Sermon Tone Analysis

Overall tone of the sermon

This automated analysis scores the text on the likely presence of emotional, language, and social tones. There are no right or wrong scores; this is just an indication of tones readers or listeners may pick up from the text.
A score of 0.5 or higher indicates the tone is likely present.
Emotion Tone
Anger
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Fear
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Analytical
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Openness
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Conscientiousness
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Extraversion
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Agreeableness
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Emotional Range
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Tone of specific sentences

Tones
Emotion
Anger
Disgust
Fear
Joy
Sadness
Language
Analytical
Confident
Tentative
Social Tendencies
Openness
Conscientiousness
Extraversion
Agreeableness
Emotional Range
Anger
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Max is a veteran of the Korean War.
The threat of another war with North Korea is really causing him to worry.
He has too many bad memories of the war in Korea.
And the possibility of a nuclear war only adds to his fears.
I can certainly understand Max’s fears.
Can’t you?
But if Max is a Christian, does that make any difference?
Should it?
Let me ask it another way.
Should Christians be any less fearful or anxious over the trouble in the world than anyone else?
The answer is yes.
Today God is going to tell us how we can face the trouble in the world without fear.
Turn with me to .
Isaiah is writing to the Jews who would find themselves in captivity in Babylon.
Through Isaiah God is describing a world power that is going to come on the scene and topple both men and nations.
News like this is troubling for many nations.
But God’s message to His people is, “Do not fear.”
Stand as I read God’s Word.
These verses teach us three steps for facing fear in a troubled world.
I.
In this troubled world remember who rules.
(Vv 1-4)
Coastlands - surrounding Gentile nations
draw near for judgment - not condemnation but to settle an issue
Verse 2-3 describe the rising up of a ruler who easily conquers all before him.
He in verse 2 is God.
Most think Cyrus
Verse 3 - like his feet don’t touch the ground (swiftly)
The issue to be resolved is found in verse 2a & 4a.
Who raises up kingdoms and rulers?
Who causes kingdoms to rise or fall?
The answer is, “God!”
the first and with the last - conveys the idea that the Lord is the one and only God and the ruler of all of history.
“If God is really in control why is the world in such a mess?”
The Bible places blame for evil at the feet of mankind.
SIN
What is the alternative?
Would it make you feel better to think God isn’t in control?
God has allowed evil and made it His mission to rescue us from it.
When faced with the trouble in the world the first thing the Christian must do is remember God rules.
And then there is something that the Christian must not do.
II.
In this troubled world avoid idolatry.
(Vv 5-7)
Upon seeing the conqueror God has raised up the Gentile nations are afraid.
They try to draw strength by turning to idols.
The various craftsmen work together to make the idol and then nail it down so it doesn’t fall over.
They think it’s good.
This is where they turn for hope and help in the face of trouble in the world.
The idols of today may not be made out of gold or silver but they are no less real.
Someone spending outrageous amounts of money building an underground nuclear shelter and stockpiling guns and ammunition.
Such a person isn’t drawing strength and confidence from the fact that God is in control.
He is trusting in the work of his hands.
In the face of a troubled world don’t put your confidence in political parties or government policy.
Don’t look to military strength to comfort you in the face of the evil and disaster.
Don’t turn to things like yoga to give you peace in the face of turmoil.
To do any of those things is idolatry.
It is putting your confidence, hope and trust in something other than God.
Yes, the world is a troubled place.
But as Christians we must remember who rules.
We must avoid idolatry.
And because God rules and we are trusting in Him we don’t have to be afraid.
III.
In this troubled world don’t be afraid.
(Vv 8-10)
Verses 8-9 - God is clearly addressing Israel.
These verses stress God’s commitment to His own.
But does this apply to Christians?
Two commands
Fear not
be not dismayed
Five reasons
I am with you.
I am your God.
I will strengthen you.
I will help you.
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
The word “but” at the beginning of these verses is important.
Isaiah is drawing a contrast.
On the one hand, the nations nervously prop up their helpless, homemade saviors.
On the other hand, the Sovereign of the universe chooses us and upholds us by his righteous right hand.
(Isaiah: God Saves Sinners)
Put these two realities together:
God rules the world.
God has promised to care for you.
The one who is in charge of everything says you have no reason to fear no matter what’s going on in the world.
Don’t fear the trouble in the world because God rules the world.
Ortlund, R. C., Jr., & Hughes, R. K. (2005).
Isaiah: God saves sinners (p.
262).
Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
The word “but” at the beginning of these verses is important.
Isaiah is drawing a contrast.
On the one hand, the nations nervously prop up their helpless, homemade saviors.
On the other hand, the Sovereign of the universe chooses us and upholds us by his unerringly righteous right hand.
Big Idea: Don’t fear the trouble in the world because God rules the world.
Big Idea: Don’t fear the trouble in the world because God rules the world.
I told you about Max, the veteran of the Korean war who is worried about another war with North Korea.
Max eventually became so troubled that he had a talk with his pastor.
His pastor listened carefully to his concern.
Then he gave Max a verse to meditate on and memorize.
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