The Power Gifts – Part 2         

                             

Bible Passage:  Isaiah 40 :1-11.

Memory Verse: “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever”               (Isa. 40:8.  NIV.)

 

Lesson’s Aim and Objective

We want to learn something about the steadfastness or trustworthiness of God. He remains faithful to His word of promise. We can depend on Him.

 

Lesson Introduction

The passage, Isa. 40:1-11, tells us a number of things about God.

• V.2 tells us our hard service, or warfare, has been completed, and that in fact our sin has been paid for. Thank God for the blood of the Lord Jesus that has paid the penalty for our sins. It was paid for on the cross, and for anyone in Christ, the account is settled. Ps. 32:1-2.
• V.10 reminds us we have a powerful God, the One Who is sovereign over all His creation. He rewards all men: divine judgment for others, but for His people, it is “showers of blessing”. Isa 35:4; Rev.22:12.
• V.11 reminds us He is the good and gentle Shepherd. He carries us, His flock, in His arms and close to His heart. Ps. 23:1-6; Isa. 49:14-16.

 

Lesson Outline 1:

 What is our God like?

q       He is a holy God. Lev. 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7; 1 Pet. 1:16

q       He does not tell lies. He speaks and fulfils His word. Nu. 23:19; Isa. 46:11b; Jer. 1:12.                        We can therefore depend on His promises.

q       His word stands forever. Isa. 40:8; Psalm 119:89.

                              

How do these aspects of His nature affect us?

q       Our faith needs to be grounded on His word, and not on some imaginary ideas of ours.

q       He wants us to be like Him – as members of the same family. Without holiness we cannot have day-to-day dealings with Him as members of the same family would. Heb. 12:14.

q       When we remain in Him and His words remain in us, we shall ask aright and receive. Jn.15:7; Mt.7:7.

 

What are some of the gifts he gives to us?

q       He gives healing to the sick. Isa. 53:5.

q       When we are faithful in our giving, He supplies all our needs from His inexhaustible resources in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:14-19.

q       Exaltation, promotion or upliftment – it comes from Him and not man. Ps. 75:5-6.Ps.1:1-3.             When He blesses us, it is blessing indeed, with no sorrows or troubles attached to it. Prov. 10:22.

      If men lift us up, they also will bring us down, despite a life-long struggle on our part to please men.

q       He keeps us safe in the midst of dangerous and trying circumstances. Isa. 43:2.

q       He brings deliverance to His people.                                                                                                 Think of Daniel’s friends in the fiery furnace, or Daniel himself in the lions’ den. Dan. 3:16-18; 5:21-22.

q       As we trust in him, He keeps us in perfect peace. We experience His peace which goes beyond all understanding. Isa. 26:3; Phil. 4:7.                                                                                                                                    

 

Lesson Outline 2: How do we receive these promises?

q       The straight requirement from God Who makes and keeps His promises is, “Be like me”, Lev.11:44-45

q       Asking and receiving from Him will not work when we choose not to be like Him in holiness of life and character. 1 John 1:6-7.

q       God has a huge catalogue of blessings. What are these, as listed in Ps. 34:14-19? And who are they for?

 

Summary: These numerous gifts are for us. We receive them by faith. Holiness of life removes obstacles that will keep us from receiving what God intends should be ours.