Believe It Or Not

Believe It Or Not

Text: Isaiah 7:10-16 (NIV)

10Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, 11“Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.”

12But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.”

13Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also? 14Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. 15He will eat curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right. 16But before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.

I.       Introduction:

II.    A Sign Offered – The Opportunity For Faith In God

A.    The Opportunity For Faith Extended – Ask A Sign

1.      An Offer From God

2.      An Offer To Believe

B.     The Opportunity For Faith Rejected – Ask Not

1.      Piety Pretending To Trust God – Do Not Test

2.      Piety Refusing To Trust God – Do Not Hear

III. A Sign Promised – The Promise Of Deliverance By God

A.    A Sign Promised To The House Of David – Deliverance To God’s People

B.     A Sign Promised From The God Of Israel – Deliverance By God’s Hand

1.      The Sign Of A Miraculous Birth

2.      The Sign Of An Incarnate God

C.     A Sign Promised Regardless Of Faith – Deliverance From God’s Enemies

1.      God’s Victory Assured – The Reward Of Faith

2.      God’s Enemies Defeated – The Reality Of Judgement

IV. Conclusion: