Unit one Study 7

                           January 17, 2021

Study text for this week lesson: ISAIAH 61:1-9; 62:10-12; 65:1-12,17-25

Key Verse: 2 peter 3:13 we, according to his promise, look for a new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness (kjv).

Central truth: jesus Christ will return to judge the nations and welcome the redeemed. 

                                          a new world promised

LET'S GET STARTED

Perspective makes a big difference. When Isaiah received from God the prophecies he gave to the people of Judah, they would have seen them from their perspective, which is very different from the perspective today's readers have. Unlike them, we can look back and see that many of Isaiah's prophecies were fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Also, we have the benefit of the writings in the New Testament, such as Revelation, to illuminate what we are reading. As you study this lesson, you will find prophecies that have already been fulfilled, some that are yet to be fulfilled, and still others where the words have dual fulfillment and apply to  more than one time frame. One day--a day promised in Scripture but still unknown--Christians from throughout the Church Age will join God's faithful servants from the Old Testament era and rejoice together over Jesus Christ's fully completed mission. It will be a mission carried out in two phases. Jesus first came to earth to live and die and be resurrected in order to provide the means of our redemption. Upon His return, He will exact judgment upon sin and bring about the full expression of  God's blessing for His  redeemed people.

 COMING OF THE MESSIAH ( ISAIAH 61:1-3 )  

The opening verses of Isaiah 65 show us a God of judgment who simultaneously is a God of mercy. Isaiah is writing about God's desire to bring His own covenant people back into fellowship with himself. The passage also describes God's love for lost people. The apostle Paul explains, "God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Jesus as the Messiah, is God the Son, who reveals himself to those who do not ask for Him, and even are intent on seeking their own way. The promise of Judgment is as direct as God's earlier invitation. God will one day enact "full payment" for sin. A sword and slaughter await those who cling to sin. These words remind us of romans 6:23: "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Blessings For Those who Accept (ISAIAH 62:10-12; ISAIAH 65:8-10). The setting of Zion (Jerusalem) is used in Isaiah 62 to direct attention to God's saving work among the redeemed. The source of that blessing is Jesus, the Savior who now comes  to Jerusalem in view of the whole world. Jerusalem will be sought after by one and all. Isaiah 65 expands this promise of blessings to the land of Israel. The sinful history of God's people in verses 1-7, reflected in idolatry  and disregard for God's Law, verses 8-10 look to the day when divine judgment will be forever in the past and God will again multiply and bless His people. Christians receive a taste of this transformation today. Homes once wracked with discord can experience the daily peace of God's presence. Jobs where tension and stress ruled can be changed when employees reflect the love of Christ.

[REACT] ? How can you maintain your commitment to love as Christ loves in spite of how others treat you?

 EVERLASTING JOY FOR GOD'S PEOPLE ( ISAIAH 65:17-19 ) 

God's promise to create a new heavens and new earth offers encouragement to Christians regarding their future, but viewing that new creation in light of God's original plan for this creation can help us better understand some of the challenges of today. Much of the pain in life is because of the presence of sin in our world; and the end-times prophecies of Scripture point to the eventual defeat of sin. Verse 17 describes a transformation that all memories of this world's  imperfection will fade away. God invites His people to "be glad and rejoice forever." A NEW ORDER WILL COME (ISAIAH 65:20-25). The new heavens and new earth, as described in Revelation 21, will completely remove death. During the millennial reign of Christ, humans will still die but a much greater age than people die today. Verses 20-25 is consistent with God's ultimate plan for His people: It emphasize on life, blessings, and universal peace. In the absence of any conflict, people will never need the fear being oppressed or robbed. Instead they can take joy in their work and with their families, with no concern.

WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO US?   

We must view heaven's promise in light of today's responsibilities. God's promise of a future reward can help motivate us to be productive in God's kingdom.

 LIVING IT OUT: (1). Talk to someone this week about whether they are  prepared to go to heaven. (2). Do your best to reflect the joy of the Lord in your interactions this week. (3) Pray each day for someone who is not a believer.  

                                   WHERE WILL YOUR ETERNAL HOME BE?