Prophetic Glimpses -- The Supremacy of God
Isaiah 40 - 48

Sermon Outline from the Morning Service - 30 January 2000

I. Proofs for Israel of God's supremacy

A. He declares former things -- Is. 41:22, 26; 43:9; 44:7; 45:21; 46:9-10; 48:3.  The early chapters of Genesis are more than just information, they show relationship to God and how we are to respond to Him.

B. He reveals future things -- Is. 41:22-23; 42:9; 44:7, 26; 46:10-11; 48:3
God is unique among gods for the amount of prophecy given (nearly 1/4 of Bible). Compare 44:26-28 with 2Chron 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-2 - As history runs its course, we are assured it is running HIS course.

C. He brings "good and evil" -- Is. 41:23; 44:25; 45:7-8.   God intervenes in life, bringing or withholding good / evil. God is not the author of evil. But He does allow "trouble, adversity, affliction" and its fruit in our world.

D. He created the earth -- Is. 40:12, 28; 42:5; 44:24; 45:7, 11-12, 18-19; 48:13.  The 5 things which scientists look to as making up our world [time, space, matter, energy and motion] are all found in Gen. 1:1-2.

E. He sustains the earth -- Is. 40:26; 42:5; 46:3-4
God sustains this world, everything down to how many days, hours, minutes and seconds we live.

F. He made, sustains & preserves Israel --Is. 43:1, 7, 15, 21; 44:1-2, 21; 46:3-4.  The Jews existence proved to Frederick the Great of Prussia that God's Word was true.

II. Practical applications for Christians from God's supremacy.

A. He declares former things. The Bible tells our "former" condition, Eph. 2:1-3; 1Cor. 6:9-11. We cannot rejoice in our goodness that got us saved, only in His grace for changing us into what we shall be.

B. He reveals future things. Rom 8:28; Jer. 29:11.. It is not so much knowing the future as it is that He has the power to fulfill His purposes.

C. He brings "good and evil." God is directly intervening in our lives. His arranging and designing of events are with your good in view

.D. He created the earth. The Bible assures us of design and purpose. 45:18-19 -- created "not in vain" and told to seek "not in vain."

E. He sustains the earth. He sustains His new creation -- John 15:5

F. He made, sustains and preserves Israel. 46:1-2, 7 talks of gods being carried. 46:3-4 talk of God carrying His people. "Footprints."