Lesson 11: Preparation for our June 4th Study

This post is not so much preparation for our next study as a review of our last one.  The reason for this is that you should already be prepared for our coming text in Isa 7-8, and there were a number of points from our last study I would really like you to think through.  

So first, spend a few minutes (each day if you can) meditating on our new memory verse (Isa 7:9b).  I have provided it for you in several translations below: 

“If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.”  (Isa 7:9b-NIV)

“If you do not believe, surely you shall not be established.” (NKJV)

“If you will not believe and trust and rely [on God and on the words of God’s prophet instead of Assyria], surely you will not be established nor will you remain.” (Amplified)

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King Ahaz was faced with the very issue brought up above--would he put his trust in God or in the might of man (Assyria).  We all face the same issue--will we chose to trust God or manage things ourselves.  We are no more going to stand as Christians than Ahaz did as a faithful king--unless we follow the guidance God gave through Isaiah.  Look carefully at what God had to say to Ahaz, and how the Scriptures reinforce that we are to do the same thing.  

"Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid"  (Isa 7:4)
- Be careful  
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.  (1Pt 1:13) 

        - keep calm 
“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.”  (Isa 30:15)

- Do not be afraid
And the Lord, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” (Dt 31:8)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2Tm 1:7)
So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Heb 13:6) 

God also tells Ahaz, with respect to a planned invasion of Judah by an alliance of Syria and Ephraim:  “It will not take place, it will not happen. . . “  (Isa 7:7)  There is a lot of application in this verse for us.  Specifically, there are some things of which we also can be assured:

What will not take place or happen?
1.  That we will be separated from the love of God!  (Rm 8:35-39)

2.  That His grace will be found wanting!  (2Cor 12:9)

3.  That He will fail to provide us shelter under His wings until the calamity has passed.  (Ps 57:1)

See you next week!