Bible Study - Unvarnished (2) - One Great Purpose - Isaiah 43:1-7 - September 11, 2016

Bible Study – Unvarnished (2) – One Great Purpose – September 11, 2016

This is lesson two (2) in our series entitled “Unvarnished Truth: Life’s Greatest Story.”

Our focus scripture is Isaiah 43:1-7.

We were created to glorify GOD and enjoy HIM forever.

On page 25 of the Hershel Hobbs Commentary, fall 2016, published by LifeWay, One LifeWay Plaza. Nashville, TN 37234-0175 the following statements regarding Isaiah 43:5-7 which I think we can ponder as we begin our study:

-         The LORD is active in the course of human history to accomplish HIS purpose.

-         The LORD cannot be limited by such things as geographic boundaries, national policies, or international politics.

-         The LORD is moving human history toward the fulfillment of HIS Holy purpose.

-         All who profess the LORD as their LORD are to bring glory to HIS name.

Let’s explore!

Let’s read Isaiah 43:1-2:

Restoration of Israel

1 Now this is what the Lord says- the One who created you, Jacob, and the One who formed you, Israel- "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.

2 I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and [when you pass] through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you.

First notice “the LORD” in verse one. This means “Yahweh” the Hebrew personal, covenant name for GOD. When GOD enters into a covenant with HIS chosen HE upholds HIS covenant.

We need to keep in mind that GOD is speaking through HIS servant Isaiah.

The LORD/Yahweh, the covenant name for GOD says:

 – The One Who created you, Jacob. Created carries the idea of producing something from nothing and GOD is always the subject.

 – The One Who formed you, Israel. Formed carries the idea of “squeezing into shape.”

Jacob means “trickster” and Israel means “wrestled with GOD.” The same Jacob who wrestled with GOD was redeemed from his old life and transformed to walk in his new life with GOD. Salvation came to Jacob as he wrestled with GOD. All humans wrestle with GOD in an effort to get to know HIM and understand HIM. Once they come to GOD, they go through that struggle to understand GOD and their role in HIS plans and purpose for them. When we struggle with GOD and yield to HIM, we also have a name change from slave to sin and eternal death to Christian through redemption by the shed blood of The Lamb, JESUS.

Once we have a name change the indwelling Holy Spirit begins HIS work to shape us or squeeze us into the plan and purpose for our lives according to GOD’S plans and purpose for us.

Once GOD has redeemed us, we belong to HIM. HE bought us with a price from the slave block of sin and eternal death. GOD has set us free from the shackles that bind us and sets us free to obediently serve HIM as led by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20:

19 Do you not know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,

20 for you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body.

JESUS gave HIS life to purchase or redeem every human who will place their faith in HIM.

Being redeemed by GOD has covenant benefits which GOD reveals in verse 2:

2 I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and [when you pass] through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you.

What does it mean, as GOD’S child, to be in covenant with GOD? It means HIS covenant is eternal just as HE is eternal.

Life is not trouble free even as children of GOD. We live in a world governed by “good and evil.” GOD established HIS redemptive plan in this imperfect world to give humans a second opportunity to choose HIM and receive eternal life instead of eternal death. GOD covenants with all who become HIS children through the miracle of rebirth in their spirit when they place their faith in JESUS.

Notice the words “when you pass” and “when you walk” through the issues of life, they will not consume you because GOD will be with you.” It does not mean GOD’S people will not face the issues of life but when they do GOD will be at their side going through them with them.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:28-30:

28 We know that (GOD is in) all things work(ing) together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

29 For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.

30 And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified.

Every human ever to be born is predestined by GOD but the freewill of all humans will determine whether or not every human will choose to be redeemed by GOD through faith in JESUS. GOD is in all things to bring about the salvation/redemption of every human from sin and eternal death but unfortunately not all will choose salvation according to GOD’S plan. All who choose JESUS as their Savior, GOD covenants with them because they have become HIS children.    

Waters represent power which can be destructive, useful or cleansing. Fire can also be destructive, useful or cleansing. When we embrace GOD and covenant with HIM through faith in JESUS, GOD turns sure destruction into sure redemption and usefulness. You are precious to GOD and GOD does not make junk.

Let’s read Isaiah 43:3-4:

3 For I the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, and your Savior, give Egypt as a ransom for you, Cush and Seba in your place.

“For” in verse 3 connects to verses 1 and 2. GOD created, redeemed and knows us. Because of this, a unique relationship is open to all who seek a relationship with HIM. There are five titles GOD reveals:

-         I, Yahweh (Covenant name), your GOD, The Holy One of Israel and your Savior.

GOD The One True GOD, The covenant GOD of Israel, your Savior seeks to have a relationship with you. It is your choice to have a relationship with HIM. Before CHRIST, King David expressed these words after he sinned with Bathsheba in Psalm 51:16-17:

16 You do not want a sacrifice, or I would give it; You are not pleased with a burnt offering.

17 The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. God, You will not despise a broken and humbled heart.

Going through the rituals of sacrifice is inadequate to remove sin without a change in our hearts. It is like putting a band-aid on cancer and expecting a cure. When we view sin as GOD views it, we are broken and realize that only HE can cleanse us, redeem us and restore us. Since the passion of CHRIST, JESUS is the perfect, sinless sacrifice Who cleanses all who place their faith in HIM and makes them whole before GOD.

The Israelites were in exile and GOD had to give a ransom for them – Egypt, Cush (the upper region of the Nile or Ethiopia) and Seba (parts of Arabia). In a broader sense, it was a reminder of GOD’S deliverance of the Jews from Egyptian bondage and ultimately points to the time when CHRIST will gather all of GOD’S people when CHRIST returns to rule upon earth.

JESUS paid the price by HIS shed blood to ransom all who place their faith in HIM from the ravages of sin and eternal death.

Why was GOD giving the Israelites this message of hope? Let’s read on.  

4 Because you are precious in My sight and honored, and I love you, I will give human beings in your place, and peoples in place of your life.

Did you know that you are “precious” to GOD and that GOD loves you? Well, HE does. Of course, this was reassurance to the Jews exiled in Babylon to give them hope of their return to Jerusalem. GOD had punished them for disobedience. In essence, count it all joy when we are punished by GOD. 

Sounds strange doesn’t it? If GOD did not love HIS children, those who placed their faith in HIM at one time, HE would not need to discipline us. So when we are punished by GOD, we know that HE loves us because at one time we placed our faith in HIM (Old Testament) and JESUS (New Testament.)

GOD made a covenant with the Israelites in the Old Testament and made a new covenant with all people who place their faith in JESUS, The Messiah, as revealed in the New Testament. When we respond to GOD by faith in JESUS, we honor GOD and GOD honors us. GOD loves us, HIS children, unconditionally, warts and all. What is the result? Let’s read on.

5 Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west.

As GOD’S children, when we are in the dark, we are to practice what we learn in the light. GOD will restore Jerusalem by bringing HIS chosen from all parts of the earth. HE did then as recorded in the Old Testament as an example to us today. There will be a time when every knee will bow and honor JESUS as LORD. HE will establish HIS Kingdom upon earth after the second coming of JESUS The CHRIST.

Let’s read Isaiah 43:5-7:

6 I will say to the north: Give [them] up! and to the south: Do not hold [them] back! Bring My sons from far away, and My daughters from the ends of the earth-

7 everyone called by My name and created for My glory. I have formed him; indeed, I have made him."

In verse 6, GOD refers to “MY sons” and MY daughters” to indicate that salvation is not tied to gender but all, who by faith acknowledge HIM as their Savior. As a result, JESUS purchased or redeemed them by HIS shed blood and they belong to HIM. GOD formed us and made us to glorify HIM by being in an intimate personal, loving relationship with HIM through faith in JESUS. Thus our purpose in life.

The Bible gives a picture of GOD revealing Himself to us. HE began with a chosen people group, the Israelites. HE performed miracles as HE led them to make Himself known to them. HE warned them when they were going astray. When they did not repent and come back to HIM, HE allowed what HE had told them would happen to them to take place. They would repent and HE would restore. Read GOD’S Word and you will see how GOD said what HE means and means what HE says. HE has not changed. HIS Word is still relevant today.

It is clear, GOD loves every person who ever will live upon earth, even the little conceived child that is never birthed. John 3:14-18 says it best:

14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man (JESUS) must be lifted up,

15 so that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life.

16 "For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

18 Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God.

GOD loves you and sent HIS Only SON to give HIS life for you. Will you accept this free gift of salvation? It is simple but vital for you to become GOD’S child through the miracle of rebirth in your spirit. The union of HIS Spirit with your spirit results in your spirit being transformed to Spirit, which will live eternally with GOD. When a born-again believer’s physical body dies, his or her born-again Spirit goes immediately to Heaven and is with GOD until JESUS returns to earth the second time. At that time all who are in CHRIST will receive their New Glorified bodies for eternity. Your Glorified body will be like JESUS’ Glorified body. The indwelling Holy Spirit confirms this after we ask JESUS, by faith, to forgive us for our sins and to come into our lives. Now is your opportunity to receive CHRIST as your Savior. Do not delay. Blessings!!!