Background Information for this study:
This study examines the calling of Isaiah by God. He was living in a time of transition. King Uzziah who had been king for 52 years had died. They had lived in a time of prosperity and safety while the King was alive. All of that was changing and everything was in transition and uncertain. It is that season of change that Jesus reveals himself to Isaiah.
As you go through the study note carefully the progression. Isaiah has an encounter with Jesus (John 12:41 makes clear this vision is of Jesus). Isaiah sees the absolute holiness and purity of Jesus. He then falls down and says, “Woe is me” - he sees his own sinfulness and unworthiness. Next he is forgiven and cleansed. Then God asks who will go and be His messenger to others. Isaiah answers the call and says, “Here I am, send me.”
To read the background of King Uzziah you can read 2 Chronicles chapter 26.
MESSAGE NOTES
Encountering God's Holiness - Isaiah 6:1-8
3 Missing Ingredients in Our Lives:
Desire for more of Jesus
Seeing & experiencing the Lord in His Holiness
Seeing our self
Desire for more of Jesus
Key Concept: Nothing changes in our lives or the lives of others until the heart changes and we desire more of Jesus.
Key Verse: Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters... 2. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?... 3. Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. Isaiah 55:1-3
Community Group Application: The place to begin in reaching people is to pray that their hearts become dry and they become thirsty for God.
Seeing & experiencing the Lord in His Holiness
Key Concept: Each person’s greatest need is to have a life-changing encounter with the risen Jesus.
Key Verse: When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.” Revelation 1:17
Community Group Application: We get tastes of Jesus’ presence in worship, prayer and other times, but when we encounter the living risen Jesus we will fall at his feet because He is absolutely Holy.
Seeing our self
Key Concept: Your encounter with God and your forgiveness are for the sake of others.
Key Verse: But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16
Community Group Application: God’s goal with every follower of Jesus is that they get to the place of surrender and say, "Here I am, send me."