We all have private and, sadly, public sin battles we fight in order to remain faithful to Christ. Succumbing to sin not only hurts us and others, but it hurts God. He created us in His image; therefore, the feelings we have when someone has succumbed to sin are feelings that He, too, possesses. God’s heartache due to sin is the reality believers need to remember as they begin the LifeWay's Explore the Bible study of the book of Isaiah. God Confronts Sin in these passages because of His broken heart, yet offers redemption if His people will simply repent and turn back to Him.
The book of Isaiah gets straight to the point regarding the sin of God’s people. The prophet Isaiah is given a vision by God concerning Judah and Jerusalem (Isaiah 1:1). At this time in history, the nation of Israel, which was united under King David and his son Solomon, had divided into two kingdoms – the Southern Kingdom (Judah; Including Jerusalem) and the Northern Kingdom (Israel).
Isaiah, whose name means “the Lord saves,” is speaking mainly to the Southern Kingdom of Judah regarding how they had broken their covenant with God. Isaiah pronounces God's judgment and reveals the path to redemption that God provides.
THIS SESSION - ISAIAH 1
This session will peel back the layers on Judah's heart, revealing the ways the people offended God. It will explore the root issues that led to their heartless and empty worship and then will get to the heart of judgement that will come if they don't repent.
Pay close attention to the how the study guides you through the response of God to their sin, the reasons for God's response, and the offer of forgiveness from God. It's a beautiful picture of all God offers to one who repents and is restored into a right relationship with Him.
Video Option: There is one passage that deals with the action of pursuing justice as a part of repentance. The following video link is provided as an optional approach to explaining what it means to pursue justice. It might generate discussion that will help people navigate the message of justice that is being propagated by secular culture today. CLICK TO VIEW - What is Biblical Justice?
Final Discussion-Application Questions - Consider these as you complete your study of Isaiah 1
- Imagine you were God, observing the ungodly practices and blatant rebellion of professing Christians today, some even in the name of Christ. How would you feel toward those who claim to have a relationship with You? How difficult would it be for you to offer the forgiveness that God offered in our passage today?
- Imagine you were God, looking down on the lost who openly oppose you and denigrate the salvation that is offered through your Son Jesus Christ. How would you feel toward them? How difficult would it be to continually provide an open invitation to the lost for salvation?
- Imagine God is looking down at you as He did the people of Judah. What might his feelings be toward the way you treat Him and others? Does repentance need to occur in your life? Do you need to pursue doing good and acting justly toward others?
Remember, while sin breaks God’s heart, he continually offers forgiveness and grace to those who will repent. He stands ready to redeem what was lost!
EXPANDED STUDY HELPS
As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, some groups are beginning to meet in person as well as online. The Bible study helps have been modified in order to provide opportunities for both venues. There will still be more verbal based learning; however, ideas will be provided in order to engage groups more when meeting in person. The ideas could also be modified and used for online discussion as well.
DOWNLOADABLE STUDY GUIDE
The ideas give you a suggested "script" for teaching online or sharing via email.
VIDEO SESSION
Consider sharing this link with your group if you are unable to meet online, or share it with your church members who aren't connected to a group.
