The Promise of Hope: The Hope of Christmas

The Promise of Hope: The Hope of Christmas

Isaiah 24

December 8, 2019

I.  Rejecting True Hope.   (Isaiah 24:1-14)

1. Emptiness - Hollow, void

2. Desolation - Dry, devastated

3. Twisted - Misshaped, distorted

4. Scattered- Isolated, spread out

5. Plundered - Robbed, something missing

6. Mourns- Deep grief, regret, sorrow

7. Withers - Decay, deteriorating

8. Defiled - Tainted, ruined

9. Broken - Injured, shattered

10. Cursed - Controlled, helpless

11. Scorched- Charred, barren, singed

12. Suffering - Anguish, deep sorrow

13. Few men are left - Lack of leading, protecting and shepherding

Isaiah 3:4-8

14. Self-medicating - Seeking to ease troubles with self-chosen cures.

15. Families are battered - Wrecked, beat up, injured, and not experiencing God’s intended purpose.  

Luke 2:10-11 -“The angel said, ‘Fear not…I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For to you is born…a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’” 

II. Rejoicing in True Hope.  (Isaiah 24:14-16)

1. Abundant Joy. (Isaiah 24:14)

John 15:11 - “Jesus said, ‘These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.’”

2. Celebrating God over self. (Isaiah 24:15)

John 15:7-8 - “Jesus said, ‘If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.’”

3. Gospelizing the World. (Isaiah 24:16)

John 15:27- “Jesus said,‘When the Helper comes…He will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness…’”

Isaiah 12:2 - “…God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid…”

 Questions this week For Deeper Growth

1. Discuss the Gospel conversations you had this week with family or others or share the Gospel with someone in your group. (1 Peter 3:15)

2. What has God done in your life or in your family this week that would cause you to rejoice in Him?

3. What are the biggest problems families face today? How can the Gospel and church be the answer?

4. Why is the fact that God is going to bring His Kingdom and make all things right at the final judgement something that leads us to rejoice? (Psalm 96:13, Acts 17:31, Revelation 6:10, 11:15, 18:20, and 19:1-3)

5. What prophecy impacts you the most from Isaiah?

6. With whom will you seek to share the gospel this week? Discuss how you and your family will help get the gospel to all peoples this new year.