PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY

ISAIAH 58:1-14

INTRODUCTION

The prophets of old were not only predictors, but they were also “Instruments of righteousness unto God”. They were not only “seers” they were doers of the word. God’s servants must be faithful “cry aloud and spare not” (v.1). Their attitude must be unmistakable. “Lift up thy voice like a trumpet”. Their message must be practical “Show my people their transgressions” (v.1)

Let us see:-

I.  THEIR SINFUL CONDITION (58:1-4)

• They had drifted into a formal observance of religion, at heart it was practical ungodliness.
• They took pleasure in knowing His ways and forsook not His ordinances (v.2)
• Yet they were practising self-deception and delusion.
• They appointed periodical fast and afflicted their souls.
• They thought fasting and afflicting oneself would atone for their gluttony and insincerity (v.3-4)
• God is not mocked (v.5)
• “Bowing the head like bulrush (reed) and spreading sackcloth and ashes under him”
• This actions of fasting may not touch the sin of the soul (Matt.15:1-9, Isa.29:13)
• Is this our condition this morning? Come closer, my friends and let us consider our ways:-

II.  DIVINE REMEDY- PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY (58:5-7)

• Is not this the fast I have chosen? (6-7)
• Here is God’s interpretation of a “Fast”
• His medicine is suited for the disease.
• He says the fast you need is to:-

1. “Look the bonds of wickedness” (v.6)

• Wickedness is lawlessness, it is a spiritual bondage.
• Every unrighteous thought is a fetter for the soul.

2. “Undo the heavy burdens” (v.6)

• Many are carrying burdens too heavy for them (Matt.11:28-30)
• Burdens of people, unnecessary friends, sin, chamas, associations, fraternities.
• Burdens of attracting the wrong people to your life.
• Burdens of witchcraft, tradition, practices, debts etc.
• Some of the burdens could be undone by sympathy and cooperation.
• Show your faith by your works.

3. “Break every yoke”, let the oppressed go free” (v.6)

• The yoke of every oppressor is to be broken.
• Break the yoke of evil habits, fear of man, love of the world, the pride of life, self-will etc.

4. Care for the poor (V.7)

• Give “bread to the hungry”
• Shelter the homeless and the outcast.
• Cover and clothe the naked (I John 3:17)

III.  THE ASSURED RESULTS (58:8-14)

1. “Then, shall thy light break forth” (v.8)

• The light of God’s favour will shine like morning.

2. “Then, shall thy healing spring forth”

• The light of God has healing in its beams.
• The moral disease within cannot stand the dawn of the light of His truth. Healing of body, soul, spirit, relations and finances.

3. “Then, thy righteousness shall go before thee.|”

• Thy rightness with God, with men, will go before you like the prayers of Cornelius before God (Acts 10:4)

4. “Then, the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward.

• His goodness and mercy shall follow you- the days of your life.
• Righteousness before you and the glory of God behind you.

5. “Then, shall thou call, and the Lord shall answer” (v.9)

• Your prayers shall be answered- Angels ascending and descending to you.
• When sin is cleared out of the heart, then the way is clear for the Lord to show favour (Psalm 66:18-20)
• When we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight- He answers prayer (I John 3:21-24)

CONCLUSION

• Practical Christianity is possible for each one of us.
• Practical Christianity is health to our bodies, finances, relationships, projects of buildings, repairs of broken walls and restorer of streets with dwellings (v.11-12)
• Let us receive the anointing that breaks every yoke.