This week we are focusing on Isaiah 58:1-59:13. Jesus dies not only so that our sins could be forgiven, but also so that we could live a righteous life. The following are some study suggestions to help you get started.
LIMITED TIME:
- Read through Isaiah 58:1-59:13.
- Meditate on and/or journal the answers to the following questions.
- What does this passage teach me about God and His character?
- How does this aspect of God’s character change my view of myself?
- What should I do in response?
MORE TIME:
- Read Isaiah 58.
- Jot down an outline of what is happening in verses 1-5. What applications can you make for us today?
- Verses 6-14 can be broken down into three cycles of true obedience and resulting blessings. See if you can identify these cycles. What kind of obedience reflects true faith? What are the blessings of true faith?
- Read Isaiah 59:1-13.
- How does v.1-3 answer the question raised in Isaiah 58:3? What separates us from God?
- What sinful actions do you observe in verses 4-8? Paul quotes vv.7-8 in Romans 3:15-17. What does Romans 3:9-20 add to your understanding of Isaiah?
- What is the main message found in verses 9-13? What does God promise to those who sincerely confess their sin? (see also 1 John 1:9; Psalm 51).
GOING DEEPER (optional): For further teaching and application, do one or more of the following:
- Read chapter 42, “Revival and Responsibility (58:1-59:13)” 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 you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
~ Galatians 5:13-14 ~