Isaiah 1:1-17

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

God’s Denounces Rebellion and Hypocrisy

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. God denounces the rebellious actions of His people.

  2. God despises the religious motions of His people.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Make sure you are washed and clean.

QUESTIONS

  1. How is the book of Isaiah like a “miniature Bible”?

  2. What is the theme of Isaiah?

  3. How long was Isaiah’s ministry? What historical events occurred during his ministry?

  4. What is the emphasis of Isaiah’s title for the Lord, “The Holy One of Israel”?

  5. Was the Lord setting aside the Temple and the sacrificial system in verses 10-15?

ANSWERS

  1. The Bible has 66 books, Isaiah has 66 chapters. The Old Testament has 39 books, while the first section of Isaiah has 39 chapters. The Old Testament has 27 books, and the second section of Isaiah has 27 chapters. The first part of Isaiah, like the Old Testament, deals with the judgment of God because of sin. The second part, like the New Testament, contains hope and consolation because of the coming Messiah.

  2. Israel’s Messiah

  3. Isaiah ministered at least 50 years, through the reigns of four kings of Judah – Uzziah, Jotham Ahaz, and Hezekiah. During this time the northern kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrian empire in 722 B.C. Isaiah’s ministry was primarily directed to the southern kingdom of Judah, and somewhat to the northern kingdom of Israel, before it’s fall.

  4. This title contrasts the people’s sin with God’s holiness.

  5. No, He was telling the people that their bringing sacrifices and just going through the motions was hypocrisy. Their heart was far from the Lord and therefore He despised their sacrifices.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Discuss the scenario in Isaiah 1 where the Lord brings His people into court because they have broken the covenant that He made with them. Discuss the evidence brought. What is the verdict? If your salvation was based on keeping God’s law, how would you stand up in court?

  2. God hates hypocrisy – then and today. When people just go through the religious motions of going to church to impress people or cover up wrongdoing, God hates it. What is your motivation for going to church? How can you make sure you are properly motivated?

CHALLENGE

  1. Do you need to come to the Lord for the bath of salvation? Do you need to come to Him for cleansing and restoration? Make sure you are washed and clean.

KEY VERSES

  • “The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.” Isaiah 1:1

  • “The ox knows its owner and the donkey its master’s crib; But Israel does not know, My people do not consider.” Isaiah 1:3

  • “Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood.” Isaiah 1:15



Isaiah, Old Testament, TalksDeb HarmsIsaiah 1:1-17