Hope Now Bible Church: Fresno, California

Please Don't Tell Me The Truth! Isaiah 30:8-18

The truth hurts.  So the saying goes.  We don't always want to hear the truth.  I've heard of people who never go to the doctor because they are afraid he will tell them that they have cancer or some incurable disease.  Many times people are afraid of the truth -- the truth can have a sting to it.

Spiritually speaking we are the same way.  We don't want to be confronted with our sin.  No one does.  That's the way the nation of Israel was in Isaiah 30.  They didn't want to hear the truth.  They didn't want to place their trust in God. 

Background

Isaiah was a prophet of God to the nation of Israel.  Since the nation was divided into two Kingdoms, his message was primarily for the Kingdom of Judah to the south.  Earlier, the Kingdom of Israel to the north had been taken captive by the Assyrians.  Judah, in their attempt to avoid capture themselves, decided to head down to Egypt and pay money for their protection.  God had strictly forbidden them from ever going back to Egypt again.  He had promised to help them if they would only listen to him.  As we'll find out in our study, that wasn't going to happen; listening was not something they wanted to do.

I Told You So (Isaiah 30:8)

In verse eight Isaiah writes down the words of the Lord so that when the predictions come true people would know it.  When God makes a promise or a prediction, he always keeps it.  Joshua, the great leader who came after Moses in the Old Testament, said, "All [of your promises} have come to pass...not one of them has failed." (Joshua 23:14).   King Solomon said this about God, "Not one word has failed of all his good promise..." (1 Kings 8:56).

Therefore in verse 8 God is telling the people of Israel, I'm going to write down what will happen to you so that when you look back on it someday, you will say, "He was right!  Why didn't I listen?"

La, La, La, La, La, I'm Not Listening! (Isaiah 30: 9-11)

The reason God had to write down his prediction to Israel was because they were so rebellious.  They were liars and didn't want to hear the truth. 

Remember from last week's study, they were heading down to Egypt for help, but God had told them, "Don't do it.  Trust in me and I will help you."  They wouldn't take instruction.  They thought they had it all figured out on their own.  They were so intent on doing their own thing that they didn't want to listen to anyone who would bring them the true message from God:  Not even their prophets.

In fact, they wanted just the opposite:  They wanted someone who would speak "smooth things" to them.  This word smooth in the Hebrew language carries the idea of a woman who wants to hear flattering words. 

They went so far to say in verse 11, "Don't even mention God to us again!" 

Two Predictions of Their Fate (Isaiah 30: 12-14)

Now God gives two word pictures of what will happen to them because of their disobedience. 

First, God says they will be like a high wall.  It looks strong and impenetrable, but it's not.  If you look at the wall from the side it is beginning to bulge out and is ready to collapse.

Second, God compares them to a piece of pottery that is smashed into so many pieces that not even one useful piece can be found.  It is smashed so finely that it is almost like dust on the ground.

I Told You The Solution To Your Problem (Isaiah 30: 15)

In this verse God reminds them again how they could have avoided all of this turmoil.  "Just return to me" He said.  But, he also reminds them that they were unwilling.

Our Horses Are Faster Than Yours (Isaiah 30: 16-17)

"No!"  That is their first reaction in verse 16.  "We're not going to listen to you, we have fast horses, we'll be able to go down to Egypt for help and the Assyrians will never take us captive."  But God said, "Sorry guys, the faster you run, the more you are going to be chased.  Once you are caught, all that will remain of you will be a little flagstaff reminder on the top of a hill telling others, "We should have listened to God!"

One Final Try From God (Isaiah 30:18)

God gives them one final chance.  God is so gracious and merciful and just, that he tells them, Even though you are rebellious, if you just wait for me, I will bless you.  Unfortunately, they didn't listen and later, they were taken away captives, not by the Assyrians, but by the Babylonians.

Truth For Today

As always, we learn valuable lessons for our own lives from Scripture since "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16).

1.  God always keeps his promises:  This may be a difficult concept for us to grasp because we live in a world of lies and deceit.  We must always remember that God is not like us, that's why he is God.   Look at what it says in the book of Numbers 23:19, "God is not a man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind.  Has he said, and will he not do it?  Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?"

We have to start with the premise that God is total Truth.  Let's look at some passage from Scripture that remind us of that fact:

Psalm 119:160:  "The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever."  This verse gives us one of the greatest promises in Scripture, that is, all of God's words in Scripture, if we add them all up; all of them are true.

John 17:17:  "Your Word is truth."  Here Jesus is speaking to God in a prayer.  Jesus confirms for us what we read in the book of Psalms."

John 14:6:  "I am the way, and the truth, and the life."  Jesus makes a bold statement that he is truth, making himself equal with God.

John 14:17:  "The Spirit of truth."  Jesus called the Word truth in John 17:17, now he says the Holy Spirit is truth.

When you read God's word, you can be sure that all of his words are truth.  You can believe everything in God's word with the assurance that he always keeps his promises.

2.  Listen to the hard words, not the smooth.  We all want to hear nice things about ourselves and the Bible is clear that we should say encouraging things to each other and build each other up.  Likewise, smooth words, when they are true are good.  But when it comes to sin, we need to be confronted with the hard truth of God's word. 

Sometimes the truth does hurt and we feel wounded, but look at what the Bible says about our wounds:

Proverbs 27:6:  "Faithful are the wounds of a friend."  A true friend will sometimes wound another with a Godly rebuke.  If a brother or sister is caught up in sin a faithful rebuke is the best thing a friend can do.

Psalm 141:5: "Let a righteous man strike me -- it is kindness; let him rebuke me -- it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it."  When we are struck by the truth it is like soothing medicine for our wounded soul. 

Ephesians 4:15:  "Speak the truth in love."  We must always remember that when we speak the truth to others, it is to be done in love.  That means you may need to pray before you speak.  You should first examine yourself to make sure you don't have sin in your life, and then pray that God will allow you, through the Holy Spirit, to speak the truth in love. 

3.  Don't think that you're better than you are.  One of the most destructive things in a Christian's life is pride.  We act like we're so great and have it all together, when all the while we're really ready to break down.  Unfortunately, pride blinds us from the truth and we are not able to see the pending disaster in our lives.

Romans 12:3:  "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned."  We get so wrapped up in ourselves at times that we think we're better than we really are. 

4.  Don't trust in the things of the world to solve your problems.  One of the biggest mistakes people make is to depend on someone else to solve their problems.  In the past 50 years people have developed the mentality that the government can solve their problems.  Rather than working, for example, some people think it's okay to collect money from the government.  The Bible has some harsh words for this type of thinking:  "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat." 2 Thessalonians 3:10.  For a Christian, it should be unconscionable to think they should get paid for not working.

Most of our problems are caused by sin.  Because we don't obey God we find ourselves getting overrun by sin.  We think we can keep running, but our sin keeps catching up until finally, we are so deep in sin we can see no way out.  God keeps telling us, "Trust me, listen to me, and obey me."

Maybe you're running from God's truth?  Perhaps it's time to stop, turn-around and allow God's blessings to overtake you instead?  God told Israel, "Just wait for me and I will bless you."  You have a choice.  To keep running from God, or to stand and wait for him.  When you do, he promises to bless you and that is a promise you can trust.

This Week:  Stop and listen for God.  Be assured that he always keeps his promises.  Get rid of any pride that is in your life.  Quit trying to solve your problems your own way and turn to God for his help.  Don't trust the world to make your life better.

Study Questions:

1.  Why do people want to hear "smooth" words rather than truthful words?

2.  Describe a time when it was difficult for you to trust God.

3.  Why do people trust the government or someone other than God to solve their problems?

Standing for Truth: Studies in the Life of Elijah

Sometimes it is difficult to stand up for the truth. People may think that it is easier to tip-toe around the truth in order to not offend anyone. As the saying goes, "The truth hurts." Many times it seems beneficial to tell a lie instead of the truth so that the pain might be lessened. What does God say about truth?

Jesus said it best, "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32.) Christians should always love the truth.

In our study this week we find Elijah poised and ready to speak the truth to King Ahab and 450 prophets of Baal. In the story, found in 1 Kings 18, the truth literally hurts, to the point of death for some.

THE BACKGROUND

Last time we discovered that the nation of Israel had split in two. The Kingdom of Judah was located in the south and the Kingdom of Israel was in the north. Israel was now ruled by King Ahab. He had turned away from the one true God and was worshiping a false god named Baal. Baal had been brought to Israel by Ahab's wife Jezebel. False prophets had arisen in the kingdom and the people were living in sin, even going so far as performing human sacrifices and promoting sexual immorality.

It was at this time that God raised up a prophet named Elijah. The name Elijah means "Jehovah is God." Elijah was sent to prove that Jehovah, not Baal is truly God.

We left off last time (See study, Obeying God in Times of Sensuality) with Elijah telling Ahab that because he had gone after other gods, Jehovah was going to hold back dew and rain from Israel for a prolonged period of time (1 Kings 17:1.)

With that warning, Elijah left the presence of King Ahab and hid by a brook where God performed a miracle allowing "ravens to feed [him] there" (1 Kings17:4.)

THE YEARS OF DROUGHT PASS BY

As the days, weeks, months and years of the drought passed by, the brook where Elijah had been living dried up. God commanded him to go to the town of Zaraphath where he lived out the rest of the drought in the home of a widow and her son. It is there that Elijah performed two miracles which caused the widow to proclaim, "I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth" (1 Kings 17:9-24.)

GOD IS READY TO END THE DROUGHT

In the third year of the drought (1 Kings 18:1), God commanded Elijah to go confront King Ahab (See 1 Kings 18:1-16.)

AHAB AND ELIJAH MEET (1 Kings 18:17,18)

It had been three long years. Drought ravaged the land of Israel and Ahab blamed Elijah, "You troubler of Israel." Elijah replied that he was not the one who caused the drought, rather it was because Ahab "Abandoned the commandments of the Lord and followed the Baals" Elijah placed the blame for the drought that undoubtedly killed many animals and people squarely on the shoulders of Ahab. Elijah was ready to prove to Ahab that there was only one true God in Israel. The proof would come through a challenge or contest between Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal.

THE CONTESTANTS (1 Kings 18:19)

For the contest Elijah told Ahab to get all the prophets of Baal (all 450 of them) and the 400 prophets of Asherah and bring them up to Mt. Carmel.

It appeared that Ahab controlled the 450 prophets of Baal and Jezebel controlled the 400 prophets of Asherah -- since Jezebel was away at the time, only the 450 prophets of Baal showed up for the contest.

ELIJAH ADDRESSES CROWD (1 Kings 18: 20,21)

Elijah issues his first stern warning to the Israelite people, "How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him" (1 Kings 18:21.)

The people were trying to combine both the worship of Baal and Jehovah. They weren't bold about either belief. Elijah tells them that they're like lame people, limping around and never able to stand firm in one spot.

"The people did not answer him a word." They knew they were wishy-washy. They were convicted. They most likely hung their heads in shame--they couldn't look him in the eye. They believed in Jehovah, but Baal was at the center of their lives.

[Whatever is at the center of your life is your god. What are you "Limping" between? What god is holding you back from worshiping and serving the One True God?]

THE CONTEST RULES (1 Kings 18:22-25)

It was time for the contest to begin. Elijah announced the teams:

For Jehovah: 1, Elijah.
For Baal: 450, prophets.

1 against 450

Two bulls were to be brought to the top of the mountain. The prophets of Baal would get to choose first -- whichever bull they wanted. Then, they were to cut the bull in pieces and lay it on the wood, but not light a fire. Elijah told King Ahab that he would do the same.

Then, the prophets of Baal were to call upon the name of their god and Elijah would call upon the name of the LORD.

Whichever God answered by fire, "He is God." Everyone agreed to the rules of the contest!

IT'S ON! (1 Kings18:26-29)

After the prophets of Baal prepared the bull, they began to call out to their god but "no one answered" (vs.26.)

By noon Elijah began to mock them.

• "He is a god." Literally Elijah is saying "Come on! Baal is your supreme god -- Cry out louder to him!"
• "Either he is musing." Maybe he is not answering because he is deep in meditation?
• "He is relieving himself." Maybe Baal is on the toilet?
• "Or on a journey." Did he step out for a moment?
• "Perhaps he is asleep." If you shout loud enough you may be able to wake him up!

And so the prophets continued on, shouting louder, cutting themselves with their swords. Verse 29 says "They raved on." In other words, they were delirious, irrational and wild.

But "There was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention."

The altar, the wood and the bull looked the same as it had earlier in the day. Their god, Baal had failed to light the altar on fire.

NOW IT'S ELIJAH'S TURN (1 KINGS 18: 30-35)

At one time there had been an altar to the Lord on Mt. Carmel. Now, Elijah began the task of repairing it. He began by taking 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel -- by doing so Elijah was making the statement that all of Israel should worship Jehovah.

He put the wood and the bull on the altar exactly as the prophets of Baal had done. But instead of mimicking the prophets of Baal took it a step further.

He dug a trench around the altar and ordered "Four jars with water" be poured on the bull and the wood. He had the people do this three times -- 12 jars of water soaking the bull, the wood and filling the trench.

ELIJAH'S PRAYER AND GOD'S ANSWER (1 KINGS 18:36-38)

Rather than running around the altar and chanting like the prophets of Baal did, Elijah calmly turned his attention to the God of heaven. He gave praise to the Lord, and God heard his prayer and answered by sending a fire from the sky so great that it "consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench."

THE PEOPLE BELIEVE AND THE PROPHETS OF BAAL ARE KILLED (1 KINGS 18:39-40)

Who wouldn't believe? The prophets of Baal had tried for hours to bring fire to their altar, but had failed. Elijah prayed a simple prayer and God answered it quickly and violently.

The prophets of Baal were put to death for various reasons. First, they were promoting a false religion that was leading people astray from the One True God. Second, they had been guilty of putting people to death through human sacrifices which in itself was punishable by death.

LESSONS FROM THE PASSAGE

1. We have to choose whom we are going to serve; God, or our own pleasures.

Jezebel was intent on wiping out the worship of God (1 Kings 18:4), but the people, and even King Ahab still kept one foot in the door. The Bible says "Choose this day whom you will serve" (Joshua 24:15). God wants your whole heart. "You cannot serve two masters" (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13).

2. It takes courage to stand for truth.

Elijah stood alone and proclaimed the truth of God. Who do you need to proclaim the truth of God to? Maybe you are the only Christian in your family and you need to tell them the truth of Jesus Christ and his free gift of eternal life? Perhaps you need to stand for truth among your friends? Whatever the case, like Elijah, it will take courage which only comes from God.

3. The truth sets us free.

When the Israelites finally believed, they were set free from the sin of Baal worship. Their hearts were turned back to God. Jesus said, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32.) That's what truth does, it sets us free! Do you need to be set free from some sin that is consuming you? Then, turn your heart to God.

4. God always answers our prayers when we call on him in truth.

The Bible says, "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them" (Psalm 145:18.)

WHAT IS TRUTH?

Like the Israelites, it is easy for us to get caught or trapped in our culture. We are told by the media and by Hollywood stars that it's okay to fulfill our own desires. Whatever makes you feel good, do it! Just listen to your heart. Yet Scripture gives us many clear cut examples of truth. Let's examine a few of them:

1. It is true from Scripture that homosexuality is wrong.

1 Corinthians 6:9 says that those who practice homosexuality will not inherit the kingdom of God. The Bible goes on to say the same about lesbianism (Romans 1:26). God calls it vile or debased. Debased means degraded -- the lowest possible place to be.

The world is chipping away at our minds, trying to convince us that homosexuality is okay. Let people be who they are, they say. What a dangerous philosophy to follow. What if a person is a pedophile? Should we let him "be the way he is?" What if a person is a murderer? Do we let him run loose in society? No, there are natural laws that everyone knows are wrong. We all know that molesting a child is wrong; we all know that murder is wrong, likewise, we all know that homosexuality is wrong because it goes against the "natural relations" of a man and a woman. But the Bible says that even though people know homosexuality is wrong, there will be some who continue to "give approval to those who practice [it]" (Romans 1:32)

2. It is true from Scripture that adultery is wrong.

The book of Job calls adultery a "heinous crime" (Job 31:11.) The word heinous means hateful or totally reprehensible. Another word to describe heinous would be wicked.

Adultery rips at the heart of the family. It destroys the union of a man and woman and crushes the spirit of the children.

Rather, husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies and women are to respect their husbands. Marriage is a picture of Jesus Christ (the groom) and what he does for the church (his bride.)

We are to "flee" adultery (1 Corinthians 6:18.)

3. It is true that it is wrong for a Christian to marry a non-Christian.

"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers" (1 Corinthians 6:14.) The idea here is hooking up two different animals to a plow, like an ox and a donkey. The plow wouldn't go straight since the ox is much stronger than the donkey; the result would be inconsistent and uneven rows in the field making planting difficult.

The same principle applies in marriage. One marriage partner would want to pull one way and the other another way. For example, if a Christian and a practicing Muslim were to somehow fall in love and marry, how would they raise their children? One parent would want the children to know Christ and the other would want them to follow Allah. God knew that it wouldn't work so therefore he warned (commanded) against it.

4. It is true that it is wrong for a Christian to take another Christian to court.

Christians are to take their disagreements between each other to other Christians, not the secular court of law (1 Corinthians 6:1.) There is no worse testimony for Christ than two Christians fighting against each other. The apostle Paul says don't lay your "Cases...before those who have no standing in the church" (6:4.) We are to be a testimony to the world of what Christ has done in our lives and how he offers us eternal life.

5. It is true that pride is wrong.

Pride is hateful to God (Proverbs 8:13.) In fact, pride keeps people from believing in God (Psalm 10:4.) We are told that God actually "Opposes the proud" (James 4:6.) God will punish the proud (Zephaniah 2:9,10.)

When the Bible speaks clearly on an issue Believers in Christ must speak the truth to those who are in error. The apostle Paul calls it, "Speaking the truth in love."

In his book "The Truth War" Pastor John MacArthur writes:

"How do we grow spiritually? By "speaking the truth in love" to one another. We grow under the truth. It is the same truth by which we are sanctified, conformed to the image of Christ, made to be mature spiritually (John 17:17,19). As we absorb the truth of God's Word, we grow up and are built up."

Are you ready to be like Elijah and stand up for the truth of God's Word?

Study Questions

1. Can you tell of a time when you had courage to stand up for God's truth?

2. Tell of a time when you know that God specifically answered your prayer.

3. Is it easier to follow the advice of the world (Like Dr. Phil or Oprah) than to follow the Bible? Explain.

This Week: Resolve to stand up for the truth this week. Be prepared to speak the truth in love to someone who needs to know the saving message of Jesus Christ.