January 26, 2025

The Patience, Understanding and Mercy of God

Preacher:
Passage: Isaiah 1:1-18
Service Type:

Introduction

  • v18
  • Isaiah lived 650 years BC
  • Yet it could be written about our nation today
    • The nation of Israel has departed from the faith – the whole land is in disarray
      • There are still a few true believers – v9
    • Chastisement and judgment had come – but the people were not listening (v5)
    • Quote from secular journalist
  • Sins are listed: examples
    • Even murder
    • There hearts were far from God
  • Bad news – but then we come to v18
    • A summary of the gospel
    • God’s mercy is suprising
  • Overview – what does it tell us about God?
    • The Patience of God
    • The Understanding of God
    • The Mercy of God

The Patience of God

  • "Let us reason together"
    • This speaks of the patience and long suffering of God
      • 2 Peter 3:9
    • How many opportunities has God given to us?
  • Let us talk together – but they were not listening to God
    • v3
    • Do we live our lives as if God did not exist?
      • Worse than animals – even they know the farmer that feeds them
    • Acts 17:28
    • 2 King 5 – Example of Naaman
      • Be reasonable – God is giving you a wonderful opportunity
  • God is a patient God
    • Think about the Holy God
      • We deserve judgment
    • God gives us a chance to think about this before it is too late

The Understanding of God

  • We often do not know our own situation – God knows it
    • v18 – sin
  • God knows our problem
    • The people did not understand
    • The people were not aware of their sins
  • We have all failed God, wandered from Him and gone our own away (Isa 53:6)
  • Our sins are like scarlet – we can never get rid of the stain of sin
    • Jer 2:22, Ps 51:5
    • Example of John Suchet
      • Have you asked the question?
  • God knows
    • John 2:24-25
    • The Lord Jesus Christ knows everything about us
    • Example of Hagar
      • Encouraging and frightening

The Mercy of God

  • The deep sins of scarlet/crimson will be as white as snow / like wool
  • You can know sins forgiven and peace with God
    • God is concerned about our cleanliness – our holiness
      • There is only way – the way of the Lord Jesus Christ
  • Your sins can be taken away – like snow, like wool
    • Example of snow
    • When God looks at us, He sees we are clean
    • The wonderful mercy of God
      • He offers us mercy, because He loves us
    • Isa 53:5 – all our sins placed on Christ
      • The Son was punished in our place
      • We are washed white as snow
    • Example of ‘Swap Shop’
    • Christ takes our sin and give us His righteous sinless life
  • How do we obtain this?
    • Confess you sin, ask Christ for forgiveness and receive it
    • It lasts forever
    • 1 John 1:9
    • Are you white as snow?

Closing Remarks

  • Finishing with a story
    • Do you see the point?
    • Are you own windows clean?
    • Has God washed you clean?
  • Confess your sins, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved

Closing Prayer