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Sermon #7                                                                                                                                                                                                    Isaiah Series

 

Title:                           God has spoken!

 

Text:                            Isaiah 1:20

Subject:                     GodÕs Word and Our Responsibility

Date:                          Sunday Evening — June 26, 2016

Readings:     Mark Henson and Allen Kibby

Introduction:

 

God has spoken! — That is the title of my message. — God has spoken! — But nobody much seems to care!

á      The brilliant, educated well-trained intellectual doesnÕt care that God has spoken. He wants proof. He follows science, logic, and good sense!

á      God has spoken! — The unbeliever, the rebel doesnÕt care. He answers to nobody! He is his own master!

á      God has spoken! — The religious liberal doesnÕt care. He follows the trend of the day.

á      God has spoken! — The charismatic, the pentecostalist doesnÕt care. He knows what he feels, what he sees, what the preacher told him he saw!

 

 

God has spoken! — I wonder if you will pay any attention to that fact.

 

(Isaiah 1:2-20) ÒHear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. (3) The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. (4) Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward. (5) Why should ye be stricken anymore? Ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. (6) From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. (7) Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers. (8) And the daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city. (9) Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah. (10) Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. (11) To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. (12) When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? (13) Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. (14) Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. (15) And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. (16) Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; (17) Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. (18) Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. (19) If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: (20) But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it

 

ÒThe mouth of the Lord hath spoken it!The sermon Isaiah preached was not his, but the LordÕs. The people heard his voice. But it was God who spoke. The lips that delivered the message were IsaiahÕs. But the words spoken and the message delivered were GodÕs. The prophet of God spoke with boldness, confidence, dogmatism, and authority because he knew that the message he preached was indeed the word of God.

 

What did Isaiah preach to those who heard this voice?

á      The Total Depravity of Man (vv. 2-8).

á      The Unconditional Election of Grace (v. 9).

á      The Utter Uselessness of Religion without Christ (vv. 10-15).

á      The Impossibility of Self-salvation (vv. 16-17).

á      The Free Grace of God to Helpless Sinners in Christ (vv. 18-20).

 

When he had finished preaching, when he had delivered his message, he said, ÒThe mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.Ó He had delivered the burden of the word of the Lord. He had delivered his soul. Having done his work, he laid this terrible weight of responsibility upon the hearts of those who heard him: ÒThe mouth of the LORD hath spoken it

 

Proposition: That which God has spoken you and I are responsible to believe and obey.

 

Divisions: This text, ÒThe mouth of the LORD hath spoken itÓ . . .

1.    Declares the infallibility of Holy Scripture.

2.    Gives authority to the gospel we preach.

3.    Is the basis of our appeal to sinners.

4.    Sets forth the urgency of our message.

5.    Is the foundation of our faith.

 

Infallible Book

 

1st — This text, ÒThe mouth of the LORD hath spoken itÓ declares the infallibility of Holy Scripture. It assures us that this Book is the Book of God, inspired, inerrant, infallible. — ÒThe mouth of the LORD hath spoken it!Ó

 

All scripture, being inspired by God the Holy Spirit, is the infallible record and inerrant revelation of that which has been spoken by the mouth of the Lord (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21).

 

(2 Timothy 3:16-17) ÒAll scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.Ó

 

(2 Peter 1:16-21) ÒFor we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. (17) For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (18) And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. (19) We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: (20) Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. (21) For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.Ó

 

This Book, the Volume of Holy Scripture, by virtue of its very existence, is the greatest miracle in the world. If I should see my great-grandfather, who has been dead since I was a boy, rise up out of the earth, that fact would not be more miraculous than the existence of the Word of God! Try to grasp just a little of what was required to give us this Sacred Volume.

 

This Book was written in three languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek), by about forty different authors, who lived on two separate continents, over a period of fifteen to sixteen hundred years. Parts of it were written in palaces, parts in prisons. Some of it was written by well-educated men in great cities, other parts were written by shepherds and fishermen. Parts of it were written during times of war, pestilence, and danger, other parts during times of ecstatic joy. — Those who wrote the words of this Book were taken from virtually every walk of life: judges, priests, kings, prophets, prime-ministers, herdsmen, scribes, fishermen, and soldiers. Yet, in spite of all these varying circumstances, conditions, workmen, and ages of time employed in the production of Holy Scripture, it stands as one Book. It is perfectly one in all its parts. It is free of error and free of contradiction. The more I think about that fact, the more amazing it appears. —— Running through every page is the scarlet cord of redemption, binding the pages into one book, the Book of God.

 

I cannot state what I am trying to convey more clearly than A. W. Pink did when he wroteÉ

 

ÒImagine forty persons of different nationalities, possessing various degrees of musical culture, visiting the organ of some great cathedral and at long intervals of time, and without any collusion whatever, striking sixty-six different notes, which when combined yielded the theme of the grandest oratorio ever heard. Would it not show that behind these forty different men there was one presiding mind, one great Tone-Master? As we listen to some great orchestra, with its immense variety of instruments playing their different parts, but producing melody and harmony, we realize that at the back of these many musicians there is the personality and genius of the composer. And when we enter the halls of the Divine Academy and listen to the heavenly choirs singing the Song of Redemption, all in perfect accord and unison, we know that it is God himself who has written the music and put this song into their mouths.Ó

 

There is only one sane explanation for the existence of the Bible. — ÒFor the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost

 

This blessed Book, the Old and New Testaments, the Bible, has a unique dignity, for this book alone is the Word of God. This Book alone is infallibly inspired by God, written by men who, as they penned the words, were infallibly directed by God the Holy Spirit to record exactly what they wrote.

á      This Book alone has God for its author.

á      This Book alone has truth for its matter.

á      This Book alone is able to make you wise unto salvation.

á      This Book alone reveals the person, work, and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

The Word of God, the Book you hold in your hand, that which God has spoken, contains nothing but that which is absolute and certain.ÒThe word of our God shall stand foreverÓ (Isaiah 40:8). The opinions of men come and go. Science, as they call it, varies from age to age. Philosophies change year by year. But that which God has spoken in his Word is immutable, unalterable, and fixed forever.

 

ÒHe is the Lord — supremely good,

His mercy is forever sure;

His truth which always firmly stood,

To endless ages shall endure.Ó

 

I have been told many times that my doctrine is out of date. That I need to get more learned, more advanced views. My response is this — ÒWhen GodÕs truth changes, I will change. When God updates his Word, I will update my doctrine. Until then, God helping me, my doctrine will not change and my message will not be altered.Ó — Only those who walk in the Òold pathsÓ walk in the truth (Jeremiah 6:16).

 

(Jeremiah 6:16) ÒThus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein

 

IÕll tell you something else. — The Word of God is attended with almighty power. —— ÒWhere the word of the king is, there is power.Ó And where the Word of God is there is omnipotent power (Hebrews 4:12; Romans 1:16; 1 Peter 1:23-25).

 

(Romans 1:16-18) ÒFor I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (17) For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.Ó

 

(Hebrews 4:12) ÒFor the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.Ó

 

(1 Peter 1:18-25) ÒForasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; (19) But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (20) Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, (21) Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. (22) Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: (23) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. (24) For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: (25) But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.Ó

 

This Word, which by the gospel is preached unto you, is the instrument of . . .

á      Life (James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23-25).

á      Faith (Roman 10:17).

á      Edification (Ephesians 4:8-16).

á      And Spiritual Direction (ÒThy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.Ó — Psalm 119:105).

 

The Word of God is, by the effectual power of God the Holy Spirit, the cause of our hope and the source of our comfort (Psalm 119:49-50).

 

(Psalm 119:49-50) ÒRemember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. (50) This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.Ó

 

This is our doctrine of inspiration: — ÒThe mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.Ó That is a declaration of the infallibility of Holy Scripture.

á      Reverence the Word as the Word of God.

á      Read it prayerfully.

á      Believe it implicitly.

á      Proclaim it boldly.

 

Gospel Authority

 

2nd — ÒThe mouth of the Lord hath spoken itÓ gives authority to the gospel we preach. The word of Isaiah is nothing. The word of Paul is nothing. And my word is nothing. But like Isaiah and Paul, I come to you in the name of God with the Word of God. And that is something. I come to you with Òthus saith the Lord.Ó — ThereforeÉ

á      I stand before you with fear and trembling, lest I mar GodÕs message.

á      I preach to you with plainness and simplicity, lest I altar the impact of GodÕs message.

á      I must preach to you with absolute fidelity, lest I be found guilty of treason against my God.

 

                        Illustration: The KingÕs Ambassador

 

But, because I preach to you that which God has spoken, I preach with the utmost boldness and confidence. — If I spoke my own words, I might speak with modesty, apologetically and timidly. But if I have GodÕs Word to deliver, I must bow to no authority but the authority of GodÕs throne.

 

I do not preach the gospel by your permission, ask for your patience, or seek your approval. I grant, I am, in the opinion of most, extremely dogmatic. But faithfulness demands dogmatism, when Òthe mouth of the Lord hath spoken itIf God has spoken, controversy is over. There is no room for human opinion.

 

I know what God has sent me to preach, and I am heaven bound, if I speak in GodÕs name, to preach it. God has sent me to preach the gospel of his dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 9:16).

á      Ruin by the Fall.

á      Redemption by the Blood.

á      Regeneration by the Holy Spirit.

 

It is my responsibility to deliver GodÕs message with perseverance and patient faith.

á      God will honor his Word (Isaiah 55:11).

á      Nothing is of value in the building of GodÕs kingdom but the preaching of the gospel. — Everything else is wood, hay, and stubble (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

 

It is your responsibility to receive the Word of God as the Word of God and obey it (Proverbs 1:23-33). God will not trifle with those who trifle with his Word. — He will hold you accountable for what you hear or have an opportunity to hear.

 

Our Appeal

 

3rd — ÒThe mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.Ó That is the basis of our appeal to sinners. I do not appeal to you upon the basis of human reason, human experience, or human learning. I come to you with the bare record of Holy Scripture. In the name of God, for the sake of your immortal soul, and for the glory of Christ, I demand in GodÕs name that you bow to the Word of God (1 John 5:10-13).

 

(1 John 5:1-14) ÒWhosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. (2) By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. (3) For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (4) For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (5) Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (6) This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. (7) For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (8) And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. (9) If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. (10) He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. (11) And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (12) He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (13) These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.Ó

 

á      Believe the record God has given about you.

á      Believe the record God has given of his Son.

á      Believe the record God has given about salvation.

á      Trust the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Urgent Message

 

4th Here is the urgency of our message. — ÒThe mouth of the Lord hath spoken it!Ó — ÒIf ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it!Ó — Do not let Satan deceive you. God is not too good to punish sin. He is too good not to punish sin.

á      Your righteousness will not save you from the wrath of God. — You have none!

á      Religion cannot save you from the sword of justice — (Joab - 2 Kings 2).

á      God has never failed to execute any threat of justice in the past. — You will meet God in judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10-21; Revelation 20:11-15).

 

(Revelation 20:11-15) ÒAnd I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. (12) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. (13) And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. (14) And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (15) And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.Ó

 

(2 Corinthians 5:10-6:2) ÒFor we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (11) Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. (12) For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. (13) For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. (14) For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: (15) And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. (16) Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. (17) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (18) And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (19) To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (20) Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. (21) For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (1) We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (2) (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)Ó

 

FaithÕs Foundation

 

5thThis is the foundation, the only foundation of our faith. — ÒThe mouth of the Lord hath spoken it!Ó — ÒThe mouth of the Lord has spokenÉÓ

á      Redemption!

á      Forgiveness!

á      Salvation!

á      Righteousness!

á      ÒI will never leave thee, nor forsake thee!Ó

á      Faithfulness!

á      Preservation!

á      Goodness and Mercy!

á      Eternal Life in Heaven!

 

God has spoken. Will you hear him? God has spoken. Will you believe him? God has spoken. Will you obey his voice? Or will you refuse and rebel, and justly draw the sword of GodÕs wrath into your own soul forever?

 

Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

Don Fortner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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