A Thrill of Hope
Preacher: Malachi Tresler Series: Isaiah: Looking at Jesus - King, Servant, Conqueror Scripture: Isaiah 59:1–21
In a world filled with chaos and injustice, it's easy to lose sight of the true source of our problems. This week's sermon dives deep into the human condition, exploring how sin distances us from God, distorts our nature, and ultimately destroys our hope. Yet, it also offers a powerful message of restoration through Jesus Christ. Let's explore these profound truths and discover how they apply to our lives today.
How Does Sin Distance Us from God?
The Separation Caused by Sin
Isaiah 59:1-3 vividly describes how sin creates a chasm between us and God. Our iniquities have made a separation, hiding His face from us. This isn't because God is unable to save or hear us, but because our sins have distanced us from Him. Sin is inherently antisocial, harming not just our relationship with God but also with others.
The Social Cost of Sin
Sin's impact isn't limited to our spiritual lives; it has real-world consequences. It leads to oppression, fights, and quarrels, as seen in Isaiah 58. When our lives are out of tune with our worship, our prayers go unanswered. True worship involves loving God and our neighbors, and sin disrupts this harmony.
How Does Sin Distort Our Nature?
The Distorting Power of Sin
Isaiah 59:4-8 paints a stark picture of how sin distorts our very nature. Our thoughts and actions become twisted towards evil, producing nothing but harm and destruction. Sin isn't just a mistake or a bad influence; it comes from within, distorting our view of God, others, and ourselves.
The Inherited Corruption
Sin is not inherent to human nature but is a result of the fall. This inherited corruption leaves us prone to self-centeredness and rebellion against God. While we can still do good, we are incapable of loving God and our neighbors perfectly. Sin distorts our intentions, making us unable to fully reflect God's image.
How Does Sin Destroy Our Hope?
The Destructive Power of Sin
Isaiah 59:9-15 describes the hopelessness and helplessness that sin brings. We hope for justice and light but find only darkness and gloom. Our transgressions multiply, and our sins testify against us. This deep sorrow over our broken condition reveals the destructive power of sin.
The Reality of Sin
Acknowledging the reality of sin is crucial. Until we see our sin as an offense to God and name it, we will never be prepared to receive God's hope. We must confront the truth about sin to fully grasp the significance of God's restorative work in Jesus.
How Does Jesus Restore Us?
God's Divine Initiative
Isaiah 59:15-21 offers a thrilling prophecy of hope. God sees the injustice and takes action, arming Himself for battle to bring salvation. He promises a Redeemer who will come to those who repent. This Redeemer, Jesus Christ, mediates a new covenant between God and humanity.
The Blessings of the New Covenant
Through Jesus, God gives us His Spirit and His Word, ensuring that these blessings endure for all generations. Jesus steps into our chaos to bring true and lasting peace. He restores the distance between us and God, transforms our distorted nature, and overcomes the destructive power of sin.
Embrace Restoration
Understanding the depth of our sin and our inability to change on our own leads us to appreciate the grace of God. Jesus offers genuine restoration by the power of the Spirit and obedience to His Word. This week, challenge yourself to embrace this restoration in your life.
Reflect and Act
1. Where do I see the distancing, distorting, and destroying power of sin in my life?
2. How can I turn to Jesus for restoration in these areas?
3. What steps can I take to align my life with God's Word and Spirit?
Isaiah's message is a sobering reminder of the power of sin but also a thrilling prophecy of hope. At Christmas, we celebrate the fulfillment of this promise through Jesus, who stepped into our broken world to bring restoration. May we each embrace His offer of genuine restoration and live in the light of His grace. Merry Christmas and praise be to God for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
other sermons in this series
Dec 29
2024
The Light of the World
Preacher: Augustine Chacon Scripture: Isaiah 60:1–22 Series: Isaiah: Looking at Jesus - King, Servant, Conqueror
Dec 15
2024
An Appetite for Advent
Preacher: Andy McClurg Scripture: Isaiah 58:1–14 Series: Isaiah: Looking at Jesus - King, Servant, Conqueror
Dec 8
2024
A Path Prepared for the Contrite
Preacher: Malachi Tresler Scripture: Isaiah 56:1– 57:21 Series: Isaiah: Looking at Jesus - King, Servant, Conqueror