Lesson 19: The Counterintuitive Ways of God (30:1-33)

This week we are focusing on Isaiah 30:1-33. The following are some study suggestions to help you get started.

LIMITED TIME:

1. Read through Isaiah 30:1-33.
2. Meditate on and/or journal the answers to the following questions.
   1. What does this passage teach me about God and His character?
   2. How does this aspect of God’s character change my view of myself?
   3. What should I do in response?

MORE TIME:

1. As you read Isaiah 30, take note of the following:
   1. What actions and attitudes do you see in the people of Israel that has caused God to bring judgement upon them?
   2. Verse 15 is interesting. What has God been asking of His people? Why is this so hard to do?
2. Verses 18-33 speak of God’s patience, grace, mercy and justice toward His people. These verses are looking to the future when Israel will return from their exile in Babylon. Ultimately, they find their fulfillment in Christ. We now await His return and final judgement.
   1. What do you learn about God, and what will take place “in that day”?
   2. Jesus seems to permeate these verses. Look up the following cross references and see what you think: John 14:6; 6:35; 4:13-14; 8:14; 1 Peter 2:24.
   3. When God’s people are faithless, He remains faithful! Take a look at Ephesians 2:1-10. How will you respond to God’s grace and mercy in your life?

GOING DEEPER (optional): For further teaching and application, do one or more of the following:

• Read chapter 19, “The Counterintuitive Ways of God (30:1-33)” in Isaiah: God Saves Sinners or listen to Ray Ortlund’s sermon series on line. (Most of the sermons correspond to the chapters in his book.)
• Listen to the sermon(s) from Pastor Liam Goligher’s sermon series on Isaiah that go along with this week’s reading.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.  ~ Ephesians 2:8-9~