The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2012–2013, ed.

June 23
Lesson 4

WORSHIP IN THE NEW CREATION

DEVOTIONAL READING: Isaiah 42:1–9
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 65

KEY VERSES
See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create.—Isaiah 65:17, 18a

LESSON AIMS

After participating in this lesson, each student will be able to:
1. List characteristics of the new heaven and the new earth.
2. Tell what made the qualities of the new heaven and new earth particularly appealing to the Lord’s people in Isaiah’s day.
3. Write a prayer that acknowledges that the future is in the Lord’s hands.

LESSON OUTLINE

Introduction
      A.      Isaiah: A “Mini-Bible”
      B.      Lesson Background
          I.      God’s Promise (ISAIAH 65:17)
      A.      New Foretold (v. 17a)
      B.      Old Forgotten (v. 17b)
      Gone for Good!
          II.      God’s Provision (ISAIAH 65:18–25)
      A.      Joy (vv. 18, 19)
      B.      Life (v. 20)
      C.      Abundance (vv. 21–23)
      D.      Access (v. 24)
      Real “Instant Messaging”
      E.      Peace (v. 25)
Conclusion
      A.      Reverse the Curse
      B.      Prayer
      C.      Thought to Remember

The NIV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2012–2013, ed. Ronald L. Nickelson and Jonathan Underwood (Cincinnati, OH: Standard, 2012). 370.