Study 1: The Human Predicament & the Divine Rescue

Intro:

Prayer for illumination

Questions:

Does God get angry?
What things make God angry?
Does God love me?
How do you think we can get to heaven?
-or- If God asked you why He should let you into heaven, what would you say?

Body:

God’s anger against Israel’s sin:
Isaiah 1:1-4 “My sons have revolted against Me”
Isaiah 3:16-26 punishment for the daughters of Zion
Isaiah 8:9 “be broken, be shattered”
Isaiah 8:13-15 “the Lord is your fear and dread”

The cause of God’s anger:
Isaiah 5 the pride and rebellion of Israel
Isaiah 10 more wicked deeds of Israel

We have all sinned (Romans 3:23, 3:10 Psalm 51:5 Romans 6:14-15) and deserve God’s punishment (Romans 6:23).

Sin is disobeying God. It takes many types and forms. (Exodus 20, Matthew 22:36-40, Galatians 5:19-21) Because of sin, no man can please God. (Hebrews 11:6, Isaiah 64:6-7) Even our experience teaches us that. This is a world of wickedness and death. Truth, good, and beauty are rare and hard to find. So is God angry with everyone? No. He is not angry with Christ and those who believe in Him.

There is hope:
Isaiah 9:2-3 “people who walk in darkness will see a great light”
Isaiah 9:4-7 the reign of justice and righteousness
Isaiah 50 the power of the Lord to accomplish His purpose
Isaiah 53 the suffering servant

God does love us. He sent His Son to be the peacemaker and scapegoat for us.

The overwhelming love of God for the repentant:
Isaiah 42 “A bruised reed He will not break”
Isaiah 43:1-7 “Do not fear, I have redeemed you, I have called you by name”
Isaiah 44:1-9 “the Lord made you and will help you”
Isaiah 49:8-16 “I have engraved you on the palms of My hands”
Isaiah 61 “The oil of gladness instead of mourning”
Isaiah 62 The restoration of Jerusalem
Isaiah 64:8-12 God is the potter
James 4:6 “He gives grace to the humble”
Psalm 130 “if you should mark iniquities, who could stand?”
Matthew 26:26-29 “This is My blood of My covenant”
Acts 10:43 “the prophets bear witness…forgiveness of sins”
Colossians 2:13-23 “He rescued us from the domain of darkness”

Close:

Now is the time to repent:
Isaiah 48:4 “I know that you are obstinate”
Hebrews 3:7-12 “Today if you hear His voice…”

Prayer