Be Not Dismayed, For I Am Your God

Text: Isaiah 41
24 July 2016

ATTEMPTING TO ANSWER THE PROBLEM OF BEING DISMAYED

1. The problem of relying on self-help

“Everyone helped his neighbour and said to his neighbour, ‘Be of good courage!’ ”   Isaiah 41:6

2. The problem of the futility of relying on idols

a. Artisans making an idol
“So the craftsman encouraged the goldsmith…”   Isaiah 41:7
b. Idols are nothing before God   (Isaiah 41:21-29)

THE REKINDLING OF FAITH IN THE LORD

“Do not be dismayed, I am your God…”   Isaiah 41:10

1. Hope in the power of God’s work   (Isaiah 41:2-4)

a. Seeing God as the Lord from the first to the last   (Isaiah 41:4)
b. God can show the glory of His work from the beginning   (Isaiah 41:4, 8-9)
c. God will show the glory of His works for the future   (Isaiah 41:2-4)

2. Remembering our purpose as His servants   (Isaiah 41:8-9)

3. Having faith in the promises of God   (Isaiah 41:10)

THE RENEWAL OF FAITH AND LIFE

1. Exercise faith in the Lord God

2. Believe in what God can do and will do

3. Rejoice in the Lord

4. Glory in the Holy One of Israel.