18 September 2001

Isaiah 66

HONOURING OF THE PERSON WITH A POOR AND CONTRITE SPIRIT
1. God's lofty dwelling place
"Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool…" Isa. 66:1

2. God does not dwell in the proud man's thought that he can build Him a house 2 Samuel 7

3. God will look at the person…
a) Who has a "poor and contrite spirit"
b) Who "trembles at My Word" Isa. 66:2

THE FINAL WORD ON THE SUBJECT OF TRUE WORSHIP
1. It is not in the sacrifice of bulls (Cf. Isa. 1:11-15)
"He who kills a bull is as if he slays a man,
He who sacrifices a lamb, as if he breaks a dog's neck…" Isa. 66:3
a) It is not the sacrificial system that pleases God
b) It is the person's faith and relationship with God Cf. Isaiah 66:2
c) When people are disobedient, and do evil, their worship would be rejected Isa 66:4

2. God's mode of punishment
a) Delusion… "I will choose their delusion" Isa. 66:4; 2 Thes. 2:11
b) Fears… "And bring their fears upon them…" Isa. 66:4

GOD'S VINDICATION AND BLESSING
1. Those who hate will be ashamed Isa. 66:5

2. The enemies will be dealt with appropriately Isa. 66:6

3. God will see that His Blessings would be fully delivered Isa. 66:7-9
(Note imagery of delivery of babies)

4. Every reason to rejoice because of the promise of fullness of blessing Isa. 66:10-11

PICTURE OF PROMISED BLESSING TO JERUSALEM
1. Peace like a river… Isa. 66:12

2. Glory like a stream… Isa. 66:12

3. Full provision… Isa. 66:12

4. Comfort… Isa. 66:13

THE DAY OF THE LORD
1. A Day of Joy to all who Believe and Trust the Lord Isa. 66:14

2. A Day of Terror because God will come as Judge Isa. 66:14-17
a) Against all idolaters Isa. 66:17
b) Against all who practise abominable things Isa. 66:17

JERUSALEM TO BE THE CENTRE OF THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM
Isa. 66:18-24

1. God's glory will be manifested in Jerusalem Isa. 66:18-19

2. The Remnant of Israel scattered abroad will be brought back to Israel Isa. 66:20

3. God will appoint people as "Priests and Levites" Isa. 66:21

4. All that God has said will come to pass Isa. 66:23

5. All will come and worship the Lord Isa. 66:23

6. All who oppose God will be dealt with Isa. 66:24