Isaiah 64

Isaiah was a prophet of God who knew his history, he knew what God had done in the past, and he wanted him to do it again!  He was tired of things the way they were.  He admitted  the sinful nature of man.  He was longing to see something unusual.

What stands between the Christians that make up His local churches and the miracle-working power of God?  One thing is uncleanness.  In verse 6 we read, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”  We all must realize that the very things that we do thinking they are good, are evil in God’s sight.

Another problem is unconcern.  Verse 7 states in part that no one is calling on God or is even excited about Him.  They seem to be more interested in their own life and are wrapped up in their own sin.  Most people get all worked up over a ball game or a political contest, but very few get stirred up over spiritual things.  No wonder God’s power is absent from our lives and churches!

Unyieldedness is a third barrier.  The song writer wrote, “thou are the potter, I am the clay,” based on verse 8 of our text.  Clay is worthless by itself, but in the hands of the potter, it can be valuable.  God must have His way before He will share His power.

Don’t be afraid to get stirred up.  It could be the beginning of great things in your life, family and ministry.  Why not pray like Isaiah did – Lord, do it again!

Often the question is asked, “Can God use me?”  The person who asks this question has more than likely fallen into sin.  Forgiveness is forthcoming after repentance, but what about being used of God after forgiveness?  So many times, it is assumed that God will forgive that person, but He won’t use them.  What sin does God not forgive?

The Bible clearly shows us what kind of people God used, beginning with Moses.  He was a man who committed murder, but God forgave him and used him to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt.  Then there was King David who committed adultery AND murder.  He repented of his sin and was greatly used of God, including authoring many chapters found in the Bible.  What about Jonah, a prophet who disobeyed God’s direct instructions but, after seeking God’s forgiveness, conducted a citywide revival.  And Peter, who cursed God and was in a backslidden condition just 50 days before he was used mightily of God at the Day of Pentecost.  This does not mean it is okay to sin; this just shows us that God will forgive and use believers if they will yield themselves to Him.  Psalm 130:3 says, “If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?”  If God keeps records and won’t use those who have sinned, who then will He use?

Recently I heard television preacher say that 1 John 1:9 was only to be used has a prayer when you were getting saved.
That verse reads “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” In case anyone should believe that, I wish to set the record straight there is a difference between the sin that will send a man to hell and sins that a Christian might commit has he goes through this life.

Adam’s sin (singular) plunged all of his family(human race) into sin. It was the sin of unbelief which led to the partaking of the forbidden fruit. Every man is guilty of that sin of unbelief and ultimately is condemned to hell because of it. Matthew 12 speaks of the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Verse 32 says all matter of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men. But blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. Unbelief condemns a man to death, but all other sins can be forgiven John 3:17 – 21. Verse 18 says ” he that believe is on him is not condemn; but he that believe
not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten son of God.” First John 1:9 is given to the Christian to take care of the sins he may commit has he navigates through this wicked world . Not one of us can say we have not sinned. The Bible says that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. That means every one of us is a sinner in need of a Savior. If we say that we have not sinned, we lie, we lie to ourselves, we lie to God and as long as we continue in that lie the list of sins will grow longer.

Let’s review: 1 John 1:9 is to be used for those sins mentioned in Matthew 12:32. Where it says all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven. There is one sin that cannot be forgiven and that is the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit it. The way a person blasphemes the Holy Spirit is to reject his witness concerning Jesus Christ. In other words to reject salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ, that is the sin that would send a man to hell.