Isaiah 56-59

Order of Service

• Prayer of Invocation
• Sermon
• Closing Prayer

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Sermon Title: Living as the Lord's Redeemed People

Scripture: Isaiah 56–59

I. Context and Structure of Isaiah 56–59

A. Transition from chapters 49–55, which focused on the work of the Suffering Servant, to the final section of Isaiah (chapters 56–66) B. Chapters 65–66 conclude with the new heavens and new earth and final judgment; chapters 56–59 occupy the space between the servant's ministry and that consummation C. The passage follows a biblical pattern of indicative-then-imperative

1. Seen in Genesis 1–2: God's work of creation followed by commands to Adam and Eve
2. Seen in Paul's letters: doctrinal foundation followed by ethical imperatives D. Bookends of the section: Isaiah 56:1 opens with the promise of salvation coming; Isaiah 59:20 closes with the Redeemer coming to Zion E. The audience is Israel returning from captivity, awaiting the still-future fulfillment of Isaiah 53

II. The Lord's Redeemed People Are a Diverse People

A. Isaiah 56:3–8 addresses the foreigner and the eunuch — those outside the land and outside the promise of many descendants B. Both are included among the Lord's servants and called to keep his Sabbaths and obey his commands C. Isaiah 56:8 extends the gathering beyond Israel: "I will gather yet others to him besides those already gathered" D. This reflects the Abrahamic promise of Genesis 12 — blessing to all nations; salvation is for people of every tongue, background, and nation

III. The Lord's Redeemed People Are a Distinct People

A. All in chapters 56–59 are addressed as guilty sinners, yet a remnant is distinguishable from the wicked B. Israel's leaders are depicted as corrupt and self-serving in Isaiah 56:9–12 — blind watchmen, silent dogs, shepherds without understanding C. God's people are called to live distinctly among a mixed multitude — true of Israel returning to the land, and true of the church in every age D. Isaiah 57:13 marks the distinction: "he who takes refuge in me shall possess the land and shall inherit my holy mountain"

IV. The Lord's Redeemed People Are a Contrite People

A. Isaiah 57:14–15: The Lord who is "high and lifted up" and "inhabits eternity" dwells with the one who is of a contrite and lowly spirit B. Isaiah 59:9–13: Isaiah confesses the sins of the people — they grope in darkness, stumble, and acknowledge their transgressions multiplied before God C. The contrast in these chapters is between the proud, who boast in their religious performance, and the contrite, who lay their sin bare before the Lord

1. Parallel to the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector — the tax collector who says he is unworthy reflects the posture God honors
2. Application: What is the posture of your heart before God — boasting in what you have done, or lowly and dependent on his grace?

V. The Lord's Redeemed People Are a Devout People

A. Throughout chapters 56–58 the Lord repeatedly calls his people to keep the Sabbath, including foreigners and eunuchs — reflecting the first table of the law (love of God)

1. The Sabbath is rooted in creation itself and is fundamentally about trust — acknowledging human finitude and dependence on God B. Isaiah 58:6–7 addresses right fasting versus wrong fasting, and calls for care of the oppressed, the hungry, the homeless, and the naked — reflecting the second table of the law (love of neighbor) C. Together these form a picture of full-orbed covenant life: vertical devotion to God and horizontal justice toward others D. Application: What does it look like to live in light of Christ's ministry — in the home, the workplace, and the church?