Commentary on Isaiah 46-47
Chuck Smith contrasts the eternal, living God with the futility of idolatry, warning that turning from God leads to judgment and captivity as revealed in Isaiah 46-47.
In this expository sermon, Chuck Smith explores Isaiah chapters 46 and 47, highlighting the stark contrast between the eternal God and the false idols worshipped by Israel. He emphasizes the consequences of idolatry, including God's judgment through Babylon, and calls believers to remain faithful to the living God. Drawing from prophetic warnings, Smith challenges listeners to recognize the futility of idols and return to the true source of life and salvation.
Text
Isaiah chapter 46. Now in Isaiah 46 we get a short contrast between God, the true and the living eternal God that created the heavens and the earth, and the false gods that these people were worshipping. And the tragic thing is these people were the Israelites, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They had turned to idolatry. And as you read the prophecy of Isaiah and of Jeremiah, they are crying out against the idolatry of the people, warning them that their continued idolatry would bring upon them the judgment of God. Using Babylon as His instrument of judgment, and that they would be going into captivity as the result of their idolatry. You remember Jeremiah cried out, "For My people have committed two sins; one, they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have hewn out for themselves cisterns, cisterns that can hold no water" (Jeremiah 2:13).
Men will worship something. Men will believe in something. They must. Every man has a god. But there are some religious systems that hold no water at all. They just do nothing for the people who believe, but bring them into captivity. And so God\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Contrast between the living God and false idols
- Israel's descent into idolatry despite their heritage
- God's warnings through prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah
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II
- The nature and futility of man-made gods
- The inevitability of worship and belief in something
- Idols as powerless and leading to captivity
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III
- God's use of Babylon as an instrument of judgment
- The consequences of forsaking God
- The call to return to the true fountain of living water
Key Quotes
“Men will worship something. Men will believe in something. They must.” — Chuck Smith
“These people were the Israelites, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They had turned to idolatry.” — Chuck Smith
“God is the true and living eternal God that created the heavens and the earth.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Examine your life to ensure you are worshipping the true God, not idols.
- Recognize the consequences of turning away from God and seek repentance.
- Trust in God's faithfulness as the eternal source of life and salvation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of Isaiah 46-47?
The chapters contrast the true God with false idols and warn of judgment due to idolatry.
Why did the Israelites turn to idolatry?
Despite their heritage, they forsook God and sought satisfaction in powerless idols.
What does Jeremiah 2:13 mean by 'cisterns that can hold no water'?
It symbolizes the emptiness and futility of trusting in idols instead of God.
How does God use Babylon according to the sermon?
God uses Babylon as an instrument to bring judgment and captivity upon Israel.
What practical lesson can believers learn from this sermon?
Believers should remain faithful to God and avoid the temptation of idolatry.