INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Lord Who Hath Believed Our Report?
2. Israel Hath Rejected Isaiah’s Report
3. Gentiles Hath Received Isaiah’s Report
Remarks.
1. In our lesson, we are going to be discussing the theme: “Lord who hath believed our report?” The question originates from the prophet Isaiah, in Isaiah 53:1. This was Isaiah’s report of the coming and work of the Messiah. He wrote: “Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him…Surely, he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows…But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes, we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all,” Isaiah 53:1-6. I have collapsed this text for brevity.
2. First, we will consider Isaiah’s question: “Lord who hath believed our report?” In this text, Isaiah was writing of Christ, His beauty, and His betrayal, death, burial, and resurrection. And the results of his terrible suffering and sacrifice for sin. The report predicts the Messiah's coming, his being rejected, crucified, and raised from the dead to deliver his people and all nations from their sins: it is that “good news” that would be spread abroad to both Jews and Gentiles. What is later learned of this "good news" is Israel’s rejection of it; and the Gentiles' reception of it.
3. Second, we will discuss how this question relates to Israel, who hath rejected Isaiah’s report. Isaiah was predicting the hearers of this report would not believe it. He was speaking of Israel, the people of God. They rejected it not because of the Messiah, Himself, but for the hardness of their hearts towards God’s words, spoken to them by the prophets, and now by His Messiah. Jesus said: “Therefore, they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. These things said Esaias when he saw His glory, and spake of him,” John 12:35-41; Isaiah 6:10. The prophet Stephens said of Israel: “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears. Who always resisted the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you…Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute…who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers…who received the law…and have not kept it?” Acts 7:51-53. Jehovah said of the people: “All day long I have stretched out My hands: To a disobedient and contrary people,” Romans 10:21; Isaiah 65:2.
4. Lastly, we will investigate how this question relates to the Gentiles, who gladly received Isaiah's report. Paul wrote: “But I say, did Israel not know? For Moses says: ‘I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will move you to anger by a foolish nation.’ But Isaiah is very bold and says: ‘I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for me,’” Romans 10:19-20; Deuteronomy 32:21; Isaiah 65:1. The Gentiles had received Isaiah’s report gladly. Luke wrote: “So when the Jews went out of the synagogues, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached unto them the next Sabbath…On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God…Now when the Gentiles heard…they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region,” Acts 13:42-49. With this brief introduction, let’s consider the first point in this lesson.
BODY OF LESSON
I LORD WHO HATH BELIEVED OUR REPORT?
A. Lord, who hath believed our report? And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Isaiah 53:1. This entire chapter is so filled with the unsearchable riches of Christ that it may be called the gospel of the evangelist Isaiah rather than the prophecy of the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah no doubt was speaking of Israel then, regarding his preaching to them the report of the Lord. Their pending overthrow, capture, and being led into captivity by Babylon. However, it held the prophetic meaning to the coming Messiah, which was fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ unto the children of Israel, during their yoke of bondage under Rome’s oppression in the city of Jerusalem and the entire world.
1. The person of Isaiah’s report: was the Lord. Jesus is that “messiah” who would come, not to deliver Israel from the yoke of Rome’s bondage; but, the yoke of “sin and death,” Romans 8:1-4; Matthew 1:21.
2. Isaiah was writing about the coming Messiah. Not just His coming, but also the purpose of His work while being “tabernacled among us,” John 1:14. He came--
a. First, to reveal Himself to the world lost in sin, despair, and hopelessness, Luke 19:10; John 10:10; 1 Timothy 3:16.
b. Second, to complete the will of His Father. Behold, “I have come - In the volume of the book it is written of Me – To do your will, O God,” Hebrews 10:7; Matthew 26:39.
c. Third, to fulfill His eternal purpose, Revelation 13:8; John 1:29; John 19:30.
d. Fourth, to die for the sins of the world; to be buried, and raised from the dead, Luke 24:44-47.
e. Fifth, to establish the kingdom of God, Mark 1:14; Daniel 2:44. Now we must ask ourselves: what was Israel looking for in the coming Messiah? They sought a deliverer from Rome’s bondage and oppression. The overthrow of the Roman Empire to build an earthly kingdom to be established in Jerusalem. After feeding the five thousand. They sought to take Jesus: “To make Him king over Israel.” John wrote--
1) First, “Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said: This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world,” John 6:14. When they had recognized "the arm of the Lord," i.e., His mighty works and power: they sought to seize Him. For what reason?
2) Second, “Therefore, when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone,” John 6:15.
3) Third, Jesus told Pilate, at His trial: “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but my kingdom is not from here,” John 18:36. Christ's kingdom is heavenly; His subjects encompass both: heaven and earth, Ephesians 1:9-10. Hebrews 11:39-49; Hebrews 12:22-29.
NOTE: Illustrate, Thy Kingdom Come. Download this lesson from SermonCentral.com by Ron Freeman Evangelist. It describes the establishment of the kingdom of God in the first century. The lesson dispels the notion that Jesus will establish the kingdom at His second advent!
B. Believed our report. Isaiah asks: “Who hath believed our report?” Isaiah 53:1. We will now move to the New Testament to see how Paul explains Romans 10:16. Consider--
1. But they have not all obeyed the gospel. Now let’s look at this verse a little closer (are your eyes on it?) In this text, lye answers to life's most important questions. What is meant by Paul in this verse: “They have not all obeyed the gospel?” Let’s analyze these phrases and words for a better understanding.
a. The phrase “they have not all.” The verb “they have not” in Gr., is hypakouo or hoop-ak-oo'-o, which means, to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority: —listen, be obedient to, or obey. In other words: to obey, be obedient to, or to submit unto, Romans 10:1-4; Acts 6:7.
b. The word “obeyed.” Is linked to the phrase and verb above. It is also translated: hypakouo or hoop-ak-oo'-o. Therefore, the “they” mentioned in this sentence had not obeyed, believed, or became submissive to the gospel. That’s our next word in the study of this verse.
c. The phrase “the gospel.” The word “gospel” in Gr., is euangelion or yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on, a noun which is neuter, which means “good news,” i.e., the “gospel message” about the Messiah. Since this word has been discussed in many lessons, we need not say much more about it. So!
d. Simply, the “gospel” means the “good news” of Christ as given in Isaiah’s report. The report describes the messianic work of Jesus that has been proven by His words, deeds, and death. It is the narrative of the message of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; that has come to be called the “gospel,” or the “glad tidings” of great joy. Stay with me; it will come together in a few minutes. Next, Paul penned--
2. Lord, who hath believed our report? Let’s notice this text--
a. First, the word “who.” In Gr., is tis or tis, it is an interrogative pronoun, which means, who, which or what: —every man, how, what, where, whether, which, who, or why (definition has been shortened). The word is asking: “who” or “why” have they not believed or (obeyed) the report of the Lord or the Messiah?
b. Second, the phrase “hath believed.” In Gr., is pisteuo or pist-yoo'-o, a verb, which means to have faith (in, upon, or concerning, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (one's spiritual well-being to Christ): —believe(-r), commit (to trust), to put one's trust in the message of Christ, Ephesians 1:12-14; Acts 18:8.
c. Third, the words “our report.” In Gr., is akoe or ak-o-ay', which means hearing (the act, the sense of the thing heard): —audience, ear, fame, which ye heard, hearing, preached, the report, or a rumor. It is the preaching of the gospel message, the good news of God’s grace and salvation, which has been given unto those that believe and obey the terms of Isaiah’s report.
d. Conclusion: To fully believe and obey Isaiah’s report means to hear the “good news,” believe it, and obey the terms outlined in the message to be saved. Israel had not submitted itself to the “righteousness of God,” Romans 10:4; Acts 28:24-29. We will return to this thought later in the lesson. But for now, please make a note of it in your bibles.
4. In Isaiah's report, he speaks of the Messiah’s beauty, betrayal, and His death, burial, and resurrection. Through His terrible suffering and death, God offered Him as an acceptable sacrifice for the sins of the world, Ephesians 5:1-2; Galatians 1:4.
a. He was that: “Lamb slain before the foundation of the world,” to “take away our sins,” Revelations 13:8; John 1:29.
b. He was offered to be the: “Propitiation (the mercy seat) for our sins and the sins of the whole world,” 1 John 2:1-2. Christ is our “mercy seat” in the same fashion as it was for the people of Israel; in the “holies of holy,” behind the veil, Leviticus 16:2; Hebrews 9:3-5; Hebrews 10:19-22. Which veil has been "done away in Christ!" Luke 23:44-46; 2 Corinthians 3:12-16.
c. Christ was set forth by God: “As the propitiation by His blood through faith, demonstrating His righteousness, in His forbearance in passing over the sins that were previously committed…that He might be just and the Justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus,” Romans 3:24-26.
5. The report predicts the Messiah’s coming, His rejection, crucifixion, death, and resurrection; to deliver His people and all nations from their sins, Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:29-32; Luke 24:44-49. It is that "good news" that would be spread abroad to both Jews and Gentiles.
6. However, what is later learned of this "good news" was Israel's rejection of it; but, the Gentiles’ reception of Isaiah’s report. There are now, and will always be, those that reject this incredible report of the “good news” of the “gospel of Christ.” In ones’ belief of it, there is life. In ones’ rejection of it is judgment and damnation, John 3:16-19; John 12:48. Some are asking--
C. What was the report? Isaiah tells us, he wrote: “Surely, He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows…But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes, we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all,” Isaiah 53:1-6. I will share some of Matthew Henry’s views regarding this section of the Scriptures. We thank him for such great work. Observe--
1. What He hath done: Isaiah predicts what the Messiah hath done. Notice, his prophecy--
a. He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. He not only submitted to the common infirmities of our human nature and calamities of life, which sin had introduced, but he underwent the extremities of grief when he said: My soul is exceedingly sorrowful.
1) He made the sorrows of this present time heavy to himself, that he might make them light and easy for us. Christ bore our sins, and so bore our griefs, bore them for us, that we should never be pressed with the burdens of our griefs, Matthew 8:17; Matthew 11:28-30.
b. He was wounded for our transgressions. That He might make atonement and purchase for us: God’s pardon for our sins and transgression. Our sins were bored by the thorns on His head, the nails in His hands and feet, the spear that pierced His side. His wounds and bruises were the consequences of our sins, that we rightly deserved, and what Jehovah placed on Him.
1) These wounds and bruises were painful, but not mortal: Christ was wounded for our transgressions, tormented and suffered pain (the word means a woman’s travail during her delivery), for our sins, transgressions, and disobedience towards God.
2) He was wounded, for the transgression of my people was he smitten, our stripes were laid upon Him, being scourged in our place, John 19:1; Matthew 27:26.
3) He was cut off for the iniquity of my people, unto whom the sentence belonged, or was due. For His life: “Was taken from the earth,” Acts 8:33.
4) He was delivered up to death for our offenses, Romans 4:25a. That is: “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures,” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. And was raised for our justification, Romans 4:25b. We’ve been made the “righteousness of God in Him,” 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 1:16-18.
5) Daniel wrote: “That he (Jesus) shall finish the transgression, make an end of sin, and make reconciliation for iniquity,” Daniel 9:24; Isaiah 53:10-11; John 19:30; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20.
c. He was bruised for our iniquities; these were the cause of His death. His nail-printed hands and feet, the cross of suffering, and the Roman spear, which pierced His side, declared His death before the world of onlookers. Not a “bone was broken, though they cast lots over my garments,” as David wrote in Psalms 22:16-18; Psalms 34:20. They looked on Him: “Whom they had pierced,” John 19:30-37.
d. He has taken upon Him the chastisement of our peace. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him; He willingly submitted to these chastisements. He abolished in His flesh the enmity that existed, between God and men, thereby: Making peace for all by the blood of his cross. Whereas by our sins we had become strangers to God's holiness and unworthy of His mercy, through Christ we have been reconciled unto Him, and forgiven of our sins, saved from death, and brought into the fellowship of Christ: and thereby being granted peace with God. For Jesus, is our peace, and our salvation, Ephesians 2:14; Isaiah 59:1-2.
e. He has with (by) His stripes healed us. Through Christ’s stripes, we have been healed. By His stripes (that is, His beatings and horrible sufferings): He has granted our souls’ healing, having been “reconciled unto God, by His death,” Ephesians 2:16. He came:
1) To give life: “I have come that you might have life, and have it more abundantly,” John 10:10.
2) To bid the willing to come, Matthew 11:28-30; Luke 13:3-5; Luke 19:10.
3) But all were not: “Willing to come to Him that they might have life,” John 5:40; Revelation 22:17.
4) That all might be: “Saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth,” John 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:3-6. But, what have we done?
2. What we have done: Isaiah shares what we have done to cause His sufferings.
a. All we like sheep have gone astray. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23.
b. We all were brought under the bondage of sin, Galatians 3:22; Romans 3:28-31.
c. We have turned everyone to his own way. Like the religious leaders of Jesus’ times: “We shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for we neither go in ourselves nor allow those who are entering to go in," Matthew 23:13. We have allowed,
1) Our hypocrisies inhibit our entrance into the kingdom of God.
2) And to dissuade others from obeying the gospel and entering into God’s kingdom.
d. We are become stumbling blocks to ourselves and others, Romans 14:13.
e. Who can deliver us from this body of death? Romans 4:24; Romans 8:1-3.
3. What the Lord hath done: He hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah now tells us what the Lord God hath done for all humanity. He placed upon Him all our iniquities, sins, transgressions, and trespasses for the payment of our disbelief and disobedience, Romans 3:23-26. Observe--
a. Peter preached:
1) First, on the Day of Pentecost: “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised, having loosed the pains of death: because it should not be beholden of Him,” Acts 2:22-24.
2) Second, later before the temple Beautiful: “The God of Abraham, and Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; of which we are witnesses. And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. And now, brethren, I wot (know) that through ignorance ye did it, as also did your rulers,” Acts 3:13-17.
b. Peter wrote concerning the suffering of Christ:
1) First, "Of this salvation the prophets had inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the suffering of Christ and the glories that would follow. To them, it was revealed that not to themselves, but us, they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desired to look into,” 1 Peter 1:10-12.
2) Second, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judge righteously: Who himself bared our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes we were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls,” 1 Peter 2:21-25.
3) Third, “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, see that you love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, by the word of God which lives and abides forever,” 1 Peter 1:22-23. Please, highlight or underline this verse: “purified your souls” and “obeying the truth”: these phrases give us a peep or glimpse into the answers we are now seeking.
c. Paul wrote: “Who (Christ) was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised for our justification,” Romans 4:25; Galatians 3:13-14. Because of Jesus--
1) Who died for our sins and was raised for our justification (to make us just before God). This was done when He took away our sins, making us righteous in the sight of God.
2) We no longer stand at a guilty distance from God: “That at that time we were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh,” Ephesians 2:12-17; Acts 2:39.
3) We have been reconciled unto God in one body by the cross, Ephesians 2:16.
d. Peter preached of this coming prophet: “For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise unto you of your brethren, like unto me; he shall ye hear in whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham: And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities,” Acts 3:22-26.
1) We are now the children of God, and under the covenant of God which He made unto Abraham and our fathers. God, having raised His Son Jesus, sent him to bless us, in turning away every one of us from our iniquities,” Acts 3:26.
2) Jeremiah wrote: “And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me. And it shall be to me a name of joy, praise. Honor before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it,” Jeremiah 33:8-9; Jeremiah 31:34; Jeremiah 50:20; Philippians 2:12.
3) Zechariah wrote: “In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness,” Zechariah 13:1; Luke 24:44-47; Colossians 2:11-13; Ephesians 2:1-10.
4) Conclusion: Jesus' suffering, death, burial, and resurrection; made atonement for our sins by the shedding of His blood on the cross. Isaiah finally spoke of this when he wrote: “He (God) shall see the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore…because he (Christ) hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bares the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors,” Isaiah 53:11-12; Psalms 22:14; Hebrews 9:28; Hebrews 7:25. Let’s continue--
D. Jesus’ teaching of the report. John wrote: “But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke, Lord, who hath believed our report? And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?” John 12:37-38. Jesus quotes Isaiah’s report attributing it to the Jews. Observe—
1. First, “But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him," John 12:37. The miracles, signs, and wonders the Lord had performed before His people Israel did not cause some to believe in Him. Isaiah's report also asked: “And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?” It was revealed unto His people Israel. The arm of the Lord has to do with His power, might, and strength, demonstrating God’s exceeding greatness in His workings among the nations, Psalms 44:3; Isaiah 40:10-11, Isaiah 51:5.
a. Jehovah said unto Moses: “Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched-out arm, and with great judgments,” Exodus 6:6; Deuteronomy 26:8.
b. David wrote: “And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever: With a strong hand, and with a stretched-out arm: for his mercy endureth forever,” Psalms 136:11-12.
c. Jeremiah wrote: “And (Jehovah) has brought forth thy people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs, and with wonders, and with a strong hand, and with a stretched-out arm, and with great terror; And hast gave them this land, which thou didst swear to their fathers to give them, a land flowing with milk and honey; And they came in and possessed it, but they obeyed not thy voice, neither walked in thy law; they have done nothing of all that thou commandedst them to do: therefore thou hast caused all this evil to come upon them,” Jeremiah 32:21-23.
d. Conclusion: Therefore, “the stretched-out arm” of the Lord is His rule, authority, and miraculous power, done to confirm “His word with mighty signs and wonders,” Mark 16:19-20; Acts 2:22; Acts 4:29-31; Acts 10:38.
2. Further, Jesus taught: “That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report?” John 12:38. It was of Israel’s unbelief Isaiah’s report had predicted. Jesus confirmed their disbelief and disobedience.
3. Finally, Jesus preached: “Therefore, they could not believe, because that Esaias said again: He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. These things said Esaias when he saw his glory, and spake of him,” John 12:39-41. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus spake of Israel’s hardness of heart. Observe--
a. Matthew wrote: “For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and I should heal them,” Matthew 13:15.
b. Mark wrote: “And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them: Unto you, it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive, and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them,” Mark 4:10-12.
c. Luke wrote of Israel:
1) Jesus’ parable of the sower: “And his disciples asked him, saying: What might this parable be? And he said: Unto you, it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand,” Luke 8:9-10.
2) Paul’s preaching in Rome: “For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them,” Acts 28:27.
d. Jesus taught the Pharisees: That their hearts have grown cold and resistant to God’s word, by quoting Isaiah the prophet: “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying: These people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth and honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men,” Matthew 15:7-9.
1) These leaders, because of the hardness of their hearts, were permitted to be: blind leading the blind, that both may fall in the ditch," Matthew 15:13-14.
2) Many knew and believed Jesus' teaching; but would not confess Him as God's anointed, Luke 4:16-19.
3) Have we as religious people become “hypocrites” as did the scribes and Pharisees? Who constantly read and meditate upon God's word; but fail to heed its warnings or obey its commands? I pray this is not the case! Lord, who hath believed our report?
NOTE: Illustrate, some believed in Him but would not confess Him for fear of the Jews, John 12:42-43. This indicates just believing without confessing and obeying Him, in humble submission; ones’ faith alone cannot yield the righteousness of God, James 2:19-24. Faith without sincere obedience cannot save anyone, James 2:19; James 2:24.
4. Conclusion: The Jews heard Isaiah's report; they saw the "arm of the Lord revealed," yet, they did not believe or confess Him. These two together meant they "did not obey Isaiah’s report.” I might add here, there are many today that believe, and even have confessed Him: “But have not obeyed” Isaiah’s report. What is missing in our understanding of Isaiah's report? Paul will bring it all together for us. Stay with me, beloved people of God!
E. Stephen’s preaching against Israel. The prophet Stephens said of Israel: “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears. Who always resisted the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you…Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute…who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers…who received the law…and have not kept it?” Acts 7:51-53.
1. A stiff neck, people. Jehovah said of His people: “All day long I have stretched out My hands: To a disobedient and contrary people,” Romans 10:21; Deuteronomy 9:6. Paul here is quoting Isaiah again regarding God’s people, Israel. They were disobedient and contrary people, stubborn and hard of heart in obedience. Unwilling to heed the word of the Lord.
2. Isaiah wrote: “I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said: Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name. I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their thoughts,” Isaiah 65:1-2; Isaiah 55:6-9. Observe—
a. They walked not in the way of the Lord, Jeremiah 6:16.
b. They prophesy falsely, Jeremiah 5:30-31; Jeremiah 2:8.
c. They were a rebellious people, lying children, who would not hear the word of the Lord, Isaiah 30:9-11.
3. Jesus said: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34.
4. Conclusion: These people had hardened their hearts against God, His prophets, and now His Messiah. There was no “word of the Lord” in them; nor, any light, Isaiah 8:20. We will put all this together at the end of this lesson. But, for now, let’s consider the next point.
II ISRAEL HATH REJECTED ISAIAH’S REPORT
A. Israel hath rejected Isaiah’s report. Now, we will discuss this question and how it related to Israel, who hath rejected Isaiah’s report. Isaiah was predicting the hearers of this report would not believe it. He was speaking of Israel, the people of God. They rejected the Messiah, not for His appearance, but the hardness of their hearts towards God's words, spoken to them by the prophets, and now by His Messiah. Observe--
1. Jesus said: “Therefore, they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. These things said Esaias when he saw His glory, and spake of him,” John 12:35-41; Isaiah 6:10; Isaiah 6:1-3.
2. Hosea wrote: “Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there was no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge in the land,” Hosea 4:1. The people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, Hosea 4:6.
3. Jehovah promised: “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it,” Amos 8:11-12.
4. So these were the days of the prophet; when Jesus walked among this people, and the apostles and prophets spoke the word of the Lord unto them. And Israel would not “hear the word of the Lord.” Jesus cried: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear,” Matthew 13:9-17.
5. Jesus the light. Then, Jesus said: “Unto them, Yet, a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness comes upon you: for him that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light," John 12:35-36; Ephesians 5:8-10. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide from them." Consider--
a. Jesus is the light. He admonished them to: “Walk while you have the light, lest darkness comes upon you: for him that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.” But, instead:
1) First, “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the sons of God, to those who believed in His name,” John 1:11-12. Listen to the Master—
a) One, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that which we have seen; and ye receive not our witness,” John 3:11. Let’s look at Jesus’ words in this text,
b) The word receive, in Gr., is lambano or lam-ban'-o, which means: i.e., to seize or remove: —accept, be amazed, assay, attain, bring, or when I call, to catch, come on (unto), forget, have, hold, to obtain, receive (after), to take (away, up) after hearing and believing a thing.
c) The word witness, in Gr., is “martyria or mar-too-ree'-ah, which means: i.e., (evidence given in a): —record, report, testimony, or witness.
d) Conclusion: These words used together mean that one receives or believes the report or witness of another or a thing. We witnessed this simple truth in the repentant believers on the Day of Pentecost. Luke wrote: “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls,” Acts 2:41; Acts 2:47. Here Luke uses the Gr., word apodechomai or ap-od-ekh'-om-ahee, which means: to take full, to welcome (persons), or to approve (things): —to accept, receive (gladly), Luke 8:40. And I might add: to hear, believe and obey. In common Greek writings, the word apodechomai is used only in Luke’s writings. However, both words convey the same important meaning, i.e., to accept, to receive, and believe gladly the word being witnessed or the testimony of their report.
2) Second, Jesus says: “And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true,” John 3:32-33. The witness hears, believes, and obeys the content of the report. We set our seal of faith and trust that God is true; and, God has set His seal of “inheritance upon us with: the gift of the Holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13-14; Galatians 3:14; Acts 5:32.
3) Third, Paul said before the council in Jerusalem: “And (I) saw him (Jesus) saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me,” Acts 22:18. Paul speaking here of Jesus’ warning unto him, “get out of Jerusalem at once, they will not “hear or believe your report concerning me.” Wasn’t this the testimony of Isaiah? When he wrote: “Lord who hath believed our report?” John continued--
b. Further, "Then Jesus, spoke to them again, saying: I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life,” John 8:12.
c. Finally, He was: "The true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and He made the world through Himself, and the world did not know Him. He came unto His own (the Jewish nation), and his own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the sons of God, to those who believe in His name,” John 1:9-12; Romans 8:14-17; 1 John 3:1-2.
d. Some Jews believed in Him. John wrote: “As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him: If you abide (continue) in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free…Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed,” John 8:30-36; John 10:41-42; John 11:45-46.
e. Conclusion: During the Lord's ministry, many of the Jews believed in Him. Some desired to walk in the light of Christ. He promised them: "If they continue in His word, they would be His disciples and would know the truth, and the truth would make them free." The Jews that rejected the Lord were the leaders of Israel. And the high priest, Caiaphas, plotted to kill Jesus. This he did: "Not say on his authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also that He would gather together the children of God, who had been scattered abroad," John 11:51-52. In this priestly vessel existed an obnoxious container, but he spoke the inspired words of God from his mouth.
B. Some Jews believed not. John wrote though Jesus did many miracles, the Jews did not believe: “And to this people, the arm of the Lord had been revealed.” Let’s consider John’s words,
1. He wrote: “But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on Him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?” John 12:37-38.
a. One, “Therefore, they could not believe, because that Esaias said again: He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.”
b. Two, “These things said Esaias when he saw His glory, and spake of Him,” John 12:37-38.
c. We have discussed Isaiah’s report earlier in the lesson.
d. It is appropriate to discuss some of the miracles Jesus' performed within the nation of Israel. These were done to confirm that His work was from God, John 10:30-33.
2. The blind man’s healing. In John, chapter nine, we have an example of Jesus healing a blind man who was blind from birth. In this healing, we see the hardness of the hearts of the Pharisees. As they pressed the blind man regarding him receiving his sight. Observe—
a. First, they questioned him when: “They (his neighbors) brought him who formerly was blind to the Pharisees…Then the Pharisees also asked him again how he had received his sight, He said to them: He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see…the Pharisees said: This man is not from God…They said to the blind man again, ‘what do you say about Him because He opened your eyes.’ He said, ‘He is a prophet,’” John 9:15-17.
b. Second, they questioned his parents: "But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind and received his sight until they called the parents of him who had received his sight. And they asked them, saying: "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? 'How then does he now see?' His parents answered them and said: 'We know that this is our son and that he was born blind, but by what means he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for himself. His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue," John 9:18-23.
c. Third, the Pharisees question him again: "So they again call the man who was blind, and said to him: ‘Give God the glory! We know that this man is a sinner.’ He answered and said: 'Whether He is a sinner or not, I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see,” John 9:25. With all of this, the Pharisees still would not acknowledge Jesus as Messiah.
3. Lazarus’ resurrection. John 11 describes Jesus's miracles of the resurrection of Lazarus. There are some excerpts we should note: to show the faith of some, but the rejection of others to the Jesus’ demonstration of: “the outstretched-arm of the Lord." After learning of Lazarus' sickness and death, Jesus made some interesting observations. Observe—
a. First, “Lazarus is sleeping: “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up,” John 11:11-14.
b. Further, when Jesus arrived in Bethany, he found: "Many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother,” John 11:19.
c. Next, Martha and Mary believed: “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world,” John 11:25-27; John 11:28-37.
d. Additionally, Jesus raises Lazarus: “Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, "Lord, by this time, there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?’” Observe—
1) First, “Then they (the men) took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying.”
2) Second, “And Jesus lifted His eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they might believe that You sent Me.’”
3) Third, “Now when He had said these things: He cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth!’” It will be this same voice that will awaken all the dead at His return, John 5:28-29.
4) Fourth, “And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Lose him and let him go,’” John 11:38-44. While witnessing Lazarus' burial clothing, we can understand how the body of Jesus was prepared for burial, John 19:38-42; John 20:3-10.
e. Finally, “Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did…Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death,” John 11:45-53. This text was collapsed for brevity.
4. Conclusion: Many believed in Him after witnessing this miracle. Others had gathered to comfort Lazarus' sisters. Still, others came merely to observe and then report to the Jewish leaders what they had seen. Then, the leaders, hearing what he did, would not believe but set out to take Him and put him to death. In Jesus’ parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Abraham speaking to the rich man: “Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said: ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead,’” Luke 16:29-31.
C. Some chief rulers believed. John concluded: “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God,” John 12:42-43.
1. First, “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him.” These chief rulers believed, even as did many others, but they would not confess Him as Messiah, John 9:22; John 7:13; John 19:38; Acts 5:12-13.
2. Second, “But because of the Pharisees they did not confess him.” Many know and believe all that I am presenting in this lesson today; but they will not acknowledge it as truth, nor confess that they believe the truth, for fear of their leaders and brethren. It takes courage and true conviction to turn from "darkness to light," and many before me now lack such trust and dedication to the Messiah of Glory!
3. Third, “Lest they be put out of the synagogue.” Why? They fear expulsion from their positions within their denominations. David wrote: "I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord than to dwell in the tent of the wicked,” Psalms 84:10. David would rather sit at the tent door with God’s people than sit in the chief seat among the sinful.
4. Fourth, “They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God,” John 5:44; John 12:42-43.
5. Conclusion: These chief rulers believed in Jesus. Yet, they would not confess their faith in Him to others. These men were like many today; they "love the praise of their peers, more than the praise of God." True faith not only believes and confesses, but it ultimately obeys the will of the Lord. We are no closer to God than our obedience to Him in all things. King Saul failed to obey God because: "He feared the people," 1 Samuel 13:24. We must do as Peter and the other apostles had done: "We ought to obey God, rather than man," Acts 5:29; Acts 4:19-20.
D. Some chief rulers were Jesus’ disciples. Many of the chief rulers were Jesus’ disciples in secret. John wrote of some of these chief rulers who were the disciples of Jesus. Observe--
1. First, Joseph of Arimathea was a disciple in secret. John wrote: "After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate permitted him. So, he came and took the body of Jesus," John 19:38.
2. Further, Nicodemus came to Jesus by night. John again: “And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds,” John 19:39; John 3:1-2. John concludes--
3. Finally, “Then they (Joseph and Nicodemus) took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews to bury. Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden and, in the garden, a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So, there they laid Jesus, because the Jews' Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby," John 19:39-42.
NOTE: To better understand Jesus' burial and resurrection, download our lesson: "Passing Through the Pieces," from SermonCentral.com, Ron Freeman, Evangelist.
4. These chief rulers were Christ’s disciples in secret. They were men of prominence among the rulers of Israel. We can only hope they became believers in Christ. Men like Gamaliel, who withstood the council from killing Peter and John, giving them warning: “And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God,” Acts 5:38-39. Consider--
a. Priests were obedient to the faith. After Pentecost, many priests became disciples. Luke wrote: “Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great company of the priest were obedient to the faith,” Acts 6:7.
b. Saul of Tarsus became a believer. At this point in the lesson, I will only mention Saul's conversion and how he became the great steward of the faith. Like other Jewish leaders, Saul-- a Pharisee, Philippians 3:5-7. Saul became the servant of the Lord after committing great persecution against the church, Acts 8:1-3; Acts 9:1-22; Galatians 1:13-24.
c. Barnabas, a Levite, became a believer and evangelist (Acts 4:36-37; Acts 11:19-30; Acts 13:1-3).
d. Apollos of Alexandria. And, I would be remiss if I did not mention Apollos, of Alexandria, a rabbi that came from Egypt to Ephesus: to learn about the Messiah. So skilled was he in preaching the word that a loving couple: “Taught him the way of God more perfectly,” Acts 18:24-28. He later became a great help to the church at Corinth, 1 Corinthians 1:11-13; 1 Corinthians 3:5-7; 1 Corinthians 4:6.
e. Conclusion: Although there was a great success of these preaching Christ to the Jews and Gentiles, Israel remained in disbelief and disobedient to the gospel. A great host of these leaders shed their robes of righteousness and took upon them the banner of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Their sound indeed went into all the earth, and many of their peers became obedient to the faith because of their work. However, for the most part, Israel remains unconverted because of the "hardness of their heart before God."
5. Israel did not believe. Paul wrote: "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: "Their sound (message) has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. But I say, did Israel not know?" Romans 10:17-19. All these questions were rhetorical. Yes, Israel knew. But Israel did not believe and obey Isaiah's report regarding the Messiah. However, all was not lost, for God had prepared Himself a "remnant” that would obey His voice, Romans 9:27-28; Romans 11:5-8. Let’s now see the elect of God, His chosen generation, His royal priesthood.
E. A chosen generation. Significant numbers of Jews did believe and obey the gospel through the preaching of Peter, Paul, and James, the Lord’s brother. Peter makes mention of these—
1. Peter wrote: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy,” 1 Peter 2:9-10; 1 Peter 1:1-2. Peter was chosen to be the first to preach to both the Jews and Gentiles: the gospel of Christ.
a. To the Jews first, Acts 2:1-41.
b. To the Gentiles later, Acts 10:1-48; Acts 11:1-18.
c. Peter rehearsed this appointment before the Jerusalem Council, Acts 15:7-11.
d. James acknowledges God's plan to call out of the Gentiles: "A people for his name…And to build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen," Acts 15:13-17; Amos 9:11-12.
2. James wrote: “James, a bondservant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience,” James 1:1-3. James was one of the “pillars” in Jerusalem, Galatians 2:6-10.
3. Paul preached to the Jews. But he was called to be a "light unto the Gentiles, for salvation unto the ends of the earth," Acts 13:47; Acts 26:23.
a. Paul was called from his mother’s womb to preach unto the heathen, Galatians 1:15-16.
b. He was sent unto the Gentiles by the Lord, Acts 9:15-16; Acts 22:21.
c. He was prepared to preach unto kings and Caesar, Acts 24:24-26; Acts 25:22-27; and Acts 26:1-32.
d. Paul was sent to Rome to bear witness of Jesus unto the Emperor, 2 Timothy 4:16-18.
4. What a great privilege it was for Paul to share Christ unto Caesar in Rome. We are now ready to discuss the last point in this lesson. We are nearing the end, and I will bring it all together and conclude: if it is the Lord's will.
III GENTILES HATH RECEIVED ISAIAH’S REPORT
A. It was the Gentiles who hath received Isaiah’s report gladly. Paul wrote: “But I say, did Israel not know? For Moses says: ‘I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will move you to anger by a foolish nation.’ But Isaiah is very bold and says: ‘I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for me,’” Romans 10:19-20; Deuteronomy 32:21; Isaiah 65:1-2. Paul now speaks to Moses and Isaiah's prophecy of the nation's rejection of the Messiah. Observe--
1. First, Moses reported Jehovah saying: “I will provoke you (Israel) to jealousy by those who are not a nation (the Gentiles), I will move you to anger by a foolish nation,” Deuteronomy 32:21; Romans 10:19. Of this promise, Hosea wrote--
a. One, "And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it is written unto them, Ye are not my people, there it is said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God. Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Jezreel,” Hosea 1:10-11. Jezreel, in Hebrew, means, "God scatters."
b. Two, "Therefore, those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word," Acts 8:1; Acts 8:4; Acts 11:19. The persecution of Saul brought forth the scattering of the disciples into all the world. It was fulfilling Jehovah's promise of the day of Jezreel, Hosea 1:10-11.
c. Third, "And it shall come to pass in that day…I will sow her unto me in the earth, and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy, and I will say to them which were not my people: Thou are my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God," Hosea 2:21-23.
d. Conclusion: As Israel provoke the Lord to anger, He provoked them to jealousy. They forsook him, but he would be found and loved by a people who were not his people. I see in Hosea’s prophecy: that people are the Gentiles.
1) Amos wrote: “In that day will I raise the tabernacle of David that is fallen…I will build it as in the days of old…That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen (Gentiles), which are call by my name, saith the Lord that doeth this,” Amos 9:11-12.
2) James, the Lord’s brother at the Jerusalem Conference: Reported, “Simon, has declared how God at first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: 'After this, I will return and will build the tabernacle of David, which is fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up; so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, says the Lord who does all these things,’” Acts 15:13-17. James was quoting the prophet, Amos.
2. Further, Isaiah wrote: “But Isaiah is very bold and says: ‘I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for me,’” Isaiah 65:1-2; Romans 10:20. Paul wrote of His manifestation: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit; seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, and received up into glory,” 1 Timothy 3:16.
3. Finally, Isaiah wrote of Jehovah’s rebuke: “But to Israel He saith: All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people,” Romans 10:21.
a. The word “disobedient” in Gr., is apeitheo or ap-i-theh'-o, which means to disbelieve (willfully and perversely): —not believe, disobedient, obey not, unbelieving. That is to refuse or withhold one's belief, to refuse to believe and be obedient, and to be unwilling to submit to the will of God, Romans 10:3. This attitude was the state of the Israelite Nation at the time Paul wrote his Letter to the Romans.
b. The word “gainsaying” in Gr., is antilego or an-til'-ego, which means to dispute, refuse: —answer again, contradict, deny, gainsay(-er), or speaking against the word. That is to oppose one's self to another, decline to obey him, to declare one's self against a thing, to refuse to have anything to do with a thing. Israel was speaking against Isaiah's report; they were unwilling to hear, or believe, or obeying the terms of it, Acts 13:45; Acts 28:19-22.
c. The word, not to “submit” in Gr., is hypotasso or hoop-ot-as'-so, which means not to yield, to subordinate; or to obey: —to be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), to be (put) in subjection (to, under), or to submit one’s self unto another, Romans 10:3; Ephesians 5:21; James 4:7. This word is a Greek military term meaning "to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader." In non-military use, it means with "a voluntary attitude giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden," Matthew 16:24; Psalms 18:44.
d. Conclusion: Here we have it, Israel would not voluntarily submit themselves to the will of God in obedience to Isaiah's report. They would not submit themselves unto the righteousness of God: “Which is through the faith in Christ,” Philippians 3:9; Romans 10:4. “For Isaiah saith, ‘Lord, who hath believed our report?” But they have not all (Jews and Gentiles) obeyed the gospel. They have not yielded their will unto the Lord, in humble submission to hearing, believing, and obeying the gospel of Christ, Romans 10:16-17. However,
B. The Gentiles gladly received Isaiah’s report. Paul and Barnabas were preaching unto the Jews and Gentiles, while in Antioch in Pisidia, in Acts 13:14. Luke recorded--
1. First, of the Jews. Paul declared: "Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him, everyone who believes is justified from all things from which the law of Moses could not justify you. Beware, therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you: 'Behold, you despisers, marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, a work which you will by no means believe, Though one were to declare it to you.' So, when the Jews went out of the synagogue…(And) the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas. They, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God,” Acts 13:38-43.
2. Further, of the Gentiles. Luke continued: “So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached unto them the next Sabbath…On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God…Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region,” Acts 13:42-49.
3. Finally, the Jews’ reaction. Luke concludes: "But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, (to) raise persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and came to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit,” Acts 13:50-52.
4. Conclusion: The congregation seems to have been made up of unbelieving Jews, Gentiles, proselytes, and believing Jews (maybe from Jerusalem), Acts 8:1; Acts 8:4; and Acts 11:19.
a. The unbelieving Jews left the congregation unbelieving.
b. The Gentiles begged Paul and Barnabas to remain and preach to them on the next Sabbath.
c. The believing Jews and proselytes continued with them and were encouraged to continue in the grace of God. On the following Sabbath, Paul and Barnabas preached to the Gentiles; almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God, Acts 13:44; Romans 10:17.
d. When the unbelieving Jews:
1) First, "Saw the multitude, they were filled with envy and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul."
2) Second, “Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said: The word of God needed to be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us: I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth,” Acts 13:46-47.
3) Third, “Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region,” Acts 13:48-49.
C. Peter’s preaching to the Gentiles. This beloved apostle was charged with opening the door of faith to both the Jews and Gentiles. We have already noted his preaching to the Jews in Acts, chapters 2 and 3. We will now consider his preaching unto the Gentiles in Acts, chapters 10 and 11. Peter, while in Joppa, was summoned to journey to Caesarea to preach Christ unto the first uncircumcised Gentile and his household. Observe--
1. Peter’s second mission was to open the door of faith to the Gentiles. He did this while visiting the house of Cornelius in Caesarea. We will not invest a lot of time with Cornelius’ conversion, only to outline the significant events surrounding it. I wrote about Cornelius and Joel's prophecy regarding the Gentiles, Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:14-21.
2. While Peter was in Joppa, the angel of the Lord visited Cornelius to grant an answer to his prayer. The angel of the Lord spoke to him, saying: "Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thy alms are come up before God as a memorial. Therefore, send to Joppa and call for Peter, he lodges in Simon of Tanner’s house by the sea. He will tell thee what thou must do,” Acts 10:1-6. The angel instructs Cornelius what to do to obtain an answer to his prayers to God.
3. Cornelius sends men to Joppa to fetch Peter, Acts 10:7-8. While they were enroute—
a. Peter went up on the roof of Simon's house and was given a vision by the Lord, Acts 10:9-18.
b. While Peter was considering the vision, the Spirit told him men were seeking him at the gate. And he should go down and go with them, doubting nothing, Acts 10:19-20.
c. Peter meets the men sent from Caesarea and enquires regarding their visit, Acts 10:21.
4. The messengers of Cornelius informed Peter of their visit and why they sought him in Caesarea. The messengers were invited into Simon’s house, fed, and lodged overnight. They all set out for Caesarea early on the next day, Acts 10:22-23.
5. Peter’s arrival at Cornelius' house, Acts 10:24. He had brought along seven men with him to Caesarea. No doubt as witnesses to the events about to unfold. Observe--
a. Cornelius met Peter and others at the door of his house. Cornelius sought to do homage to Peter but was forbidden, Acts 10:25-29. He said: “Stand up, I am also a man,” Acts 10:26.
b. Cornelius told Peter the reason for the summon to his house, Acts 10:30-33.
c. Peter opened his mouth and began to preach unto Cornelius and all within his house, Acts 10:34-43. Stating God had taught him: "Not to call any man common or unclean," Acts 10:27. But that: "He accepts every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness," Acts 10:34-35. During Peter’s sermon--
6. The Holy Spirit "fell upon all that heard the word. Peter and the others witnessed them speaking in tongues and magnifying God,” Acts 10:44-46. Peter commands them to be baptized “in the name of the Lord,” Acts 10:47-48. They were baptized, those who had “received the gift of tongues from the Holy Spirit, just as Peter had” on Pentecost, Acts 10:47; Acts 2:1-4.
7. Peter and the seven returned to Jerusalem. They reported to the brethren what occurred in the city of Caesarea, Acts 11:1-17. All the brethren held their peace and gave glory to God, Acts 11:18. This event was the fulfillment of God’s promise to “pour out of His Spirit upon all flesh,” Acts 2:17. Peter rehearsed this event at the Jerusalem Council before the brethren, Acts 15:7-12. He was granted by Christ the promise to preach first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. The great door of faith was open unto both the Jews and the Gentiles. We will now consider Paul’s preaching unto the Gentiles.
D. Paul’s preaching to the Gentiles. We must again return to Paul’s Letter to the Romans. He outlines his success in preaching to the Gentiles. Observe--
1. He wrote: “But I say, did Israel not know? For Moses says: ‘I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will move you to anger by a foolish nation.’ But Isaiah is very bold and says: ‘I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for me,’” Romans 10:19-20; Deuteronomy 32:21; Isaiah 65:1-2.
a. Those that were found who had not sought the Lord were the Gentiles.
b. Peter called them the “afar off” on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:39.
c. Paul also called them the “afar off” in his Letter to the Ephesians, Ephesians 2:13.
2. These were the other sheep Jesus: “Had which were not yet of His fold. Them He would bring, and they would hear His voice; and there would be one-fold and one shepherd,” John 10:16. In Ephesians chapter two, Paul discusses how the Gentiles had become part of the one body, the one new man: "Being no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,” Ephesians 2:11-19; Ephesians 3:1-7.
3. To the Romans Paul wrote: “Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God:”
a. First, “That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.”
b. Second, “I have therefore of which I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed: Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God.” Notice Paul’s affidavit of what Christ hath wrought by him:
1) “That I should be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles,” Romans 1:13; Romans 1:16.
2) “That I enabled the Gentiles’ obedient, by word and deed,” Romans 1:5; Romans 16:25-26.
3) “Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God,” 2 Corinthians 12:12; Acts 14:8-10.
4) Conclusion: Paul’s work among the Gentiles was done that they might become "obedient to the faith." These works were done through mighty signs and wonders by the power of the Spirit of God. Indeed, the "arm of the Lord" was being manifested through Paul's preaching of Christ among the Gentiles: that they might become obedient to the faith by word and deed: i.e., “hearing, believing and baptism,” Acts 18:8. To Corinth, he later wrote: “But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God,” 1 Corinthians 6:11; Acts 22:16; 1 Corinthians 12:13.
c. Third, “So that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum: I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation.”
d. Lastly, “But as it is written: To whom He was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand,” Romans 15:14-21. What an excellent text to discuss Paul's work among the Gentiles. They were willing to be submissive unto the will and word of God, 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14.
e. Conclusion: Paul, as the minister unto the Gentiles, had great success in preaching Christ unto these nations who were in search of the truth. It did not take great debate and dispute for these to hear, believe and obey the gospel's truth. Unlike the Jews, who spoke against the words of the prophet Isaiah and Paul: The Gentiles received the word of the Lord gladly.
1) This was in fulfillment of Peter’s words on Pentecost: “For the promise is unto you, and to your children (Jews), and to all that are afar off (the Gentiles), even as many as may call upon the Lord, our God…And with many other words he testified and exhorted…Then they that gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them,” Acts 2:39-41. They “gladly received his word,” not, “sadly, madly, or badly!” I wish I had some help in this lesson. Notice--
2) The verse (Acts 2:39) in The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament reads like this: “As many as may call to (the) Lord our God," Page 317.
3) Each of the souls mentioned in this text was: “Calling upon the name of the Lord to be saved.” God’s call to them and the world had already gone out through Isaiah’s prophecy, Romans 10:17-18. For a better understanding of Acts 2:39 and the other text mentioning God’s call.
NOTE: Download our lesson: “Calling upon the name of the Lord,” from SermonCentral.com, by Ron Freeman, Evangelist. It discusses the verses: “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved,” in Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21; Acts 2:39; and Romans 10:13. We are now ready to begin concluding this lesson. We are going to let Paul clarify what he meant in Romans 10:16-17. I thank you for your patience and cooperation.
4. Recall, I mentioned earlier we would return to how the Romans obeyed the gospel? We are now to discuss it while moving to a conclusion. You have been a wonderful audience today/tonight. Return with me to Romans, chapter 10, and let's look at verse 16 again. Stay with me; the answer is forthcoming.
E. Paul’s interpretation of the report. Paul wrote: “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" Romans 10:16. Paul, in this text, ties it all up for us. As we earlier learned, the word "believed" includes obedience. Well, church, I ask:
1. What was not obeyed? Many today believe the report. But most have not obeyed it. I wish I had some help in this lesson. Paul ties together in this verse the words: “believed and obeyed.” Notice how he presents an explanation of what Isaiah meant in his report. Observe—
a. For they have not all obeyed the gospel. He begins to interpret the report with: “they have not all obeyed the gospel." Both Jews and Gentiles are declared to be disobedient. Though all have heard; not, all have obeyed, Romans 10:18; Colossians 1:3-6; Colossians 1:23.
b. For Isaiah saith, Lord: “Who hath believed our report?” The report was not believed by all the Jews and Gentiles that heard Paul’s preaching of the gospel. Therefore,
c. Isaiah meant, as Paul now interprets it: “they have not all obeyed the terms of the report." The terms of the report are: to hear, believe, and obey the gospel of Christ, Romans 1:16-17.
1) What if we reverse the two sentences in this verse?
2) It would read like this:
a. One, “Lord, who hath believed our report?”
b. Two, “For they have all not obeyed the gospel,” Romans 10:16.
c. Three, noting this text in this order indicates Paul was answering: what they had not done, as well as having not believed. Stay with me, beloved in the Lord. I ask,
3) Wasn’t this Isaiah’s fundamental question: “Lord, who hath believed your report?” Israel has not considered being submissive or obedient to Isaiah’s report,” Isaiah 53:1; Isaiah 52:15; Luke 22:37. However, all Israel had not been obedient to the report. Although, many had been obedient to the faith, both Jews and Gentiles. Consider--
a) Priest were obedient to the faith, Acts 6:7; Acts 2:47; Acts 4:4; Acts 5:14.
b) A chief ruler of the synagogue believed in the Lord, Acts 18:8; 1 Corinthians 1:14-17.
c) Many Gentiles had become “obedient to the faith,” Romans 1:5; Romans 16:25-27.
d) The Galatians believed and obeyed but were being troubled by false teachers, Galatians 1:6-12; Galatians 3:1-4; Galatians 3:14. Paul had to defend his teaching of the gospel of Christ; and their obedience to it against the “men from James,” Galatians 2:1-16.
d. Jesus, before ascending into heaven, outlined His terms of obedience to the “good news,” Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16. If the Master is doing the saving, He has the authority to dictate what we must do to be saved, Matthew 11:28-30; John 5:37-40; John 6:44-45.
e. The question before us now is this: “Have you believed and obeyed the terms of the Lord’s report?” As a great company of Jews and Gentiles refused to obey His terms, so have many today. They have set their terms of obedience but have not "believed and obeyed" the Lord’s terms of His report. Let’s,
2. Notice how Paul links together: “they have not all obeyed the gospel;” with: “who hath believed our report?” Recall, Isaiah was writing by the revelation of the Holy Spirit about the Lord’s report? When he asked: “Lord, who hath believed our report?” Isaiah 53:1.
a. Paul is NOW writing by inspiration the interpretation of Isaiah’s prophecy: “Lord who hath believed our report;” to mean: “They have not obeyed the gospel.” Recall, Peter wrote: “Knowing this first, that: “No prophecy of the Scriptures is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy never came by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit,” 2 Peter 1:20-21; 1 Peter 1:10-12.
b. Therefore, the gospel message was the report that was not "believed and obeyed" by those who heard it, both Jews and Gentiles. And I sadly say, by far too many even unto this day!
c. Isaiah was speaking prophetically regarding the report: "the gospel." Paul wrote from heartfelt experience after preaching, both to the Jews and Gentiles. Both heard it, but not all had "obeyed the gospel." What then is meant by to obey the gospel? I thought you would never ask!
3. Obeyed the gospel. To fully believe and obey Isaiah’s report means to hear the “good news,” believe it, and obey the terms outlined in the message to be saved. Paul wrote how the Romans had obeyed the gospel. To see his answer, turn to Romans, chapter 6, verse 16. I will give you time to get there in your bibles. Are your eyes there? Observe,
a. First, “Know ye not, that to whom you yield yourselves, servants, to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey; whether of sin unto death or obedience unto righteousness?” Romans 6:16.
b. Further, “But God be (is) thanked, that you were the servants of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered (unto) you. Being then made free from sin, you became the servants of righteousness,” Romans 6:17-18.
c. Finally, “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, you have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord,” Romans 6:22-23.
d. Conclusion: Here we have it! Paul is saying in these verses. Let’s notice his summation--
1) First, to whom we yield ourselves to obey, that’s who servant we are: "whether of sin unto death or obedience unto righteousness," Romans 6:16.
2) Second, “We were servants of sin, but have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered unto us," Romans 6:17. The gospel message was obeyed:
a) From or “ek, out of the heart” and, not in, “en, in the heart.”
b) That “form ‘tupos’ of the doctrine.” A pattern of the gospel message itself: the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ,” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. You have obeyed a form of that teaching. Stay with me; church, we are almost there.
c) “Which was delivered (preached) unto you.” This occurred when Paul had preached Christ unto them and when our ministers “delivered unto us the gospel message,” Isaiah’s report!
3) Third, “Being ‘de’ then (at that time) made free from sin, you became the servants of righteousness,” Romans 6:18. It was “then” you were:
a) “Made free from sin.” You were released from sin; when? Then! When was then? When you obeyed out of your heart that form of the doctrine. At that time, you--
b) “Became the servants of righteousness.” Here it is again--
c) It was then, when you “obeyed,” you were made: “free from your sin.” What did you obey? That “form of the doctrine (teaching).” I pray you are following me in this lesson! Our last question--
d) What is that form of teaching? The form is a type of doctrine. It is our death by Him to sin, our burial with Him in water, and our resurrection in Him to walk in newness of life, Romans 6:1-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17. This form cannot be obeyed “in the heart;” it must be obeyed through faith and obedience “out ‘ek’ of the heart!”
e) This act of faith enables us to “fulfill all righteousness” unto God for the forgiveness (remission) of sins,” Acts 2:38; John 8:31-32. Jesus is our example in how to “fulfill all righteousness” and to become “pleasing unto God,” Matthew 3:15-16. It was in this act of obedience the Father spake from heaven: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” Matthew 3:17; Hebrews 5:8-9. Let’s see Paul’s conclusion of his summation--
4) Fourth, “But NOW being made free from our sin, and becoming servants to God, we have our fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life,” Romans 6:22.
5) Fifth, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord,” Romans 6:23; John 3:16. I trusted you had noted Peter's writing of the "new birth," as I mentioned to you earlier in the lesson? We will revisit this text; but, now within the context of Paul's Letter to the Romans, “in their obedience to the gospel.”
4. Peter wrote: “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, see that you love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which liveth and abideth forever," 1 Peter 1:22-23. Peter states three things. Observe,
a. First, “we have purified our souls.” We have purified our souls by obeying the truth through the Spirit. Or as Paul wrote to the Ephesians: “Through the washing of water by the word,” Ephesians 5:26. Purification under the Law was always through divers “washing with water,” Leviticus 16:1-28; Numbers 19:7-9; Hebrews 9:9-17. These washings could never purify the soul.
b. Further, “in obeying the truth.” Notice, purification comes in our “obeying the truth.” The truth must be “heard, believed, and obeyed.” This is what many of the Jews and Gentiles had failed to do like so many also have today: they have not obeyed the gospel.
1) That they might obtain the “righteousness of God,” by submitting themselves to God’s terms of righteousness,” Romans 10:3; Romans 9:30-33.
2) God’s righteousness comes “through the faith in Christ, the righteousness which is by faith,” Romans 10:4; Philippians 3:9.
c. Finally, by being born again. Not by “corruptible seed, but incorruptible by the word of God which liveth and abideth forever," 1 Peter 1:23. The "new birth" is the work of the Holy Spirit.
1) Jesus said it is only possible: “By being born out of the water, and of the Spirit,” John 3:3-5.
2) Paul wrote it occurs: “By the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost,” Titus 3:5. The “washing of regeneration” or the “bath of regeneration” refers to the “new birth or being born again,” as Jesus taught in John 3:1-5. Observe--
3) B. W. Johnson wrote:
a) “Two elements enter into the saving; these are referred to in John 3:5 as the birth of water and the Spirit. God's (S)spirit (affects) the renewal of the spirit of man by bringing him to faith and repentance through the preaching of the gospel; thus, the renewal of the Holy Spirit is begun, and the gift of the Holy Spirit is promised as a sequence of baptism. Romans 6:1-8 show that the sinner dies to sin, is buried by baptism, rises to a new life, and is a new creature.”
b) “Washing of regeneration. Literally, (the) "Bath of regeneration." All commentators of reputation refer this to baptism, such as Meyer, Olshausen, Lange, Plumptree, Schaff, Canon Cook, Wesley, etc. Regeneration is due to the Holy Spirit, but baptism is an outward act that God requires to complete the fact (or process of regeneration),” Page 290. The (insertions) are mine for emphasis or clarity to Brother Johnson’s comments. I submit them humbly.
d. Application: Now, we must apply what we have learned from our text of discussion. I will present a collation of Paul’s writing of this truth in many of his Letters to the saints. He wrote--
1) First, to the Corinthians: “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God,” 1 Corinthians 6:11; Acts 18:8; John 17:17.
2) Further, to the Ephesians:
a) One, “In whom you also trusted, after that, you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also that you believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13-14.
b) Two, “That He (Christ) might sanctify and cleanse it (the church) with the washing of water by the word,” Ephesians 5:26.
3) Next, to the Thessalonians:
a) One, “God hath chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: He called you by our gospel,” 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14.
b) Two, “That you walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto His kingdom and glory,”
1 Thessalonians 2:12-13.
4) Finally, to Titus: “But when…God our Savior appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy: He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost,” Titus 3:4-7.
e. Analysis: Paul has given us more clarity about the "pattern of conversion" than any other apostle, evangelist, or minister of Jesus Christ. Observe--
1) First, in his letters to the church:
a) At Rome: “You have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine…Being then made free from sin,” Romans 6:17-18.
b) At Corinth: “But you were washed, sanctified, and justified in the Lord’s name; and, by the Spirit of our God,” 1 Corinthians 6:11.
c) At Ephesus: “Whom you trusted after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: whom you believed, and were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13-14.
d) At Thessalonica: “God who chose you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth…to walk worthy, who called you into His kingdom and glory,” 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 1 Thessalonians 2:12-13.
e) At Crete: “But according to His mercy, He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost,” Titus 3:5.
2) Peter wrote: “Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit…Being born again by the word of God,” 1 Peter 1:22-23.
3. Jesus said: “Being born again out of the water, and of the Spirit,” John 3:3-5.
4. Conclusion: It has been irrefutably established by the scriptures “obedience to the gospel” is through:
a. Being born again out of the water and the Spirit;
b. By purifying your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit;
c. Through the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost;
d. Through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth;
e. By hearing the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: and being sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise; and
f. By obeying out of the heart that form of doctrine…Being then made free from sin, in baptism “for the remission of sins,” or to “wash away our sins,” Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16. We have taken a holistic approach in answering Isaiah’s question: “Lord who hath believed our report?” Romans 10:16.
As I conclude, let's look at an example of conversion that brought about a nobleman’s obedience after questioning Isaiah's report. Turn to Acts, chapter 8, verse 26, as I extend heaven's invitation.
NOTE: You can download our lesson on an Ethiopian’s Conversion, from SermonCentral.com, by Ron Freeman, Evangelist. It outlined his conversion experience and illustrated Jesus’ teaching on the "new birth" in real-time. I humbly ask of those visiting: Have you obeyed Isaiah’s report? If not, here is how you can right now. Let’s review quickly--
5. The treasurer’s conversion. Are your eyes on the text? We are beginning our closing remarks. The bible reads, paraphrase, and discuss the text. Close with, the condition of those that do not obey the gospel of Christ, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; 1 Peter 4:16-19.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Lord Who Hath Believed Our Report?
2. Israel Hath Rejected Isaiah’s Report
3. Gentiles Hath Received Isaiah’s Report
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered Isaiah’s question: “Lord who hath believed our report?” In this text, Isaiah was writing of Christ, His beauty, and His betrayal, death, burial, and resurrection. And the results of his terrible suffering and sacrifice for sin. The report predicts the Messiah's coming, his being rejected, crucified, and raised from the dead to deliver his people and all nations from their sins: it is that "good news" that would be spread abroad to both Jews and Gentiles. What is later learned of this "good news" is Israel's rejection of it; and the Gentiles' reception of it.
2. Second, we discussed how this question related to Israel, who hath rejected Isaiah’s report. Isaiah was predicting the hearers of this report would not believe it. He was speaking of Israel, the people of God. They did not reject it because of the Messiah, Himself; but, for the hardness of their hearts towards God's words, spoken to them by the prophets, and now by His Messiah. Jesus said: "Therefore, they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. These things said Esaias when he saw His glory, and spake of him,” John 12:35-41; Isaiah 6:10. The prophet Stephens said of Israel: “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears. Who always resisted the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you…Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute…who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers…who received the law…and have not kept it?” Acts 7:51-53. Jehovah said of the people: “All day long I have stretched out My hands: To a disobedient and contrary people,” Romans 10:21; Isaiah 65:2.
3. Lastly, we investigated how this question related to the Gentiles, who gladly received Isaiah's report. Paul wrote: “But I say, did Israel not know? For Moses says: ‘I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will move you to anger by a foolish nation.’ But Isaiah is very bold and says: ‘I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for me,’” Romans 10:19-20; Deuteronomy 32:21; Isaiah 65:1. The Gentiles had received Isaiah’s report gladly. Luke wrote: “So when the Jews went out of the synagogues, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached unto them the next Sabbath…On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God… Now when the Gentiles heard…they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region,” Acts 13:42-49.
C. Invitation. Present the pattern of conversion, H, B. R, C, B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
We thank these prolific writers for their wisdom and insight into the Holy Scriptures.
