Isaiah 64-65:16

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Isaiah’s Intercessory Prayer and The Lord’s Response

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Isaiah’s prayer has prophetic implications.

  2. God’s answer contains good news and bad news.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Follow the 1-2 plan of Isaiah 64 in order to please God.

  2. Don’t let your name become a negative byword.

QUESTIONS

  1. On whose behalf was Isaiah interceding in this prayer?

  2. Who is the nation referred to in Isaiah 65:1?

  3. Who are the servants of the Lord in verses 8-10?

  4. Was the idolatry of rebellious Israel (verses 11-12) describing only Isaiah’s day or also the future?

ANSWERS

  1. This intercessory prayer was on behalf of the godly remnant of Israel, not only in Isaiah’s day but in the future as well.

  2. The answer is in Romans 10:20-21, where the apostle Paul uses the “nation” of Isaiah 65 to refer to the Gentiles. In great contrast to the nation of Israel who rejected the Lord, Gentiles who were not the chosen people would turn to the Lord.

  3. This is the godly remnant of Jews both in Isaiah’s day as well as in the last days.

  4. This is also for the future, as we know from prophetic Scripture that idolatry will return to Israel in the last days. They will worship the Antichrist and this last state will be worst than the first (Matthew 12:45).

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Discuss the 1-2 plan of Isaiah 64. Hint: Step 1 is in verse 6, Step 2 is in verse 8. Follow the 1-2 plan of Isaiah 64 in order to please God!

  2. How do you want your name to be remembered when you die? While the godly remnant will have a new name, the name of unbelieving Israel will be used as a byword – even as a curse. Discuss how you’re living now to determine your legacy.

CHALLENGE

  1. Isaiah prayed to intercede for his people, the nation of Israel. For whom could you pray an intercessory prayer?

KEY VERSES

  • “But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are like filthy rags; we all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6

  • “But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand.” Isaiah 64:8

  • “I was sought by those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me. I said, ‘Here I am, here I am,’ to a nation that was not called by My name.” Isaiah 65:1

Isaiah, Old Testament, TalksDeb HarmsIsaiah 64-65:16