Message Notes

8 March 2015

Text: Isaiah 42

“HE WILL NOT FAIL OR BE DISCOURAGED”

(I) SO MANY FAIL IN MINISTRY

1. Priests fail

Malachi 2

2. Prophets fail

Jeremiah 23

3. Kings fail

1 Kings 12

(II) THE MESSIAH-SERVANT OF THE LORD

“He will not fail nor be discouraged” Isaiah 42:4

1. God’s Promise

a) He will be upheld (Isaiah 42:1, 8)

i) Personal life

ii) Ministry

b) He will be supported by the Spirit (Isaiah 42:1)

i) From birth (Luke 1)

ii) The empowering by the Spirit (Luke 3-4)

2. The Servant’s Part

a) Attributed to His character

i) He will not cry out

ii) A bruised reed He will not break

iii) Smoking flax He will not quench

b) Attributed to His strength of focus on “justice”

i) He will bring for justice to the Gentiles

ii) He will bring forth justice for truth

iii) Till He has established justice in the earth

3. The Gospels

a) The tracing of the life and ministry of Jesus

b) Outstanding Features

i) His closeness to God

ii) His faithfulness to God

iii) His humility

(III) OUR CHALLENGE

1. Not to lose heart easily

2. Determination to serve the Lord well as faithful servants (2 Corinthians 4)