Isaiah: The Glorious Branch (Isaiah 4:2-6)

Sermon & Small Group ResourcesThis is the second sermon in our seven week series on Isaiah. This sermon is “The Glorious Branch”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Readings: Isaiah 4:2-6DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF). Next Steps this Week BIBLE READING: Isaiah 4:2-6 In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem. The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire. Then the Lord will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory will be a canopy. It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding-place from the storm and rain. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS Download in PDF format.CONNECT: How could you grow in seeing your freedom from sin and freedom in relationship with God this week? WARM-UP What is the largest tree that you have seen felled? How was Israel to be cut down? Why might have Israel doubted that God was working out his purposes? Does anything ever cause you to wonder (or doubt) if God is working out his purposes? What can give us confidence that God is working out his purposes and will bring them to fulfilment? Read Isaiah 4:2-6 Where in Isaiah has the phrase “in that day” (or something similar) been used already? What does Isaiah actually mean by “in that day”? How is Isaiah like a tale of two cities? How would you describe these two cities? Up to this point in Isaiah, how has the prophet pointed to impending judgement and future restoration? What is the “Branch of the Lord”? What makes them the branch? What was Godʼs purpose for them? How is the Branch of the Lord connected to the land? What will the land be like? (Especially consider how this contrasts to some of the present descriptors of the land.) Read John 15:1-8. Whilst the Branch here is not likely a specific reference to the Messiah, how have Christians been graed into Godʼs people through Jesus the vine? What would the people “who remain” be called? What is meant by this? Whilst verse 4 may sound specific to women, how can we be sure this applies to both men and women? How would those who were saved become holy? How can we be made holy? How does God use judgement as part of the working out of his purposes? What hope do we have? What is the secure future that those graed into the Lord can be certain of? What are the parallels with the Exodus that are being drawn here? How do we enjoy the Lordʼs presence, provision, and protection today? How will we know and experience this in a complete way in the future? APPLY: Is there one area in which you are most likely to doubt that God is working out his purposes? How could you hand this over to the Lord and grow in your confidence that the Lord will fulfil his promises? PRAYER Gracious God, we thank you that you are indeed working out your purposes and will bring them to fulfilment when the Lord Jesus returns. Please help us to be honest with our struggles and to grow in our trust in you. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen. GOING DEEPER On Your Frontline This Week: Where might you have new or existing opportunities do you have to show Godʼs compassion? If youʼre not sure, start by focusing on a time: what opportunities do you have to show Godʼs compassion at 10am? Listen, Watch, and Read: Listen: “The Storm and the Refuge” by William TaylorListen: “Isaiah 1-5” by Gary MillarRead (Academic Article): “A Christian Approach to Old Testament Prophecy Concerning Israel” by Christ WrightRead: “The Fifth Gospel: Why Isaiah Matters” by N T WrightListen: “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus” by CitizenSERIES Resources:Series Resource Guide: www.stbarts.com.au/isaiah Watch & Read: The Bible Project: Isaiah Overview. https://bit.ly/3VdYQSa Learn: The Ridley Certificate: Isaiah. https://certificate.ridley.edu.au/courses/isaiah (Check St Bart’s Training Centre for upcoming courses: stbarts.com.au/training-centre )Commentary: “Isaiah for Everyone” by John Goldingay. https://bit.ly/3eaJbTn  Advanced Commentary: “The Prophecy of Isaiah” by J. Alex MotyerAdvanced Commentary: “Isaiah: In Context and throughout Ages” by B. Witherington IIIGrow as Families Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.Families: Read, Chat, Do, and PrayHigh School: CHARGE Discussion QuestionsKids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ TalkeBook: Watch the eBook