Reasoning with God

Isaiah 1:18-20

Introduction: Israel was Gods chosen people and they knew it and they took advantage of it. Israel was going through the motions of day to day religion but their lives and hearts were from God. Isaiah was sent to bring a message of repentance or they would face the consequences. The church is the bride of Christ and we know it. Too often we take advantage of Gods grace and mercy. We go through the motions of church while our lives and hearts are far from it. That’s a shame but it is true. We have two choices just like Israel; the end of each involves facing God. He asks Israel to reason with Him. Today He asks us to reason with Him as well. For a little while today I would like to preach to about reasoning with God.

I. Reason with God (V.18)

The Lord requests through Isaiah “Come now, and let us reason together.” Now don’t start believing you can negotiate a compromise with God that is not how the word “reason” is used in our text. The Lord is telling Israel to do what they know is right, He is giving an invitation. An invitation to return home and invitation back to the good graces of God.

This invitation still applies today. We are no different than the people of Israel, they sinned and the result was separation from God, think about that this morning. How is your relationship with God today? Are you walking with Him or are you walking away from Him? In Romans 3:23 Paul tells us “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” now that means all of us. You see the verb have sinned is past tense, at some time in our lives we have sinned against God. If we are honest today we will realize it happens every day. Were not finished with verbs yet, the verb come short is present tense. Because of what we have done we are in the condition of separation from God.

If we are going to reason with God we must agree with Him concerning our spiritual condition. That is we have bloodguiltness before God [scarlet/crimson]. We know Gods reasoning also comes with an invitation an invitation that involves repentance and that is found in verse 19.

II. Repentance from God (V.19)

God calls Israel to repentance, though it isn’t spelled out it is implied. He wants them to be obedient from a willing heart. Now that is repentance. I hate to disappoint you but repentance isn’t being sorry you done something. Repentance is being willing to change whatever is necessary in your life to prevent you from making the same mistake again. You have to be willing to do it, that is willingness and that is what so many people lack today. We like our sin and we like staying close enough to it to enjoy it but far enough away from it to not be associated with it. My what a mess that will make of your life. God says to be willing to move away from disobedience, be willing to avoid sin, be willing to obey God. If the church wants to see revival we must first seek repentance and repentance comes only from God. What if we refuse repentance? Well that brings us to the point of being responsible to God for our decision. That’s right we have a…

III. Responsibility to God (V.20)

In Israel’s case if they refuse and continue to rebel the will be devoured with the sword. In other words they will be invaded and taken into captivity. It’s not a possibility it is a promise “the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” We are held accountable by God for the decisions we make, it was true in Israel’s life and it is true in our life as well. There are spiritual consequences for ignoring the word of God. There are physical consequences for ignoring the word of God as well. We are created to have an eternal life, either in heaven with the Lord or in hell separated from the Lord, the decision is ours. Along with the decision come the consequences of our actions. We can make a bad decision and receive Gods forgiveness however we may have physical consequences to suffer for our actions. Doesn’t it make sense to live for God and let Him have His way in our lives?

Conclusion: Are you ready to reason with God or do you actually believe you can negotiate with Him? Gods not in the business of compromise, He has given us His word, His son and His spirit the rest up to us. The church talks about revival and having an awakening in this country, I agree its time for one. Its not going to start with the lost, its going to start when Gods people follow Gods request, it is time to reason with Him and when we do we will see things His way. When we come around to Gods way of thinking we will also see II Chronicles 7:14 come to life “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Now I don’t know where you stand today, do you have business with God? Close as God leads.