The Power of the Cross

The Road to Victory Series

The Power of the Cross

Study Guide 

Message for Sunday April 14, 2019

This Week Reading:  Isaiah 50:4-11  Additional Reading: Isaiah 53: 1-12 

Introduction

The word weariness or weary appears at least 62 times in the Bible. Weariness is a common experience of all people. The causes of weariness are many. The very nature of life makes seasons of weariness very likely in our lives.  Life is difficult. Life is unfair. People are broken, selfish and sinful. We are broken, selfish and sinful. I am sure you could add to the list from your own experience. The Bible speaks of weariness in physical terms (due to a lack of food or water) and also of weariness of mind and spirit. Jesus became physically weary (John 4:6). Our inner person becomes weary and worn down. This is a dangerous place to be. Temptations are more difficult to resist when we are weary. It is hard to make good decisions when we are weary. The temptation to give up what we believe or give up on a God given dream for our life becomes especially strong in times of weariness. As one would expect the Bible has a lot to say about weariness. Some of the verses are listed below in the outline. Jesus experienced everything we did yet He was without sin (Hebrews 4:5). Jesus certainly experienced weariness the same as we do. Jesus calls all who are weary and heavy burdened to come to Him (Matthew 11:28). The verses we are studying this week are complex yet once they are understood they are simple. Reading the background information will help you understand the impact of these verses.
  

Background Information

Isaiah was a prophet (someone who speaks for God to the people). He lived approximately 600 years before the birth of Jesus in the 8th Century BC in the land of Judah (southern Israel). Isaiah's prophecies (predictions) include many predictions of the Messiah or Savior who was going to come into the world to bring salvation and deliverance to all people. These prophecies include a set of prophecies known as the suffering servant predictions. The suffering servant prophecies for the first time in the Bible indicate that the Messiah or Savior would suffer. There are four basic suffering servant prophecies. They are found in these verses; Isaiah 42:1-4; 49:1-6; 50 4-7 and 53: 1-12. The specifics of these prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus' suffering and death on the cross (Matthew 26;67; 27:30; Mark 14:65; 15:19; Luke 22:63). Jesus as described in these verses is an example of someone facing terrible circumstances who kept focused on God's purpose and the end result. This prevented him from being defeated in the face of weariness (Hebrews 12:3). In addition the crucifixion of Jesus reminds us of God's great love for us. By understanding this love we will be sustained in times of weariness. Ultimately verse 10 calls us to trust in the Lord during times of weariness. As John Oswalt wrote, "In the end the decision to trust God and to be obedient to Him and leave the outcome in His hands will be the right decision.  

  

A Simple Outline with Key Points

  I. Everyone Gets Weary at Times in Life

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall.   Isaiah 40:30

Be aware of the state of your mind/spirit. Weariness is a warning sign God has programmed into us to move us towards Jesus.

II. Needed: A Word from God

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.  Psalm 119:28

In the midst of the weariness of frustrations, disappointments, waiting, hurts, injustice, etc. Do not cast away your confidence, wait upon the Lord - He will give you a word to sustain you. 

III. God's Word for you Today

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.   Psalm 34;18

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  Hebrews 12:3

At times we think that God has forgotten us. The cross reminds us that God has not forgotten us.

IV. The Decision that Sustains Us In Weariness

Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.  

                                                           Isaiah 40:28-31

Trust in God - He loves you - He died for you - He will sustain you

Digging Deeper Questions

1. Have you ever become weary in your life? How did that feel? Why did it happen? How did you deal with it? What kinds of situations cause people to become weary?
2. Read verses 6-8 and relate this to the death and crucifixion of Jesus? Where do you see the prophecy fulfilled in Jesus? Break it down into parts and discuss how each part is an example to you in times of weariness. 
3. Put verse 9 in your own words. How does an eternal perspective help during times of weariness? Give some personal examples.
4. Read verse 10 together several times. Put it in your own words. What does it mean to trust in the Lord?  
5. Discuss different times that you trusted in the Lord. Read Proverbs 3:5-7
6. Read verse 11. Torment refers to God's judgment. What is the teaching of this verse? What is the teaching of verses 10 and 11 together?
7. What do you want to apply to your life from this study?  

This Week's Challenge 

Spend some time with someone you know who is weary or in a difficult time of their life and encourage them with what you learned from these scriptures. 

Additional Resource:

Article: 

Broken Heart? The Lord is Close