Isaiah 33:1-12

OutlineGod is sovereign over every powerful enemy.​ (1) The believer waits patiently, trusting God’s strength and power to save.​ (2-3) When God exalts himself to judge some are saved others are condemned.​ (5-9) The fullness of God’s judgement will come.​ (10-12) When Jesus was lifted up, He took God’s judgement for us to give us salvation.Home Group questions: Verse 1 speaks of God’s sovereignty over powerful enemies. This truth is used by some to teach that God will overcome our financial, emotional, and physical ‘enemies’. Why is it important that we are careful not to make that the focus of the text? What are the enemies of people, even believers, that we really must ask God to deliver us from, and how does this text help us in our daily struggles? (Consider Ephesians 6:10–18 and 1 Corinthians 10:12–14.)Verses 2–3 contain Isaiah’s prayer. How is it a good model for us to adopt, especially in times of uncertainty and suffering? (Note: verse 4 describes the blessing that comes to God’s people after He has acted.)Verses 5–6 end with, "The fear of the Lord is Zion's treasure." (Taking Zion to mean the dwelling place of God, which in the present age is the church of true believers) How is the fear of the Lord the treasure of His people, especially in times of uncertainty? How does the fear of the Lord bring stability, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge?Verses 7–12 speak about the fate of those who trust in salvation by their own means. How should knowing their outcome make us feel and act toward those who do not fear the Lord? How does our passage help us understand why God allows believers and unbelievers to experience the same earthly struggles?According to Isaiah 33:1–12, God’s solution to the uncertainty and struggles of life is His exaltation. Discuss how His exaltation can be both good and bad for people. How should that affect your life today?