Comparability
- [11:41] - The Uniqueness of God
- [12:54] - Songs of Praise and Worship
- [14:37] - The Power of God's Word
- [16:55] - The Futility of Idols
- [18:28] - Trusting in God
- [21:05] - Remembering God's Deeds
- [23:12] - The Greatness of God
- [24:27] - God's Active Role in Our Lives
- [26:16] - God's Promises to Carry and Deliver
- [27:35] - The Powerlessness of Idols
- [30:25] - The Importance of Remembrance
- [31:35] - God's Nearness and Salvation
- [33:32] - God's Initiative in Salvation
- [34:34] - The Nothingness of Idols
- [36:23] - Comparing Idols to God
- [39:50] - Returning to God
- [41:48] - Invitation to Reconnect
- [43:30] - Closing Remarks and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 46:3-13

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Isaiah 46:3-4 reveal about God's commitment to His people throughout their lives? How does this passage describe God's actions towards His people? [03:16]

2. In Isaiah 46:5-7, what is the contrast made between God and idols? How are idols described in terms of their power and ability to respond? [16:55]

3. According to Isaiah 46:9-10, what does God declare about His uniqueness and His plans? How does this passage emphasize God's sovereignty? [21:05]

4. What does Isaiah 46:12-13 say about God's approach to those who are far from righteousness? How is God's salvation described in terms of its accessibility? [31:35]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the promise of God carrying and delivering His people from birth to old age (Isaiah 46:3-4) impact one's understanding of God's faithfulness and care? [03:16]

2. What might be the modern-day equivalents of the idols mentioned in Isaiah 46:5-7, and how do they compare to the living God in terms of providing security and answers? [16:55]

3. In what ways does remembering God's past deeds, as encouraged in Isaiah 46:9-10, help believers maintain their faith and perspective in challenging times? [21:05]

4. How does the description of God's salvation being near in Isaiah 46:12-13 challenge or encourage those who feel distant from God? What does this say about God's initiative in reaching out to people? [31:35]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt God carrying you through a difficult period. How did this experience shape your trust in His unwavering commitment? [03:16]

2. Identify any "idols" in your life that you may rely on for security or comfort. How can you begin to shift your trust from these idols to God, who hears and acts? [16:55]

3. What are some practical ways you can incorporate the discipline of remembering God's past deeds into your daily routine to strengthen your faith? [21:05]

4. If you feel distant from God, what steps can you take to draw near to His salvation, as described in Isaiah 46:12-13? How can your small group support you in this journey? [31:35]

5. Consider the story shared in the sermon about returning to familiar surroundings and finding comfort. How can this analogy encourage someone who has drifted from their relationship with God to return? [39:50]

6. How can you actively participate in God's plan of salvation for others, especially those who are far from righteousness? What specific actions can you take this week to share God's grace and mercy? [33:32]

7. Reflect on the importance of sincere worship from a heart free of idols. What changes can you make in your worship practices to ensure they are genuine and heartfelt? [05:11]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Lifelong Commitment to Us
God's unwavering commitment to His people is a central theme in Isaiah 46. From birth to old age, God promises to carry and deliver us, demonstrating His deliberate and purposeful actions in our lives. This commitment is not passive; it is an active engagement with His creation, ensuring that His plan of salvation is fulfilled. God's actions are not random or haphazard but are part of a comprehensive plan that is unyielding and certain. His commitment is a testament to His love and faithfulness, providing us with assurance and hope in every season of life. [03:16]

Isaiah 46:4 (ESV): "Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save."

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's commitment in your life from past to present? How can you trust Him with your future?


Day 2: The Powerlessness of Idols
Idols, whether physical or metaphorical, stand powerless in the face of the living God. They cannot save or respond to our cries, highlighting their futility and the emptiness of relying on anything other than God. This calls us to examine the idols in our lives—those things we place above God or rely on for security and fulfillment. Unlike idols, God hears and acts on our behalf, offering true deliverance and salvation. Turning away from idols and towards God is a call to sincere worship and a heart free of distractions. [16:55]

Jeremiah 10:5 (ESV): "Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good."

Reflection: What are the "idols" in your life that you rely on for comfort or security? How can you begin to shift your trust from these idols to God today?


Day 3: The Strength Found in Remembrance
Remembering God's past deeds is a powerful discipline that strengthens our faith and keeps us aligned with His will. This practice helps us maintain a proper perspective on life, guarding against the temptation to fall into idol worship. By recalling God's faithfulness and mighty works, we are reminded of His power and presence in our lives. This remembrance is not just a mental exercise but a spiritual practice that anchors us in truth and fuels our trust in God's ongoing work in our lives. [30:25]

Psalm 77:11-12 (ESV): "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds."

Reflection: Take a moment to recall a specific instance where you experienced God's faithfulness. How can this memory encourage you in your current circumstances?


Day 4: The Nearness of God's Salvation
God's salvation is not distant or inaccessible; it is near and available to all, regardless of their past or current state. His grace and mercy extend to everyone, inviting us to embrace His salvation and return to a right relationship with Him. This nearness of salvation is a testament to God's initiative and desire for all to experience His love and redemption. It is a call to recognize that no one is too far from God's reach and that His salvation is a present reality, ready to be received by those who believe. [31:35]

Isaiah 55:6-7 (ESV): "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you feel distant from God? How can you actively seek His nearness and embrace His salvation today?


Day 5: Returning to God's Embrace
For those who have drifted from their relationship with God, there is an open invitation to return and experience the joy and acceptance that awaits. God's love is constant, and He welcomes us back with open arms, ready to restore and renew us. This return is not met with judgment but with celebration, much like a child returning to familiar surroundings. It is a reminder that God's love and salvation are ever-present, offering restoration and a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. [39:50]

Hosea 14:1-2 (ESV): "Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity. Take with you words and return to the Lord; say to him, 'Take away all iniquity; accept what is good, and we will pay with bulls the vows of our lips.'"

Reflection: If you have drifted from your relationship with God, what steps can you take today to return to Him and experience His love and acceptance anew?

Quotes



Here is the word of the Lord to us on today from Isaiah chapter 46, beginning at verse number three. Listen to me, O house of Jacob and all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been upheld by by me from birth, who have been carried from the womb, even to your old age, I am he, even to gray hairs, I will carry you. I have made and I will bear. Even I will carry and will deliver you. To whom will you liken me and make me equal and compare me? That we should. We should be alike. [00:01:10] (44 seconds)



They hire a goldsmith and he makes it a God. They prostrate themselves. Yes, they worship. They bear it on the shoulder. They carry it and set it in its place and it stands from its place. It shall not move, though one cries out to it, yet it cannot answer. Nor save him out of his trouble. [00:02:00] (26 seconds)



Recall to mind, O you transgressors, remember the former things of old, for I am God and there is no other. I am God and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times, things that are not yet done, saying my counsel shall stand and I will do all my pleasure. [00:02:30] (25 seconds)



Listen to me, you stubborn hearted who are far from righteousness. I will bring my righteousness near. It shall not be far off. My salvation shall not linger and I will place salvation in Zion. For Israel, my glory. [00:03:08] (20 seconds)



We said that salvation is by faith alone in Christ. And his salvation reaches to the poor, to the needy, to the strong, and even to the enemies of God. And then from there, we talked about another aspect of God's work, which is that God renews, amen? And we use that iconic scripture from Isaiah chapter 40, verse 31. It says that they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and walk. And they shall not faint. [00:05:50] (36 seconds)



And we talked about waiting upon the Lord, meaning that our waiting is one in which we have an expectation of good in the Lord. And we discovered that we can trust that God will be who he said he would be and do what he said he would do in our lives. He will be there when we grow weary. He will be there when we grow tired. He will be there when we grow weak. But yet he will allow us to mount up with wings like eagles. And soar above our difficulties. [00:06:25] (32 seconds)



So let me get to this right out of the gate. First big statement of the day, if you're keeping track, is, God has a plan and is committed to it. God has a plan and is committed to it. Now, and you got to ask, well, what is his plan? Well, that's a good question. His plan is simply this. His plan is to save his people. [00:08:18] (22 seconds)



And to amplify that, that point, look at verse number four. It says, even to your old age, I am he, even to gray hairs, I will do what? I will carry you. I have made and I will bear. Even I will carry and I will deliver you. Look at all those. I will statements in that verse. These are the acts of God. He says that I will carry you. Yes. And he says, I will bear you. Yes, I will carry you. I will deliver you. You can trust. [00:26:16] (30 seconds)



And you can depend upon our God to act in your life and in your circumstances. [00:26:47] (7 seconds)



If we remember the everyday things, the wonderful things, the magnificent things that God has done and is doing in our lives, it will strengthen our faith and it will keep us with a proper perspective on life. This discipline of remembering what God has done helps to keep us in a mindful posture of obedience and faith, which pushes back. It pushes out these incidents of falling into idol worship. [00:30:48] (29 seconds)



And even those who are far from God who don't deserve salvation, God says, I'm going to bring salvation to you. Anyway, man, and you know why he does that? Because it is an act of God. [00:33:47] (14 seconds)



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Transcript
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