“Let Us Reason”
Isaiah 1:18-20
Introduction
1.
There is reasoning and there is
arguing
2.
Those who cannot reason often
resort to anger and threats – witness the outcry over the Pope’s recent
remarks about Mohammad
3.
God is a reasonable God and He
offers reasons in His word
Discussion
1.
The state of affairs in
a.
Their existence was threatened by
the armies of
i.
They had beaten off the
Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites and Edomites in the days of David
ii.
They had beaten off the Syrians and
Egyptians
iii.
Now they would have to contend with
the Assyrians – 1 Kings 17-19
b.
Their religion had been corrupted
by kings and people
i.
The failures of Saul, David and
Solomon
ii.
The departure of the people into
idolatry “under every green tree and on every high hill”
c.
The observance of the rituals of
religion had no power to bring a moral conversion
i.
Is 1:10-15
ii.
The moral corruption of the church
in the dark ages – legendary for the corruption of people, clergy and
hierarchy (including the pope) alike
2.
God is a reasonable God
a.
God has given us reasons to believe
that He exists
i.
In the creation – Rom
ii.
In the prophets – Deut
b.
God has given us reasons to believe
that Jesus is His only begotten Son
i.
In his miracles – John
ii.
In his resurrection – Rom 1:4
c.
God has given us reasons to submit
to His laws and His decrees
i.
In His history of caring for His
people – Psalm 78
ii.
In His promises concerning life
after death – John 14:1-3
3.
Only God can make us “white as
snow”
a.
Because of sin we need forgiveness
i.
1 John 1:9
ii.
We enter into a dialog with God
b.
Because of weakness we need God’s
strength – Phil 4:13
c.
Because of the pollution that is in
the world we need the cleansing that can only come through the blood of Jesus
– 1 John 1:7
Conclusion
1.
Consider Peter’s admonition to answer – 1 Pet
2.
Consider Jude’s admonition to
contend – Jude 3
3.
Consider what God requires for your
salvation