June 26
Lesson 4 (KJV)
God Offers Deliverance
Devotional Reading: Isaiah 51:1–8
Background Scripture: Isaiah 51
Isaiah 51:1–8
1 Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are dug.
2 Look unto Abraham, your father, and Sarah, that bare you: for I called him alone, blessed him, and increased him.
3 For the Lord shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places, and make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.
4 Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people.
5 My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.
6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath, for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the world shall wax old like a garment. They dwell therein shall die like this: but my salvation shall be forever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.
7 Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.
8 For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be forever, and my salvation from generation to generation.
Key Text
Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are dug.—Isaiah 51:1
Partners in a New Creation
Unit 1: God Delivers and Restores
Lessons 1–4
Lesson Aims
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Identify what endures and what does not.
2. Explain the connection between seeking righteousness and seeking the Lord.
3. State one way they will better model that connection in the coming week.
Lesson Outline
Introduction
A. Look Both Ways?
B. Lesson Context
I. Look to the Past (Isaiah 51:1–3)
A. The Follower, the Seeker (v. 1a)
B. Remember Origins (vv. 1b–2)
The Rock
C. Expect Comfort (v. 3)
A Thriving City
II. Look to the Future (Isaiah 51:4–6)
A. "My People, My Nation" (v. 4a)
B. Coming Light (vv. 4b–5)
C. Everlasting Reign (v. 6)
III. Look Straight Ahead (Isaiah 51:7–8)
A. The Righteous at Heart (v. 7a)
B. Do Not Fear (vv. 7b–8)
Conclusion
A. Which Way?
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
HOW TO SAY IT
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Sela |
See-luh. |
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wadi |
wah-dee. |
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What Do You Think? What circumstances distract or discourage you from seeking righteousness? Digging Deeper How can you prepare for those times now to continue seeking the Lord faithfully? |
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What Do You Think? How does recounting your spiritual heritage strengthen your confidence in the Lord's faithfulness? Digging Deeper What are some areas from earlier in your walk with Christ that you would like to make a more significant part of your life today? |
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What Do You Think? How do you demonstrate God's love for people in distant lands? Digging Deeper What opportunities does your community offer to show God's love for all people? |
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What Do You Think? In what ways does this world's impermanence comfort you rather than a threat? Digging Deeper How does God's sustaining our fragile world reassure you about His love? |
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What Do You Think? How do you manage feelings of fear when you feel threatened or unsafe? Digging Deeper How would redirecting your thoughts to seeking God help you react faithfully at that moment? |
Conclusion
A. Which Way?
Looking to our past offers important insights: faithfulness, examples to follow or deviate from, and the people and events that have shaped us. Isaiah prepared the nation to look forward to Jesus, but we look to the past, present, and future when we look to Him. Jesus' salvation work is the reason for our joy in the present and our hope in the future. So when you think about whether to look to the past, present, or future, the answer is all three! Look to Christ and His ministry, sacrifice, death, and resurrection. Look to the body of Christ that continues to call the world to repent of sins and be reconciled to God. And look to the glorious future when God's promises of eternal life are no longer hope but our present, eternal reality.
B. Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for these reminders that You have always loved and admonished Your people. As we leave class, we ask for wisdom in making the tough decisions ahead of us this week. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
Hear that? God is calling.
Involvement Learning
Enhance your lesson with the KJV Bible Student (from your curriculum supplier) and the reproducible activity page (at www.standardlesson.com or in the back of the KJV Standard Lesson Commentary Deluxe Edition).
Wood, Andrew et al. "God Offers Deliverance." The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2021–2022. Ed. Jane Ann Kenney et al. Vol. 69. Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing, 2022. 375–376. Print. The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary.
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