Isaiah 53: The Gift of Faith Amid Unbelief
Summary
Isaiah 53 is a profound chapter that encapsulates the essence of the Gospel, revealing why Jesus Christ came into the world and what He accomplished through His life, death, resurrection, and ascension. This chapter is often referred to as the "Bible in miniature" because it so clearly and fully explains the necessity and impact of Christ's work. Over the next 12 weeks, we will delve into each verse, exploring the depth of its message.
The first six verses of Isaiah 53 highlight our need for a Savior, pointing out our unbelief, sorrows, transgressions, and iniquities. The latter six verses reveal why Jesus is the Savior we need, showcasing His silence, submission, death, burial, resurrection, satisfaction, and ultimate triumph. This chapter is not just a historical account but a living message that can lead us to faith in Jesus Christ, as demonstrated by the story of the Ethiopian chancellor in Acts 8, who came to believe through this very scripture.
Unbelief is the natural human response to the Gospel, as seen throughout history, even in the ministries of Isaiah, Paul, and Jesus Himself. Despite compelling presentations of the Gospel, the dominant response remains unbelief. However, unbelief is not just a passive state; it is sinful because it insults God, defies His commandment, and refuses to do the work He calls us to do. Yet, unbelief is ultimately futile because it cannot thwart God's plan for Jesus' triumph and the gathering of His people.
Faith, on the other hand, is a miraculous gift of God's grace, formed by the revelation of the Lord's arm. It is not something we muster on our own but is given by God, who opens our eyes and changes our hearts. For those who struggle to believe, the good news is that God's arm is stronger than our unbelief. By drawing near to God and asking for His help, He can save us from the power of our own unbelief.
As we embark on this journey through Isaiah 53, my prayer is that we will see what Jesus accomplished and find great joy in receiving what He offers. May God form faith in us as we look to Jesus, and may we walk by faith all the days of our lives until faith is turned to sight.
Key Takeaways:
- Unbelief as a Natural Response: Unbelief is the default human response to the Gospel, as seen in the ministries of Isaiah, Paul, and Jesus. Despite compelling presentations, the world remains largely unbelieving. This should not surprise us, as the human heart is wired for unbelief due to the effects of sin. [12:21]
- The Sinfulness of Unbelief: Unbelief is not just a passive state but a sin that insults God, defies His commandment, and refuses to do the work He calls us to do. It is deeply offensive to God and will keep more people out of heaven than other sins like murder or adultery. [19:15]
- The Futility of Unbelief: Unbelief cannot thwart God's plan for Jesus' triumph and the gathering of His people. Despite the world's unbelief, Jesus will accomplish His purposes, and no amount of unbelief can stop Him. [23:49]
- Faith as a Gift of Grace: Faith is a miraculous gift of God's grace, formed by the revelation of the Lord's arm. It is not something we muster on our own but is given by God, who opens our eyes and changes our hearts. [27:47]
- Hope for Those Struggling to Believe: For those who find it hard to believe, the good news is that God's arm is stronger than our unbelief. By drawing near to God and asking for His help, He can save us from the power of our own unbelief. [35:21]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:16] - Introduction to Isaiah 53
- [01:08] - Structure of Isaiah 53
- [02:11] - The Ethiopian Chancellor's Story
- [03:40] - Philip and the Chancellor
- [04:27] - The Good News of Jesus
- [05:00] - What God Did at the Cross
- [06:04] - Jesus' Resurrection and Triumph
- [07:06] - The Chancellor's Faith Journey
- [08:12] - Unbelief as a Natural Response
- [09:24] - Understanding Unbelief
- [12:21] - The Sinfulness of Unbelief
- [17:02] - The Futility of Unbelief
- [24:09] - Understanding Faith
- [31:38] - Coming to Faith
- [37:34] - Encouragement for Believers
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Isaiah 53
Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 53:1-12
- Acts 8:26-40
- 1 Corinthians 2:14
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the two main sections of Isaiah 53, and what do they each focus on? ([01:08])
2. How does the story of the Ethiopian chancellor in Acts 8 relate to Isaiah 53? ([02:11])
3. According to the sermon, what is the natural human response to the Gospel, and why is it considered normal? ([12:21])
4. What does Isaiah 53:5 reveal about what Jesus accomplished on the cross? ([04:43])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon describe the sinfulness of unbelief, and why is it considered deeply offensive to God? ([19:15])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that unbelief is ultimately futile in the face of God's plan? ([23:49])
3. How is faith described as a gift of grace in the sermon, and what role does the "arm of the Lord" play in this process? ([27:47])
4. What encouragement does the sermon offer to those who struggle with unbelief, and how can they seek God's help? ([35:21])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced unbelief. How did you address it, and what steps can you take to strengthen your faith in similar situations? ([12:21])
2. The sermon mentions that unbelief is deeply offensive to God. How can recognizing this change the way you approach your doubts or questions about faith? ([19:15])
3. Consider the idea that unbelief cannot thwart God's plan. How does this perspective influence your view of challenges or setbacks in your spiritual journey? ([23:49])
4. Faith is described as a miraculous gift of grace. How can you cultivate a heart that is open to receiving this gift, especially in times of doubt? ([27:47])
5. For those who struggle to believe, the sermon suggests drawing near to God and asking for His help. What practical steps can you take this week to draw closer to God and seek His assistance in overcoming unbelief? ([35:21])
6. Reflect on the Ethiopian chancellor's story. How can you be more open to understanding and accepting the Gospel message in your own life? ([02:11])
7. The sermon encourages us to find joy in what Jesus accomplished. What specific actions can you take to experience and share this joy with others in your community? ([39:05])
Devotional
Day 1: Unbelief as a Barrier to Faith
Unbelief is a natural human response to the Gospel, deeply rooted in the effects of sin. Throughout history, even the most compelling presentations of the Gospel by figures like Isaiah, Paul, and Jesus Himself have been met with widespread unbelief. This should not surprise us, as the human heart is inclined towards skepticism and doubt. Unbelief is not merely a passive state; it is an active rejection of God's truth and a refusal to accept His love and grace. It is a barrier that prevents many from experiencing the fullness of life that God offers through Jesus Christ. [12:21]
"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18, ESV)
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you struggle with unbelief. How can you invite God to help you overcome this barrier today?
Day 2: The Sinfulness of Unbelief
Unbelief is not just a passive state but a sin that deeply offends God. It insults His character, defies His commandments, and refuses to do the work He calls us to do. Unbelief is more than just doubt; it is a willful rejection of God's truth and a refusal to trust in His promises. This sin is so serious that it can keep more people out of heaven than other sins like murder or adultery. Recognizing the sinfulness of unbelief is the first step towards repentance and seeking God's forgiveness. [19:15]
"Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God." (Hebrews 3:12, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a time when unbelief has led you away from God's path. What steps can you take to repent and seek His forgiveness today?
Day 3: The Futility of Unbelief
Despite the prevalence of unbelief in the world, it cannot thwart God's plan for Jesus' triumph and the gathering of His people. God's purposes will be accomplished, and no amount of human skepticism can stop Him. Jesus' victory over sin and death is assured, and His kingdom will be established regardless of the world's unbelief. This truth should encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that God's plan is unstoppable and His promises are sure. [23:49]
"The Lord of hosts has sworn: 'As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand.'" (Isaiah 14:24, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you have doubted God's plan. How can you trust in His sovereignty and remain steadfast in your faith today?
Day 4: Faith as a Gift of Grace
Faith is not something we can muster on our own; it is a miraculous gift of God's grace. It is formed by the revelation of the Lord's arm, as God opens our eyes and changes our hearts. This gift of faith enables us to see the truth of the Gospel and to trust in Jesus Christ for our salvation. For those who struggle to believe, the good news is that God's arm is stronger than our unbelief, and He is able to save us from the power of doubt. [27:47]
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a time when you have experienced God's grace in your life. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude for the gift of faith today?
Day 5: Hope for Those Struggling to Believe
For those who find it hard to believe, there is hope in the strength of God's arm. By drawing near to God and asking for His help, He can save us from the power of our own unbelief. God's grace is sufficient to overcome our doubts and to lead us into a deeper relationship with Him. As we seek Him, He promises to reveal Himself to us and to strengthen our faith. This journey of faith is one of continual growth and reliance on God's power and love. [35:21]
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a specific doubt or fear that is hindering your faith. How can you draw near to God and seek His help in overcoming this struggle today?
Quotes
Unbelief should never surprise you. We live in an unbelieving world. The human heart is wired for unbelief; that is actually the first effect of sin on us. First Corinthians chapter 2 and verse 14, the apostle Paul says the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him. [00:12:21]
Unbelief is sinful. Now I wonder, you know, when you hear the word sin, what comes first to your mind? Murder, adultery, stealing, lying? Well, these are all sins against the Ten Commandments. But suppose for a moment that you were able to keep these commandments, that you were always faithful, that you were always content, that you never stole, and that you never lied. [00:19:15]
Unbelief is ultimately futile. Unbelief doesn't change anything. If you put the beginning and the end of Isaiah chapter 53 together, you will get the thrust of the whole chapter. It begins with Isaiah recognizing people don't believe this, and it ends by telling us what people don't believe, that Jesus Christ will triumph. [00:23:49]
Faith is formed by the arm of the Lord. Now we know from Scripture that God is spirit; He has no arms or legs or hands or feet. But remember that in the Bible, God speaks to us in language that we can understand. Thank God for that; we would not be able to understand anything about Him at all if He did not do this. [00:27:47]
If you are a believer, a miracle of God's grace has taken place in you. The arm of the Lord has been revealed to you; that's what's happened in your experience. God has opened your eyes, He's changed your heart, He has brought you from death to life, He has brought you from darkness to light. [00:31:38]
If God had allowed what was in you by nature to take its course, you would have walked away from the faith of your parents long ago. Thousands have done that. Why not you? Well, you see, the arm of the Lord was revealed to you. You came to realize in your own soul there really is a God, and He is very, very great. [00:35:21]
Faith is a miraculous gift of God's grace. Now here we come to something very wonderful indeed. If you are a believer, a miracle of God's grace has taken place in you. The arm of the Lord has been revealed to you; that's what's happened in your experience. God has opened your eyes, He's changed your heart. [00:27:47]
The good news is that God is able to give you what you do not have, and that's what is in this marvelous verse: for by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. Do you see that the faith by which we receive God's marvelous gift of salvation is not some capacity that resides in us? [00:35:21]
God's arm is stronger than your unbelief. God's Spirit can overcome the power of unbelief in you. You know, our Lord Jesus on one occasion said how hard it is to enter the kingdom of heaven. He didn't say it's easy; He said how hard it is. It is easier, Jesus said, for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. [00:35:21]
God saves, and the first thing He will save you from is the power of your own sinful unbelief. So if you find it hard to believe, here's what I want to encourage you to do today: draw near to God and tell Him what you know to be true. I don't have it in me to believe, and then ask God to save you from the power of your own sinful unbelief. [00:35:21]
The arm of the Lord is revealed in and through the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is what we're looking at right here in Isaiah chapter 53. And as you look to Jesus to give you what you do not have, God's arm will form faith in you. Now that's what happened for the chancellor as Isaiah 53 was explained to him. [00:35:21]
My prayer for us today and for these weeks that lie ahead of us is that what happened for him will happen for you. Let's pray together. Our Father in heaven, form faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as we look to Him and all that He has accomplished. Father, in your mercy, bring us to the place where we are able to say with gladness, I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:35:21]
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