Part 1 - Stone the Prophets - Isaiah Study by: Dean Brookes Sermons can be viewed on the Hope Valley Church YouTube Channel. GATHERING / WORSHIP / PRAYER Take a few minutes to catch up with each other and build community. If you have new people present, give time to getting to know each other. A suitable song is “I the Lord of sea and sky” number 658 in Together in Song or on YouTube. Pray that the series on the prophets will lead people deeper into God's desired relationship and saving action with humanity. FOCUS Weaved through the writings of the Old Testament prophets are both tragic warnings of judgement and yet frequent announcements of hope; with a repeated call to return to God. Jesus summarized the role of the prophets as well as the response of Israel in Matthew 23:37 saying, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God's messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn't let me.” These are complex, deep, multilayered, and heartfelt writings. They were speaking a message from God in a specific time of history while also proclaiming a prophecy of future hope and redemption; which was ultimately pointing to Jesus. SETTING THE SCENE Isaiah ministered in Judah, the southern Kingdom, about 740-680 BCE. Assyria, the invincible superpower of the day, was threatening to conquer Jerusalem. Isaiah saw this as the culmination of God's judgement against the widespread apostasy of Judah under King Ahaz. He predicted the fall of Jerusalem which occurred in 586 BCE and resulted in the Exile in Babylon. Isaiah declared that the only hope for escape was God's intervention - not political alliances, material wealth, or religious pretence. Isaiah has profound insight into the nature of God whom he calls “The Holy One of Israel.” Hence the major theme is God's work of salvation. Isaiah calls the people to seek the Lord and return to him in repentance. He is quoted in the New Testament more than all the other prophets combined. OPENING GOD's WORD Warm Up Question: To whom or where do you tend to go when you face a problem or need help? How satisfactory is this in solving personal or relational issues? Read: Isaiah 6: 1-8 Imagine you are Isaiah. What would you tell a friend about what you saw, heard, felt, and smelled in verses 1-4? What does it say about God's nature and purpose? In what way is your experience of God like Isaiah's? Read: Isaiah 55: 1-13 How does the question in verse 2 strike you? Honestly, what have you spent your money or labor on that has ultimately proved to be unfulfilling? How does Isaiah's invitation relate to the words of Jesus in John 6: 35? What does it mean to “feed” upon Jesus? Lately, has your spiritual food been junk or wholesome? What is it saying to you? How do you respond to verses 6-7? Would you say that you have been seeking the Lord or hiding from him? In what way? What can we do to close the gap between the thoughts and ways of God and ours? Verses 8-9. In verses 11-12, joy and peace are the fruit that God's word produces. What is the stage of development of this fruit in a) your life, and b) the church? What would or should it be if you or we were to truly follow the invitation in verses 1-3 and 6-7? What challenge or encouragement have you found in the discussion of this chapter? What life issues has it addressed for you? If time allows, you could read Isaiah 40 as a means of meditation and perhaps reflect on the key message you hear in this chapter. LIVING OUT GOD's WORD What is it that you will take away from your time invested in this study? How will what you have learned change how you live? PRAYER Devote some time to praying for the salvation of people and for Australia and the nations of the world. Especially remember those who experience persecution because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Pray for one another in your group, and for the encouragement you can be to one another. Contacts If you would like more information or further help please contact: [scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au]