Breaking Free Part 7

Happy Good Friday everyone! It seems to be the perfect day for quiet time and reflection so I thought I would review week seven of my bible study. Again. These posts are just a basic summary of the homework for my personal use, but feel free to enjoy if you'd like.

Day 1: Isaiah 29:16- "You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'He did not make me'? Can the pot say of the potter, 'He knows nothing'?"
The relationship between God's Word and freedom is found in James 1:22-23. To become free we need to read and correctly respond to God's Word. Since Isaiah has a dual theme of captivity/liberty, it has a lot to say about authority, rule, and God. It is a book that is meant to leave no doubt as to why the nation of Israel was in captivity. Isaiah has these three basic principles throughout:
1. God has the right to rule.
2. God sets a high price for rebellion.
3. God pours out safety and blessing for obedience.
Isaiah 30:8-21
In turn, a rebellious child of God has several characteristics:
1. Doesn't act like a child of God (Isaiah 30:9)
2. Isn't willing to listen to the Lord's instruction (Isaiah 30:9)
3. Prefers pleasant illusions over the truth (Isaiah 30:10-11)
4. Relies on oppression (Isaiah 30:12) (this part discusses unhealthy attachment)

Day 2: Isaiah 30:13-14- "This sin will become for you like a high wall, cracked and bulging, that collapses suddenly, in an instant. It will break in pieces like pottery."

God's Word becomes our liberation when we obey it. This day finishes the characteristics of a rebellious child of God:
5. Depends on deceit (Isaiah 30:12; Jeremiah 8:5-6; Proverbs 15:4)
6. Runs from the real answers (Isaiah 30:15-17; Ephesians 6:13; Isaiah 30:12-14)

In Isaiah 30:15 the word "salvation" represents being saved or delivered from any kind of calamity or attack. Eternal salvation requires us to repent, but depends on Christ's sacrifice. We still need help avoiding snares along our way with our walk with God. We need to repent but we also need to turn to God so we can receive the power to overcome the temptation (Acts 3:19). If we continue to act in rebellion to God the protection in our lives crumbles like pottery (Isaiah 30:12-14). We don't lose our salvation, but we do lose protection in order for us to return and trust.

Day 3: Isaiah 46:9- "I am God, and there is no other; I am God and there is none like me."
This day emphasizes God's right to rule. (2 Corinthians 2:12)
1. The Lord is the one and only possessor of true liberty. (Compare John 1:12, Romans 8:15, and 1 Corinthians 2:12)
2. The second step toward freedom is receiving Christ as Savior, thereby receiving His liberating Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:17)
3. The third step toward freedom is yielding to the authority of God. (Ephesians 5:18; Philippians 3:12; Isaiah 61:1). Matthew 26:42, John 4:34, and John 6:38 all record Christ's attitude toward His Father's desires. (John 6:39-40) At the end of this lesson there was an observation exercise over the passage Isaiah 40:12-28;45:5-25; 46:1-13 to gain a greater perspective and respect for God's rule.

Day 4: Isaiah 51:6-"But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail."
This day emphasizes the fact that God's rule is right (Romans 6:16). The lesson follows Isaiah 51:1-16 and discusses building our trust by stepping out on faith and obeying the Word of God.

Day 5: Isaiah 33:2 "O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress."
This day emphasizes the fact that God's righteous rule applies to everyday living. An obedient life grows from obedient days (Amos 3:3). We will be more fulfilled if we walk with God instead of asking Him to walk with us (Jeremiah 29:11-13).
The lesson discusses the following 5 benefits of a daily walk with God: (Isaiah 33:2-6)
1. God offers us the daily treasure of His strength (v2).
2. God offers us the daily treasure of His sure foundation (v6). (1 Corinthians 3:11)
3. God offers us the daily treasure of wisdom and knowledge (v6). (Isaiah 47:10; Psalm 119:105).
4. God offers us the daily treasure of a fresh morning word (v4). (Isaiah 50:4-11)
5. God offers us the daily treasure of victory (vv7-8).

This day concluded with reading Isaiah 50:10-11 so I will leave you with that.

Until next time.