What Do You Know for Sure?

 

Isaiah 42:1-43:7

 

We live in an uncertain world. In a battery of tests that I administer to couples planning to get married, there is the following true-false question: Nothing could cause me to question my love for my partner. No couple that has experienced infidelity ever anticipated it when they got married. Infidelity can change a relationship quicker than the blink of an eye. It can shake the roots of the strongest marriage. The problem with the above question is in the questioner’s definition of the term “love.” Romantic love can be knocked off of its feet because it is dependent upon another. Agape love, however, is self-dependent and can withstand the strongest attacks that life’s circumstances can muster.

 

When Job declares, “Though He slay me, yet I will trust him still,” his statement is spoken against “bail out” temptations of the past. His statement is believable because of the past. Experience and circumstance lower our level of doubt, but notwithstanding the integrity of Job, the question still must carry a question mark. What do you know for sure in this world of uncertainty? About the only thing we can predict with flawless accuracy is the inevitable element of surprise that waits in the future shadows of all of our lives.

 

The closer we get to God, the nearer we stand to the absolute certainty about the future. Today, we look through the eyes of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah to view the certainty of God’s future glory. God will be glorified in the future; the guesswork has been replaced by the Word of God. Paul tells us “every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess Jesus as Lord.” God’s future is secured by His wisdom and power.

  

Nothing moves without God’s permission. There is no space where God is ignorant. With meticulous care, He is guiding the flow of human history in such a way that when the final page is revealed, we shall all marvel at His love and control. The intelligence of God’s design will cause all creatures to worship Him in awe throughout eternity.

 

Today, we look at four reasons why God will receive eternal glory. The facts revealed in this section of Scripture shine with such brilliance that every slight shadow of doubt is instantly removed. You cannot believe in the character of God revealed in Scripture and doubt His future glory. God will be revealed and for good reasons. The invitation of the hour is to participate in this certain process.

 

We have seen the importance of a relationship with Him. We have been reminded of the security that is found in Him and in Him alone. Today, we merely stand in awe at the wonder of Who He is and what He is doing. In our uncertain world, we are given one sure opportunity. Contribute to the glory of God and be glad forever, or prepare for regret.     

 

 

 

What Do You Know For Sure?

Isaiah 42:1-43:7

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Review

          The issue of life is

 

          The issue of pain is

 

INSTRUCTION

 

He will be glorified because He alone deserves it

          Isaiah 42:1-9

     “I will not share my glory with another” vs. 8

          A. 

 

          B.

 

He will be glorified because He will intervene

          Isaiah 42:10-17

     “Let them give glory to the Lord” vs. 12

 

          A.

 

          B.

 

          C.

 

III. He will be glorified because of His righteous law

          Isaiah 42:18-25

     “To make the law great and glorious” vs. 21

 

          A.

 

          B.

 

IV. He will be glorified because His people will praise Him

          Isaiah 43:1-7

     “I have created for my glory” vs. 7

 

          A.

 

          B.

 

          C.

 

            D.