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Sermon #52 — Isaiah Series

Title: The Purpose of God

Text: Isaiah 14:1-32

Subject: God’s Purpose

Date: Sunday Evening — June 3, 2018

Readings: Mark Medley and Mark Henson

Introduction:

My text is the 14^th chapter of the Gospel of Isaiah. My subject is The Purpose of God. — The Purpose of God (Isaiah 14:1-32). Let’s begin by reading just two verses from this chapter. In verses 26 and 27 God the Holy Ghost gives us his message in the chapter.

(Isaiah 14:26-27) This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations. (27) For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? And his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

Written for Us

Isaiah 14 was written by divine inspiration for us (Romans 15:4). As I read through this chapter, I am fully aware that it was a prophecy given to Israel, assuring that nation that, though they must for a time be oppressed by the Philistines, the Assyrians and Babylonians, God would at last deliver them to their own land again and destroy their enemies. I know that this prophecy relates to those historic events in the distant past.

But the more I study this chapter the more increasingly convinced I am that there is much more described here than a period of Jewish and Babylonian history that ended several thousand years ago. This chapter, like all the rest of Holy Scripture, is written for us, for our learning and our admonition. This inspired prophecy is, I am certain, if properly understood, as practical and needful, and beneficial to us as the 14^th chapter of Romans. It has at least as much to say to God’s church in 2018 as it did to the nation of Israel in the year that King Ahaz died (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

(2 Timothy 3:16-17) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

The subject of this chapter is spiritual conflict that began before God made man upon the earth. It is the conflict of the ages, between God and Satan, between Christ and the serpent, between Christ and antichrist, between the church and Babylon, between the sons of God and the children of the devil. No one can understand history who does not understand this conflict. And no one can understand the Bible, its history, its doctrine, or its prophecies, who does not understand this conflict.

Proposition: It is the purpose of Satan to overthrow the throne of God, defeat the purpose of God, and destroy the people of God; and it is the purpose of God to destroy Satan, his works, and his followers for the salvation of his people and the glory of his own great name.

Divisions: I will not attempt to explain every phrase in this chapter. But I do want to show you four facts revealed in these 32 verses about the purpose of God — “This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth.”

1. The Lord God will have mercy upon Jacob (vv. 1-3).

2. The Lord God will overthrow and destroy all his enemies (vv. 4-23).

3. The Lord Our God will accomplish all his purpose (vv. 24-27).

4. God will build, preserve, and save his church (vv. 28-32).

Jacob God’s Chosen

1^st — The Lord God will have mercy upon Jacob (vv. 1-3). — All God’s elect must and shall be saved.

(Isaiah 14:1-3) For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob. (2) And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors. (3) And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve.

Jacob is God’s elect, the house of God’s chosen. The nation of Israel was typical and representative of the church and kingdom of God. — We who believe are the sons of Jacob, the Israel of God, the people of God’s covenant (Romans 2:28-29; Galatians 3:7; 6:16; Ephesians 2:11-14; Philippians 3:3).

(Philippians 3:1-3) Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. (2) Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. (3) For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

In all that God does or allows to be done, he will have mercy upon his own elect (Romans 8:28). Having chosen us in Christ in eternal election, as the objects of his mercy, God will never turn from us to do us good — “He will yet choose Israel!”

God will bring his elect into the land of promise. — “Their own place” is not that little piece of land on the other side of the world. — “Their place” is in Christ! — “Their place” is grace! — “Their place” is God’s salvation! — “Their place” is Heaven! God will bring his elect to their place!

· By Promise!

· By Purchase!

· By Power!

· By Providence!

In the end, our God will cause us to rule over our oppressors (v. 2).

(Isaiah 14:2) And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors.

And he will give us everlasting rest. — “The LORD shall give thee rest” (v. 3; Hebrews 4:9-10).

· From Sorrow!

· From Fear!

· From Bondage!

(Hebrews 4:9-10) There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. (10) For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

Enemies Destroyed

2^nd — The Lord God will overthrow and destroy all his enemies (vv. 4-23).

(Isaiah 14:4-6) Thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! The golden city ceased! (5) The LORD hath broken the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre of the rulers.

Without question, the immediate reference here is to the king of literal Babylon, either Nebuchadnezzar or Belshazzar. But to limit the passage to either of these men is a mistake. This prophecy looks beyond the days of Israel’s deliverance from Babylon. It looks to the end of time, the time of the restitution of all things. It looks even beyond the day of judgment to the new creation and the redemption of God’s creation from all the consequence of sin (vv. 7-8).

· The New Creation begun in Redemption

· The New Creation of the New Birth

· The New Creation of the Last Day

(Isaiah 14:7-8) The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing. (8) Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying, Since thou art laid down, no feller is come up against us.

God will destroy Babylon, all false religion, and the king of Babylon, Satan. He will deliver his creation from the influence of evil. He will wipe the slime of the serpent off the face of the earth!

God will destroy Satan and the religion of this world (v. 4). — Babylon — “The Golden City” (Romans 16:20).

(Isaiah 14:3-4) And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve, (4) That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!

(Romans 16:20) And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

The powers of darkness shall be destroyed (v. 5).

(Isaiah 14:5) The LORD hath broken the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre of the rulers.

The persecutor shall be persecuted (v. 6).

(Isaiah 14:6) He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth.

The whole earth shall be delivered into the glorious liberty of the sons of God (vv. 7-8; Romans 8:21).

(Romans 8:21) Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Satan and the man of sin shall be cast into hell (vv. 9-11).

(Isaiah 14:9-11) Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations. (10) All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? Art thou become like unto us? (11) Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.

And the saints of God shall rejoice and sing, taunting Satan forever (vv. 4, 12-23).

(Isaiah 14:4) Take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!

Lucifer, in this passage, most certainly refers to a man, a mere Babylonian king. But that Babylonian king was a type, a picture, and a servant of the devil himself. But there is in this an obvious allusion to Satan and his fall (Luke 10:18 — Read vv. 12-23. — Compare all to Satan and his children.)

(Luke 10:18) And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

(Isaiah 14:12-23) How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! (13) For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: (14) I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. (15) Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (16) They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; (17) That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? (18) All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, everyone in his own house. (19) But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet. (20) Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned. (21) Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers; that they do not rise, nor possess the land, nor fill the face of the world with cities. (22) For I will rise up against them, saith the LORD of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith the LORD. (23) I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts.

God’s Purpose Unaltered

3^rd — The Lord our God will accomplish all his purpose (vv. 24-27). His purpose is unaltered and unhindered!

(Isaiah 14:24-27) The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand: (25) That I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders. (26) This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations. (27) For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? And his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

Our God will accomplish and is accomplishing his purpose in all things, everywhere, by everything and everybody!

· In Creation!

· In Providence!

· In Grace!

· In Heaven!

· In Earth!

· In Hell!

(Isaiah 3:10-11) Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. (11) Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

Church Built

4^th — God will build, preserve, and save his church (vv. 28-32).

(Isaiah 14:28) In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden.

Israel’s enemies rejoiced when Uzziah died, but Christ was still on his throne (Isaiah 6) and raised up Ahaz to greater power and usefulness for his people. The wicked always rejoice when faithful witnesses go down to the grave (Revelation17), but Christ is still on his throne and will raise others in their place to the destruction of Babylon and the salvation of his chosen (Revelation 18-19). — Read on!

(Isaiah 14:29-31) Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent. (30) And the firstborn of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety: and I will kill thy root with famine, and he shall slay thy remnant. (31) Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in his appointed times.

If in the end God destroys the Babylonian and the Assyrian, the Philistines will surely flee before him. His church and kingdom is safe.

This is our assurance (v. 32).

(Isaiah 14:32) What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.

· “The LORD hath founded Zion!”

· His people shall be gathered into it!

· “If God be for us, who can be against us?”

Zion is the Lord's, he chose her and established her. He will defend her. And though Zion's enemies may for a while seem to triumph, and the transgressions of Zion may bring her into captivity, yet the Lord loves Zion still and will bless her. The poor of his people know this, are assured of it, and depend upon it (Zephaniah 3:12).

(Zephaniah 3:12) I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD.

Application

As you care for your soul, make certain that you are a citizen of Zion, not of Babylon (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1). — “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ!”

(2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1) Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? (15) And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? (16) And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

(7:1) Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

· Trusting Christ alone!

· Born of his Spirit!

· Washed in his blood!

· Robed in his righteousness!

· Made holy (perfect before God) by his holiness!

Soon Babylon shall fall. God’s elect shall be saved. And Christ shall reign gloriously forever!

(Revelation 18:1-4) And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. (2) And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. (3) For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. (4) And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

(Revelation 18:20-24) Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. (21) And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. (22) And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; (23) And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. (24) And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

(Revelation 19:1-21) And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: (2) For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. (3) And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. (4) And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. (5) And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. (6) And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. (7) Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. (8) And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. (9) And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. (10) And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (11) And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. (12) His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. (13) And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. (14) And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. (15) And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. (16) And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (17) And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; (18) That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. (19) And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. (20) And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. (21) And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

And that is the purpose of God!

Amen.

Don Fortner

Pastor Fortner’s