Smiths Outline Bible Project

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Idol Worship is Worthless in Isaiah 46

Introduction: Isaiah 46 that teaches the sovereignty and power of God over all other gods and idols. It is a chapter that reminds us of God’s faithfulness to His people and His ability to carry out His plans and purposes. This chapter also emphasizes the futility of trusting in idols and the importance of looking to God alone for salvation and deliverance.

I. Isaiah 46:1-2 – The Futility of Idols
In these verses, the prophet Isaiah describes the uselessness of the idols of Babylon, which are being carried away on the backs of animals as the city falls. He contrasts the weakness of these idols with the strength and power of God. Cross-references for this section include Psalm 115:4-8, which also speaks to the futility of idols, and Jeremiah 10:5, which describes idols as being like scarecrows in a cucumber field, unable to speak or move.

II. Isaiah 46:3-4 – God’s Faithfulness to His People
In this section, God speaks directly to His people, reminding them of His faithfulness and His ability to carry them from birth to old age. He assures them that He will not forsake them, even in their old age. Cross-references for this section include Deuteronomy 31:6, which speaks to God’s promise to never leave or forsake His people, and Psalm 71:18, which echoes the sentiment of God’s faithfulness to His people even in old age.

III. Isaiah 46:5-7 – The Folly of Comparing God to Idols
Here, Isaiah challenges the people to compare God to their idols, highlighting the absurdity of such a comparison. He points out that idols must be carried, whereas God carries His people. Cross-references for this section include 1 Samuel 5:2-4, which describes the Philistine idol Dagon falling before the Ark of the Covenant, and Jeremiah 10:10-11, which contrasts the true God with false idols.

IV. Isaiah 46:8-11 – God’s Sovereignty and Power
In these verses, God declares His sovereignty and power, stating that He will accomplish all that He has planned. He emphasizes that His purposes will stand, and that He alone is able to declare the end from the beginning. Cross-references for this section include Proverbs 19:21, which speaks to the sovereignty of God’s plans, and Isaiah 55:11, which declares that God’s word will not return to Him void.

V. Isaiah 46:12-13 – A Call to Trust in God Alone
Finally, Isaiah calls the people to trust in God alone, rather than in their idols. He promises that God will bring salvation and righteousness to His people. Cross-references for this section include Psalm 37:39-40, which speaks to the salvation of the righteous, and Isaiah 45:22, which calls people to turn to God for salvation.

Conclusion: Isaiah 46 is a powerful reminder of the sovereignty and faithfulness of God. It challenges us to examine where we place our trust and to turn to God alone for salvation and deliverance. This chapter encourages us to look to God, who is able to carry us through all seasons of life and to trust in His plans and purposes. As we reflect on the truths in this chapter, may we be inspired to trust in God’s power and faithfulness, knowing that He alone is worthy of our worship and devotion.

The Nicolaitans were a group mentioned in the book of Revelation in the New Testament, specifically in Revelation 2:6, 2:15. They were a heretical sect in the early Christian church that was condemned by Jesus in his messages to the churches of Ephesus and Pergamum. The exact beliefs and practices of the Nicolaitans are not clearly described in the Bible, but early church leaders such as Irenaeus and Clement of Alexandria suggested that they promoted sexual immorality and the consumption of food sacrificed to idols. Some scholars believe that the Nicolaitans were followers of a false teacher named Nicolas, who may have been one of the original seven deacons appointed by the apostles in Acts 6:5. However, the exact identity and teachings of the Nicolaitans remain a matter of debate among theologians and historians.