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Some things are to be taken seriously - Isaiah wants the people of God to take sin seriously - Isaiah want the people of God to take their salvation seriously

Theme: It’s time to take sin and salvation seriously

I. Take sin seriously

A. was not taking sin seriously

1. Isaiah 59 opens by answering the questions asked at the opening of

a. 58:3: Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?

b. 59:1-2: Isaiah answers those questions: The problem here is not with God – It’s with you - Vs 1: Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear - Vs 2: But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear

2. Judah was taking their sin lightly a. They were acting like their sin was not a big deal - This is always a temptation b. Sin is a big deal

1. Sin is destructive and deceptive

a. Vs 5: Sin is like serpents’ eggs in that it is destructive / harmful b. Vs 6: Sin is like a spider’s web in that it’s deceptive

2. There are consequences to sin a. Sin alienates from God

b. Sin alienates from others B. God takes sin seriously 1. This is one of the underlying premises of the book of . Sin is chiefly against God C. We are to take sin seriously 1. Old Testament Judah seems to come her senses - Vs 9: They acknowledge the reality of their situation - Vss 10-11: They acknowledge their helplessness - Vss 12-13: They acknowledge their sin 2. To take sin seriously is to continually come to our senses II. Take Salvation Seriously

A. God takes it seriously

1. God sees our helplessness & He’s shocked by it - Vs 16: He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede

2. God saves His people - Vs 16b: then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him.

a. Emphasis here is not so much on God dealing with the guilt of our sin & securing forgiveness

b. Emphasis here is on God furthering our salvation & dealing with the power of sin

1. God suits up as a Warrior - Vs 17: He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.

a. Deals with enemies of His people / deal with those who oppose them

b. Emphasis here is on the enemy of sin / the inability to do justice & righteousness 2. This work in God’s people is accomplished by the Redeemer – Jesus Christ B. We are to take salvation seriously – (The Apostle Paul picks us Isaiah 59 in Ephesians 6) 1. Paul broadly follows the outline of the latter chapters of Isaiah in the book of Ephesians & expands on i a. Eph 1-3: In Christ you have been given every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places b. Eph 4-5: Take this salvation seriously - Eph 4:1: I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called

c. Eph 6: In fallen sinful world - It can be hard d. Put on the whole armor of God 2. Turn to Christ / align yourself with Christ / identify with Christ a. People identify themselves by what they wear b. Identify with God by putting on same armor Isaiah depicts God / the Messiah wearing - Fasten the belt of truth: - Put on the breastplate of righteousness - Take up the shield of faith - Take the helmet of salvation - Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God - Pray at all times in the Spirit with all prayer & supplication

Conclusion: It’s time to take sin and salvation seriously