Category: Isaiah

This week we are focusing on Isaiah 29:1-24. The following are some study suggestions to help you get started.

LIMITED TIME:

1. Read through Isaiah 29:1-24.
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:

            We are all sinful, rebellious people trusting in ourselves for salvation. It is only by God’s power and mercy that He transforms our hearts and opens our eyes to faith in Him. In Isaiah 29, we will see a physical picture of a spiritual reality. The historical setting of this chapter can be found in 2 Chronicles 32. Jerusalem is under siege by the Assyrian army led by King Sennacherib. In the final hour, God has mercy on Jerusalem and saves His people (see 2 Chronicles 32:20-22). They could do NOTHING for themselves. Spiritually, we are no different. We are blind to God’s word unless He sees fit to open our eyes saving faith in Christ (vs.14, 18-19). Here are a few questions to get you started in your study:

1. What do you observe in verses 1-8? Compare that with 2 Chronicles 32:1-22. Isaiah also speaks about this siege later in chapters 36-37, if you would like to take a peek ahead!
2. What warning is God giving in verses 9-13?
3. What is God’s response to the spiritual blindness of His people? (see vs.14 &18) What does this tell you about God and the work of spiritual transformation?
4. Paul quotes Isaiah 29:10 in Romans 11:9. How does God use the spiritual blindness of Israel for the ultimate good of not only Israel, but the nations as well? (see Romans 11:1-11 for more context.)
5. Read Ephesians 2:1-10. What do you observe? Knowing that it is only by God’s grace that any of us are saved should bring us to our knees in humble adoration of our Savior and Lord! Meditate on the work that God has done in your life this week, and give Him all the glory!

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

• Read chapter 18, “God’s Power on God’s Terms (29:1-24)” 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~

This week we are focusing on Isaiah 28:1-29. The following are some study suggestions to help you get started. Note: Again, it might be helpful to read these chapters in the NLT version .

LIMITED TIME:

1. Read through Isaiah 28:1-29.
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:

            Today, we start a new section in Isaiah (chapters 28-35). Isaiah’s overall message has been to trust in God for your security and salvation. Do not trust in yourself or others. Do not trust in the power and wealth of nations. We will see is Isaiah 28 that God calls His people to rest in Him alone (28:12)! He has the power to fulfill His saving purposes in this world.

1. Isaiah compares two crowns (vs. 1-6). What do you learn about each?
2. The rulers of Jerusalem are condemned for scoffing at God’s prophet and disregarding his message (vs.14). What do you learn about these people? How might you be like them? How might you be different?
3. Isaiah 28:16 speaks of ‘a foundation’ and ‘a precious cornerstone’ that God Himself will lay. See what you learn about this ‘foundation stone’ from these cross references: Psalm 118:22; Matt. 21:42-44; Rom. 9:30-33; Acts 4:7-12; 1 Peter 2: 4-8; Eph. 2:19-22.
4. See what God did for His people in 2 Samuel 5:17-21 and Joshua 10:1-11 as relates to the history behind Mount Perazim and the Valley of Gibeon in v.21. Do you trust that God can take care of your circumstances, no matter how bad things may seem?
5. In these final verses (23-29), Isaiah uses the metaphor of planting and harvesting. What do you learn about God’s dealings with individuals? Does he treat every person the same? (see John 21:20-23 for further understanding.)

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

• Read chapter 17, “Our One Security: God’s Sure Foundation (28:1-29)” 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.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. ~ Romans 8:28-29~

This week we are focusing on Isaiah 24:1-27:13, the last larger section of scripture that will be covered in one lesson. The following are some study suggestions to help you get started. Note: Again, it might be helpful to read these chapters in the NLT version as well.

LIMITED TIME:

1. Read through Isaiah 24:1-27:13.
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:

            We have seen in Isaiah 13-23 that God is supreme over history, and solely responsible for the rise and fall of nations. Rather than give specific questions this week (there is so much to see in these chapters!), I’m going to suggest some things to look for.

• There are two different ‘cities’ and two different types of people mentioned throughout these chapters. Make some lists to find out what you learn about each and how they compare. In which group do you find yourself? Why?
• What do you learn about God? How would you describe Him?
• Is there anything that Isaiah is saying that challenges your view of who God is?
• These chapters are eschatological in nature noted by the repeated phrase ‘in that day’ or ‘on that day’. If you have the time, read Revelation 19-22 and compare the two sets of scriptures.
• Memorize a verse(s) that you can bring to mind when you find your circumstances leaving you feeling down or discouraged. Persevere dear friend! This is not our home. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is our object of faith and source of hope!

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

• Read chapter 16, “The Supremacy of God Over the Nations III (24:1-27:13)” 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.

It will be said on that day,  “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, that He might save us.
    This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; let us be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”

~Isaiah 25:9-11~

This week we are focusing on Isaiah 21:1-23:18. The following are some study suggestions to help you get started. Note: Again, it might be helpful to read these chapters in the NLT version . This version might be easier to understand. Check out the study notes in your Bible as well after doing your own study first.

LIMITED TIME:

1. Read through Isaiah 21:1-23:18.
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:

Isaiah 21-23 consists of a second set of 5 oracles of judgement which are more vague than the first set, and seem to focus on the remote future. As you read this week, here are some possible questions to get yourself started:

1. What seems to be happening in each oracle?
2. As human beings, we tend to rely on power, strength, money, material possessions, ourselves and others for our security rather than God. What are the nations relying on? What are they putting their trust in? What does our nation/culture put its trust in? How about yourself? (Check out Proverbs 3:5-6.)
3. How is God reacting to misplaced trust (i.e. sin)? Do you think He is justified in His actions? Why or why not?
4. According to Isaiah 22:11-13, what did God ask of His people? What did they do instead? (To add to your understanding, see Psalm 51:16-17.)
5. Isaiah 23:15-18 speaks of Trye being renewed “in that day”. It might not be very clear, but what hope does Isaiah seem to offer us in these verses?

God is in control of history and does nothing without a purpose (Isaiah 23:8-9)! May we persevere, placing our trust in Him and not the things of this world!

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

• Read chapter 15, “The Supremacy of God Over the Nations II (21:1-23:18)” 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.

This week we are focusing on Isaiah 13:1-20:6. The following are some study suggestions to help you get started. NOTE: Read these chapters in the NLT version as well. They might be easier to understand. Also, there is a lot of good history covered that you might not be familiar with. Feel free to check out the study notes in your Bible to help you understand what Isaiah is saying in these chapters.

LIMITED TIME:

1. Read through Isaiah 13:1-20:6.
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:

God alone directs history to accomplish His purposes, and all history is moving to a final climax. God will judge the world for its evil and pride (Is. 13:11; 16:6), yet His grace and compassion will extend to any who cry out to Him for salvation (Is. 14:1; 19:20). In Isaiah 13-20, you will find five oracles of judgement upon nations. One huge benefit of studying the prophets is that your faith in God grows. History shows that what God declared, has already come to pass. This gives us great hope that God can be trusted to keep His promises and bring forth His justice at the end of time. Evil will be judged and the righteous will dwell with Him eternally! Amen!

This is the longest section of scripture we will study in one lesson, so don’t quit! (Most lessons cover 1-2 chapters on average.) There are many words of comfort for us as believers, especially non-Jewish believers. The Old Testament is for us as well! God’s purpose throughout history has been that “…many nations shall join themselves to the Lord in that day, and shall be [His] people. And [He]will dwell in [their] midst…” (Rev. 7:9-10; see also Zech. 2:10-11). As you read these oracles, taking note of the following might be a good place to start:

1. Who is being judged and why?
2. What words of grace, hope and encouragement do you see?
3. What do you learn about God throughout these chapters? (Don’t miss Is. 15:5;16:9! See also Ezek. 18:23.)

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

• Read chapter 14, “The Supremacy of God Over the Nations I (13:1-20:6)” 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.

This week we are focusing on Isaiah 12:1-6. The following are some study suggestions to help you get started:

LIMITED TIME:

1. Read through Isaiah 12:1-6.
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. We have reached a beautiful climax of triumphal praise following the Immanuel prophecy (7:1-12:6)! It might be beneficial to read these verses outloud.
   1. Take time to digest what is being proclaimed about God and why.
   2. Who is singing this song and when? Context is key, so look back at Isaiah 11 for help. (Note: The ‘you’ in verse 1 is singular, and the ‘you’ in verse 3 is plural.)
   3. What is their response to what God has done?
   4. What has been your response to what God has done for you?
2. This song of praise echoes back to the song that Moses and the Israelites sang after God delivered them out of the land of Egypt. It might be fun to read Exodus 15:1-18 and compare the 2 songs.
3. One theme that runs throughout the Bible is God’s intent to dwell with His people. Isaiah 12 ends with the statement that ‘great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel’ (v.6). Here are a few cross references that speak to this theme (Exodus 25:8; 40:34; Isaiah 57:15; Zechariah 2:10-11; John 1:14; Revelation 21:3). What difference does this truth make in your daily life?

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

• Read chapter 13, “Our Response to the Triumph of Grace (12:1-6)” 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.

Share what the Lord is teaching you with someone else! Feel free to use the discussion board to post questions or thoughts and interact with others. Reminder! This is your time in the Word. Do what time permits in your season of life. That might look different from week to week. God’s Word NEVER comes back void 😊

This week we are focusing on Isaiah 10:16-11:16. The following are some study suggestions to help you get started:

LIMITED TIME:

1. Read through Isaiah 10:16-11:16.
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. Last week we saw that God warned Israel that they would be judged for their idolatry and sin. Assyria was God’s chosen instrument to carry out this judgement, yet God stated they would receive judgement as well.
   1. What do you learn about God’s judgement on Assyria verses His judgement on Israel?
   2. Does God give Israel any hope? If so, what?
   3. What do you learn about the remnant? Where do they place their trust?
   4. Faith Booster! Check out 2 Kings 19:20-37 to see what happened to Assyria. Our God is the Majestic One!
2. Isaiah 11 is a beautiful work of literary art conveying hope to God’s remnant in the Messiah to come. It is a Messianic poem and worth savoring! There is so much in these 16 verses. Here are a few questions to get you started.
   1. What more do you learn about this remnant?
   2. How is the Messiah described?
   3. What does the Messiah do?
   4. “…[T]he root of Jesse…shall stand as a signal for the peoples” (vs. 10), and God will “…raise a signal for the nations…” (vs. 12). Another word for signal is ‘standard’. Read John 3:14-15; 12:32; 19:18 and Romans 15:12-13. What do these verses add to your understanding of just what (or whom) this signal is?

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

• Read chapter 12, “The Triumph of Grace Over Our Failure: Israel II (10:16-11:16)” 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.

Share what the Lord is teaching you with someone else! Feel free to use the discussion board to post questions or thoughts and interact with others. Reminder! This is your time in the Word. Do what time permits in your season of life. That might look different from week to week. God’s Word NEVER comes back void 😊

This week we are focusing on Isaiah 9:8-10:15. The following are some study suggestions to help you get started:

LIMITED TIME:

1. Read through Isaiah 9:8-10:15.
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. This week, we read about God’s coming judgement upon Israel (9:8-10:4) who has aligned itself with Syria and Assyria against its brother, Judah, through whom the Davidic king would come. As you read, think about the following:
   1. There is a refrain that is repeated in Isaiah 9:8-10:4. What message is being presented?
   2. What do you learn about the people receiving judgement?
   3. Why do they deserve judgement?
   4. Who is in control of judgement upon nations, and by what means does He execute His judgements?
2. Isaiah paints a picture in 10:9 of Assyria advancing upon Jerusalem and conquering cities in its path. Sadly, what are these cities known for (10:10-11), and what or whom does Assyria believe it is conquering?
3. If someone were to spy on you, what would they learn about you? What or whom do you worship? What or whom influences your life? What or whom do you put your trust in? Do your thoughts and actions display pride or humility?

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

• Read chapter 11, “The Triumph of Grace Over Our Failure: Israel I (9:8-10:15)” 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.

Share what the Lord is teaching you with someone else! Feel free to use the discussion board to post questions or thoughts and interact with others. Reminder! This is your time in the Word. Do what time permits in your season of life. That might look different from week to week. God’s Word NEVER comes back void 😊

This week we are focusing on Isaiah 8:9-9:7. The following are some study suggestions to help you get started:

LIMITED TIME:

1. Read through Isaiah 8:9-9:7.
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. Read through Isaiah 8:9-9:7 and study it on your own. Last week, we saw that Ahaz, King of Judah, failed to put his faith in God. This week we witness a faithful God who fulfills His promises. God must judge sin, yet He provides hope to a faithful. There is so much beauty in these verses for the believer! Enjoy your time gazing upon your God and Savior in His Word. Here are a few questions to get yourself started.
   1. Compare and contrast the faithful remnant (‘disciples’ Is. 8:16) with the rest of the people of Judah. How would you describe yourself and your relationship to God?
   2. As you read Isaiah 9:1-7, meditate on what God promises to do in the future for His remnant. What hope does He give them? Check out the following cross references related to this passage (Matt. 4:12-17; 2 Sam. 7:4-16; 2 Kings 8:16-19; Luke 1:31-33, 2:25-32; Isaiah 37:31-32). What do they add to your understanding?
2. Meditate on 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?

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

• Read chapter 10, “The Triumph of Grace Over Our Failure: Judah II (8:9-9:7) 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.

Share what the Lord is teaching you with someone else! Feel free to use the discussion board to post questions or thoughts and interact with others. Reminder! This is your time in the Word. Do what time permits in your season of life. That might look different from week to week. God’s Word NEVER comes back void 😊

This week we are focusing on Isaiah 7:1-8:8. The following are some study suggestions to help you get started:

LIMITED TIME:

1. Read through Isaiah 7:1-8:8.
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. Read through Isaiah 7:1-8:8 and study it on your own. Check out 2 Kings 15-17 and 2 Chronicles 28 for more historical background as to what is happening in this passage. Note the people involved. Use a map to locate the places mentioned. As you read, keep in mind the promise God made to King David approximately 250 years prior to this event taking place in Isaiah 7-8 (see 2 Samuel 7:12-17). Here are some possible questions to get started.
   1. What is happening?
   2. Why did Isaiah go to meet Ahaz, and what did Isaiah tell Ahaz to do?
   3. What did the Lord say would happen to Ahaz’s enemies?
   4. The first Messianic prophecy is given in Isaiah 7:14. God gives a sign to Ahaz that what He says will come to pass. God can be trusted! Prophecies can have both an immediate and future fulfillment.
      1. What is the immediate fulfillment of this sign? (see Isaiah 7:15-16; 8:3-4)
      2. What is the future fulfillment? (see Matthew 1:18-23)
   5. Ahaz was told to not fear man, but rather have faith in God to deliver him from his enemies. What or whom do you fear? What or whom do you put your trust in? Why?
2. Meditate on 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?

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

• Read chapter 9, “The Triumph of Grace Over Our Failure: Judah I (7:1-8:8) 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.

Share what the Lord is teaching you with someone else! Feel free to use the discussion board to post questions or thoughts and interact with others.