Isaiah 1:1-20

I. A harsh but needed message (Isaiah 1:2-9)

A. The people had not behaved as God desired (1:2-3; Jeremiah 8:7)
B. The description of Judah (1:4)
C. The punishment (1:5-9)

II. God’s disdain for sacrifice without submission (Isaiah 1:10-15)

A. Going through the motions but not living right (1:10-11; Matt. 5:23-24)
B. Their worship was not accepted (1:12-15; Proverbs 15:8; 1 Timothy 2:8; James 5:16)

III. Restoration is called for (Isaiah 1:16-17)

A. The devastating reality of sin must be recognized (1:16; 2 Cor. 7:10)
B. “Wash yourselves” (1:16; Psalm 51:2; Jeremiah 4:14; Zechariah 13:1; Ezekiel 36:25)
C. The cessation of sin must be followed by the commencement of right (1:17; Ephesians 4:25-32)

IV. Is it reasonable to be righteous? (1:18-20)

A. Paul thought so (Acts 17:2, 17; 18:4; 26:25; Romans 12:1)
B. God has the power to remove the scarlet stains of sin (1:18)
C. The people of Judah had a decision to make; today, people face the same decision (1:19-20; Romans 11:22)