Title: The Call to True Faith / Isaiah 58
A call to true faith
Isaiah 58
1. False fasting to be rebuked
① God’s urgent command to expose (1)
② The hypocritical approach and complaints of the Israelites (2-3a)
A formal zeal in itself is not acceptable to God. Israel complained that even though God had commanded them to fast, they did not look after themselves as they fasted, but rather troubled their hearts. In this way, those who actively participate only in rituals without being accompanied by spirit and truth become an abomination in the fellowship of God.
③ Revealing the false fasting of the reproof group (3b-5)
(1) Motivation of fasting - Ignoring the fact that fasting was instituted for repentance and sanctification, I thought of it as a tool for receiving external blessings.
(2) The posture of fasting Fasters should strive to purify their souls. But they defiled themselves with the enjoyment of carnal amusements. The suppression of self-will and passions must be accompanied by a sign of thorough repentance. However, despite their fasting, they forced their neighbors to work hard to fulfill their will and pursue their interests, and eventually even collided.
2. True fasting and its consequences (6-9a)
① Contents of true fasting (6-7)
The true fast that God desires must be shown as a social good. A true fasting person first repents of the evil that he has done to his old neighbor, pays off his debt to his neighbor, and does not oppress those of low social status. Furthermore, they practice positive deeds, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and helping relatives in need.
② Blessings brought about by proper fasting (8-9a)
God grants comfort and peace to those who practice the right fast, and guides them to be filled with the glory of God.
3. A call to true Sabbath observance (9b-14)
① Bad habits to be eliminated (9b-10a)
Pointing fingers, vain words,
② The blessing of the true faster (10b-12)
Light shines in darkness
God's guidance
③ Reform in Sabbath Observance (13-14)
On the Sabbath, worldly work should be stopped, all pleasures after the pleasures of the flesh should be forbidden, the Sabbath itself should be honored, and private thoughts and words should be restrained. Then you will enjoy the joy that God gives you.