Overview

These eleven studies focus on the second half of Isaiah. You'll dig deep into the prophet's revolutionary message of repentance, forgiveness and hope, and find comfort for coping with your own troubled times.

Introduction

Getting the Most Out of Isaiah
This section introduces the topic, explains the structure followed in each study and offers tips for those approaching the study on their own as well as those participating in a group.

Session One

A Hope That Never Tires
The Babylonian exile has come to an end and it is now the prophet's purpose to reconstruct his people's faith with a new calling to be God's light to the nations. What obstacles do you and your small group or church face in both your local witness and global missions efforts?
Isaiah 40

Session Two

"Here Is My Servant"
God reveals the character of the deliverer whom he is going to provide for Israel, a mighty deliverer who will yet be a lowly servant. In what respects does this passage challenge you—your character, your service?

Isaiah 42

Session Three

You Are Precious
In a culture where many love words have been devalued, how can we revalue them? In this passage we will hear the words "I love you" afresh so that we can be made abundantly sure of God's love for us personally.
Isaiah 43:1–44:5

Session Four

Turning to God
Isaiah 45:22 calls on the whole world to turn to God, the only God there is. What difficulties does this cause many people, including believers, in our pluralistic age?
Isaiah 45

Session Five

Strong Foundations for Service
This passage is the second so-called servant song that reveals more about the servant and what he will be like. What are the characteristics of an encourager? Why is encouragement so important?
Isaiah 49:1–18

Session Six

The Burning Heart of Scripture
In this passage we are introduced again to the servant of the Lord, whose solitary agony is the price of his people's homecoming. What is it about stories of self-sacrifice that moves us?
Isaiah 52:13–53:12

Session Seven

Shout for Joy
In this study the expectancy which has been heightening through previous chapters explodes into song and exhortation. Describe a time when you have been overcome with the joy of knowing God in the midst of sorrow.
Isaiah 54–55

Session Eight

Jeans of Joy & Shirts of Praise
Those who God transforms are to live lives which "display his beauty." What implications does this statement carry for our witness?
Isaiah 61

Session Nine

The Exhilaration of God's Love
The exultation and bridal joyousness of this chapter must be understood from the perspective of returning refugees. At the beginning of a new millennium there are over ninety million people living outside their countries as immigrants or as refugees. What feelings do you think these people have?
Isaiah 62

Session Ten

A Cry for Forgiveness & Revival
It is a shattering experience for Isaiah to turn from the vision of radiant Zion to Zion as it is. Have you ever been discouraged when you look at the people of God as they are today?
Isaiah 63:7–64:12

Session Eleven

The Terror & the Glory
There will be a new heaven and a new earth in which love reigns. Yet Isaiah cannot avert his eyes from the fact that some people reject the good news. How may we best preserve the two poles of awe and intimacy that characterize true worship?
Isaiah 65:17–66:24

Total number of pages—64 pages

Howard Peskett is the UK Scholarships Administrator of the Langham Partnership International, a program founded by John Stott, providing scholarships for Majority World students to do doctoral studies in various countries. Previously he served as a preacher, teacher and theological trainer with OMF International in Singapore and East Asia and as vice principal of Trinity College Bristol in England.