Prophetically, the preacher here is none other than Christ. This Messianic Text opens the portals of Heaven in order that we might see the glorious divine order of God’s grace and the coming church. 1Pe 1:11 "Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow." God’s Word provides the proof for what man struggles to believe! At the same time, we can understand these verses to apply to the prophet Isaiah. Israel was in Captivity, and no doubt thought in the midst of their trials that God had forsaken them. Through prophecy, God would declare His Grand Scheme
I. The Sovereignty of God’s Plan - vs. 1-12
A. The Eternal Perception of God - vs. 1
1. The Supply from Heaven - In fulfillment of Deut 18, Acts 3:22 "For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. 23 And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people."
2. The Servants Position - God also knows us by name!
B. His Preparation - vs. 2
1. The Sharp Sword (Word of God)
2. The Safety of a Shadow (The presence of God)
3. The Sanctification for Service - polished (without rust)
4. The Satisfaction of Service
C. His Purpose -vs. 3-12 That the world might be saved
1. The Messiah that brought the Ministry - vs. 3
2. The Magnitude of Ministry - vs. 5-6 "salvation unto the end of the earth"
3. The Message of the Ministry - vs. 7-12
II. The Soothing of God’s Provision - vs. 13
A. A Call to Praise
1. The Inhabitants of Heaven - Because of great deliverance
2. The Inhabitants of Earth - Because of great opportunity Ps 96:10 "Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously. 11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof."
B. A Comforted People - 2Th 2:16 "Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."
C. A Compassion on the Poor (Afflicted) 2Co 8:9 "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich."
III. The Securing of God’s People - vs. 14-16 vs. 14 reveals the doubting of God’s people. I am not secure in God because of mine own merits, but because of Him. Heb 2:6 "But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? 7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: 8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man."
A. A Remembrance that Brings Divine Affection - vs. 15
B. A Remembrance that Brings Divine Action - vs. 16a
1. Can still save the worst sinner - Isa 59:1 "Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:"
2. Can still secure the washed saint - Joh 10:29 "My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand."
3. Can still Satisfy the willing servant - 1Pe 5:6 "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:"
C. A Remembrance that Brings Divine Attention
1. Our Deficiency - Our feeble walls, we cannot protect ourselves.
2. Our Defender - He is aware of our insufficiency and our need.
Conclusion: Isa 44:21 - "thou shalt not be forgotten of me!" 2Co 8:9 "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich."
Disclaimer: A man once told me that if it is true, it is not new. If it is new, it is not true. We all know there is nothing new under the sun. With that said, I glean ideas for my sermons from God’s Word, my own thoughts and work, and many other sources. Any similarity to my sermons and others, where credit is not given, is either coincidental, or an unintentional mistake on my part. As none of us have a corner on the wisdom and teaching of God’s Word, it is my desire that any of my outlines be an encouragement, a help, and hopefully a motivation for others to preach God’s Word clearly. Please feel free to use any portion of my sermons if they can be of help to you and your ministry. It is all for His Glory.
