Isaiah 45:14-25

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

God’s Sovereign Grace for Israel and the Nations

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. God’s sovereign grace is evident in His plan of salvation for Israel.

  2. God’s sovereign grace is evident in His plan of salvation for all people.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Challenge the unbelieving world to “Set forth your case!”

QUESTIONS

  1. Why was Isaiah emphasizing the sovereignty of God in the context of Isaiah 45?

  2. What is the time frame of Isaiah 45:14 and following?

  3. Explain the meaning of God hiding Himself in verse 15.

  4. What is the point of verse 23 (which is quoted in Philippians 2:10)?

ANSWERS

  1. 1) A continuing contrast is being made between the all-powerful and all-knowing God of Israel and the inability and insufficiency of the foreign gods, whose idols many in Israel embraced. 2) God in His sovereign grace had redemptive plans and purposes for His people Israel, and nothing could thwart these plans and purposes.

  2. These verses look on to the time when God’s sovereign salvation for Israel is complete. When the Lord returns and establishes His earthly kingdom, all nations will acknowledge the supremacy of Israel and will revere the God of Israel who is the one true God.

  3. 1) In contrast to the visible idols of the foreign gods, the true God who is the Savior of Israel is invisible. 2) The Lord’s sovereign acts are not obvious to everyone. But to the believer He gives insight into what He has revealed.

  4. Not only is the entire world accountable to God and will acknowledge God, but the main point here is that by God’s grace, salvation is available to all mankind.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. God’s sovereignty means He has complete control and authority over everything. Some people find this truth very offensive. What is your personal response to this truth? Refer also to Ephesians 1:11.

  2. God gives insight to the believer into what He has revealed. Discuss how this is shown by Christians who observe the spiritual and political pulse of the world and seem to be almost prophetic in their predictions. In actuality they have a high view of Scripture, and God is granting them insight.

CHALLENGE

  1. While it is important that we as believers be able to defense our faith, have you ever considered going on the offense when speaking to a skeptic? Challenge the unbelieving world to “Set forth your case!”

KEY VERSES

  • “For thus says the LORD, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: ‘I am the LORD, and there is no other.’” Isaiah 45:18

  • “Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:22

Isaiah, Old Testament, TalksDeb HarmsIsaiah 45:14-25