I am posting an outline of last week’s sermon, an introduction to the book of Isaiah. Isaiah is a complex book that covers a long period in Judah’s history. Therefore having these notes on hand will be helpful. Going through Isaiah is going to be important for us. The book is a clear call to servanthood. It challenges us to deny ourselves and to trust God to provide for us and give us strength to serve and love others. Here are the notes:

Isaiah: A Call to Servanthood

Summary of 10/19 Intro Sermon

I. Nature of the Book

Anthology of the prophet Isaiah’s speeches

Prophecy as Foretelling and Forth-telling

History

II. Settings of the Book of Isaiah

Chapters 1-39: 740-701 B.C.

Chapters 40-55: around 520 B.C. (Babylonian exile)

Chapters 56-66: 500 B.C. or later (after the exile)

III. Summary of Contents

1-5 Is this your servant? Israel’s terrible condition

6 Commissioning of Isaiah to service

7-39 The Lord is trustworthy

7-12 History: Failure to trust the Lord

13-23 God is sovereign over nations

24-27 The Lord is judge and king

28-35 Don’t trust the nations!

36-39 History: Hezekiah trusts the Lord

40-55 To the exiles: God has chosen you to serve.

56-66 To the returnees from exile: God strengthens you for service.

IV. Major Themes

Greatness of God

Judgment and Redemption

Pride of Humanity (and its consequences)

Preparation of God’s people for service

V. Challenges for Us

Religion is not to satisfy our needs.

Pride is stupid.

Our view of God is weak.

We foolishly trust things other than God.

We are to live for others, the poor, lowly.

We are all chosen, called to serve.