SERIES: THE GROWING CHURCH (2 OF 3)

NOTE: This sermon is part 3 and 4 of a 6 part sermon series. Two sermons outlines are included in this download.

PREVIEWS:

Part 3: Paying the Price
Series: The Growing Church
Stuart Briscoe
Isaiah 55:8-13

God's invitation to the exiles meant a change in the lifestyle to which they had become accustomed and embarking on a journey fraught with danger to a land full of problems. There was, in other words, a price to be paid. It is still the same for the people of God.

I. Paying the Price of Submission. vv. 8 11

A. Admitting the difference between God's thoughts and ours. v. 8

B. Acknowledging the superiority of God's ways over ours. v. 9

C. Accepting the authority of God's word over ours. 40:12 26
1. The analogy of rain and snow. v. 10

2. The application of God's word. v. 11
a. Bread for the eater. See Nehemiah 8:1 9

b. Seed for the sower. See Nehemiah 8:10

II. Paying the Price of Service. vv. 12 13

A. Mountains and hills cannot be avoided. v. 12
1. The uphill battle of opposition. See Ezra 8:22-23; Nehemiah 4:1 9

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Part 4: Strengthening the Stakes
Series: The Growing Church
Stuart Briscoe
Isaiah 57:14-21

Isaiah reminded the returning exiles that if they were to make ready for the great influx of people by "enlarging their tent" they would need to "strengthen the stakes" or the whole enterprise would collapse. It is not difficult to see how the same applies to the church. But what are the "stakes" and how are they strengthened?

I. Strengthening the Spiritual Stakes.

A. By removal of obstacles. v. 14
1. The personal impediments to spiritual growth.

2. The corporate issues that inhibit ministry.

B. By renewal of perspective. vv. 15 19
1. The character of the Lord.
a. His name is "Holy."

b. He lives forever.

c. His dwelling is high and holy…

d. …and with the contrite and lowly.

2. The condemnation of the Lord. vv. 16-17

3. The compassion of the Lord. vv. 18-19