THE BENEFITS OF TRAVAILING IN BIRTH ISAIAH 66:1-14 The church giving birth to the lost is likened unto a woman giving birth to her child. Paul said: "my little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ befonned in you," (GaL 4:19) We must travail in giving birth to the lost, as a woman does in giving birth to her child. As soon as Zion "travailed," or had birth pains, she brought forth her children. (v8) I. THE PROCESS OF BIRTH. vl-9 THE PROCESS OF DISCOMFORT. v7 Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child. 1. There has never been a birth without pain! (Gen. 3:16 "Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thysorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children") 2. There has never been a person born into the kingdom of God that it didn t cost someone some pain, discomfort, and sorrow - through prayer, worry, and witness. (John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son,") If we "travail" we will give birth.(Psalm. 126:3-6 "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.") II. THE PROMISE OF BIRTH THE PROMISE OF DELIVERY.v.8 Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children. 9 Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God. IT'S Surprise v.8 Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? IT'S Speed v.8 Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? IT'S Sovereignty 9 Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: IT'S Significance 9 shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God. III. THE PLEASURE OF BIRTH. v. 8 for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children. THE PLEASURE OF .DEVELOPMENT A IN THE GIFT OF BIRTH Spiritual Birth brings joy on earth and in heaven: ("shall.. Come again with rejoicing, ~) ( Lu 15:6 Rejoice wtth me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.") (Lu 15:10 "There Is joy In the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.")
B. IN THE GRACE OF BIRTH (John 16:21 "a woman when she Is In travail hath sorrow, because her hour Is come: but as soon as she Is deliverered of the child, she rememberers, no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.") C. IN THE GLORY OF BIRTH a man is born into the world (Potential) IV. THE PROVISIONS OF BIRTH. THE PROVISION OF DEFENCE A. THE SATISFACTION OF BIRTH. v 11 That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory. B. THE SECURITY OF BIRTH. V.12 For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees. The baby is at peace and contented in the anns of the mother! C. THE SUSTENANCE OF BIRTH v.13 As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem. D.THE SUFFICIENCY OF BIRTH 14 And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies
