Bible Study                                     Notes 1999

Text:  Isaiah 1                                          5 October 1999

ADDRESSING MAJOR PROBLEMS IN LIFE:  THE PROBLEM OF SIN!

THE PROBLEM OF SIN

1.   The problem is ignored

2.   The problem is accepted (as "normal")

3.   The problem does not receive due attention

4.   The problem is understated

5.   The problem is misread

6.   The problem is unresolved

7.   The problem is cast aside

HOW SERIOUS IS THIS PROBLEM OF SIN?

1.   It is far more serious then many realise

2.   It is so serious that it merits God sending His servants, the prophets to deal with the problem

3.   Sin and its consequences cannot be ignored

4.   Sin when unconfessed and thus unforgiven will have to be accounted for

5.   Sin brings its own set of disastrous wages to the unrepentant sinner

THE PROPHETIC VOICE REPRESENTING GOD

1.   It identifies the nature of sin

      a)   As "rebellion"      Isa 1:2

      b)      Obdurate ignorance      Isa 1:3

      c)      Hypocrisy (Worship amidst rank sin)       Isa 1:10-15

2.   The Extent of Sin in Ancient Israel

      (Note the close resemblance to today's world)

      a)   "Laden with sin"   Isa 1:4

      b)   "Brood of evildoers"   Isa 1:4

      c)      "Corrupters"   Isa 1:4

      d)   The people had forsaken their God   Isa 1:4

      e)   The people had become Law breakers   Isa 1:21

      f)    The people had become "soul-less" unable to care for people  

            Isa 1:23

3.   The Consequences of Sin

      a)   Sin begets sin and the whole nation becomes a "sinful nation" 

            Isa 1:4

      b)   The whole country is afflicted by the ravages of sin   Isa 1:7

      c)   The whole country can become as degenerate as Sodom and

            Gomorrah   Isa 1:10

      d)   God rejects worship of people who are unrepentant   Isa 1:11-15

      e)   God refuses to hear the prayers supposedly offered to Him

4.   The of Offer a Solution to the problem of Sin

      a)   The offer of cleansing   Isa 1:18

      b)   The challenge to lead a new life   Isa 1:16-17, 19

      c)   God offers full redemption / restoration   Isa 1:26

            i)    Of judges

            ii)   Of Counsellors   Isa 1:26

      d)      Jerusalem can look forward to being called "The City of Righteousness, the Faithful City"   Isa 1:26

5.   Where the Offer of Cleansing is Rejected

      a)   God will rid Himself of His adversaries         Isa 1:24

      b)   He will turn His hand against the people         Isa 1:25

      c)   He will purge the nation                           Isa 1:25

      d)   The transgressors will be destroyed                     Isa 1:28

The Modern Day Context

1.   Only the Scriptures describe sin for what it really is!

2.   Only the Scriptures speak of full redemption from the power of sin

3.   Only the Scriptures dare to speak of the penalty of unforgiven sin