Tabor Baptist Church

Introduction

• v1-11
• Isaiah's Ministry:
• He had a ministry of 50 years, preaching mainly in the Southern Kingdoms, in the reign of 4 kings
• Chapter 1 - Isaiah met with the Lord in a wonderful way
• He realised he was sinful, but the Lord purged his sin
• God commissioned Isaiah
• He was to have a hard ministry - preaching to those who would not hear
• Alot of his messages were of condemnation and judgment - 'woes'
• Isaiah had a woe, but had confessed his sin
• Chapters 1-39
• Woe to different countries (e.g. 10:8)
• Chapter 40 begins a new section
• The Gospel sounded forth
• An amazing contrast in this second half
• Isaiah is prophesying to a different realm, not Judah & Israel but to those in exile
• It speaks of a restoration from Babylon
• It speaks also of a greater day - of John the Baptist
• Various cries in these verses
• The word is to be trumpeted forth
• v1, v6, v3, v9
• Example of Spurgeon
• [Overview:
• A message of comfort for religious people (v9)
• A message of comfort for converted people (v1-2)
• A message of comfort for the world (v4-5)]

A message of comfort for religious people (v9)

• The message was to go forth to the religious people
• Think of Jesus condemning the 'religious', e.g. the Pharisees - examples
• Who were the first converts? - many were religious people, e.g. Pentecost - explanation
• Acts - priests who are converted
• Others - Cornelius, Lydia
• A clear word of condemnation to hypocrites
• A word of salvation to the religious that want to be saved
• Those who are seeking God
• Not what they can do to save them - what God has done for them (the finished work of Christ - explanation)

A message of comfort for converted people (v1-2)

• God loves His people so much that He has disciplined them
• God chastens those whom He loves
• Not a double payment - we are not judged as severely as we ought to be
• He does not treat us as our sins deserve
• Quote from Calvin - displeased with severity
• Speak comfort, speak tenderly
• There is to be restoration
• v11 - He will treat us tenderly like a shepherd
• Think of the ways we displease God
• Yet He picks up and gently leads us
• What is your view of God this morning?
• Will He not lead you and be tender towards you? [He will]

A message of comfort for the world (v4-5)

• Comfort for all flesh, for the whole world
• This only comes through repentance
• v3 - speaking of a king returning from war
• Cyrus would be used to return the Israelites
• All for Gospels quote these verses as referring to John the Baptist
• He will prepare the way for the Lord
• He will prepare the hearts of people
• v3-4 - John the Baptist
• Wonderful words
• The Lord can make the crooked straight
• God can remove all obstacles
• John the Baptist preached against selfishness
• What would he say today?
• He pinpointed sin and showed people the Lamb of God
• Our lives are very transient (v6-8)
• Do you think about your death?
• The world will fade, our lives are uncertain, but the word of God will continue forever
• Everlasting life [in Jesus Christ]

Closing Remarks