Bible Study Questions

Isaiah 40:1-5

A. True Comfort (Isaiah 4O:1-2)

Isaiah 40:1-2 - The Study

“Comfort, O comfort My people,” says your God. Speak kindly to Jerusalem; and call out to her, that her warfare has ended, that her iniquity has been removed, that she has received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins” (Isaiah 40:1-2).

1. What words are Isaiah told to tell to His people?

2. In what frame of heart is he to speak them?

3. Three times the word 'that' or 'because' is used in Isaiah 40:2. These are the three reasons he is told to say what he is suppose to say. What are the three reasons for this promised comfort?

4. Explain each of these three reasons. Remember that Isaiah is in true prophetic style stating that the words from Isaiah 39 will come true but as it happens, His people will realize it has a purpose and a time limit. God is overseeing His plan.

5. Apply this to discipline that God conducts upon His people in the New Testament (Hebrews 12).

6. The word 'salvation' refers to both the time when we are rescued from the world into God's covenant people, but also as His people when we are rescued from difficult times we were facing. Which interpretation is true of these verses?

7. How do these verses relate to the way God deals with you?

Application

No matter how difficult the process, we are never to undermine God's work by asking, "Doesn't He love me?" His love is everlasting. God disciplines His children because of His love.

B. An Empty Room (Isaiah 40:3-4)

Isaiah 40:3-4 The Study

"A voice is calling, “Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness; Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God. Let every valley be lifted up, And every mountain and hill be made low; And let the rough ground become a plain, And the rugged terrain a broad valley."
(Isaiah 40:3,4).

1. Who do you suppose it is calling out?

2. What does the voice cry out?

3. What is the purpose for all this major construction?

4. In what ways does he make the way clear for the Lord?

5. Where else is this mentioned in scripture?

6. How does the above description describe three major works?

7. Can you think of any other way to describe them?

8. If so, write them down and support them with scripture.

9. What is true repentance?

Application

God helps us make room for Him in our lives. This is sanctification - setting apart to Himself. He does this in two chief ways: (1) He helps us overcome the lack of faith where we have given up hope, and (2) He helps us get rid of different manifestations of pride and self-confidence.

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C. The Lord's Glory (Isaiah 40:5)

Smoothing the Road -Refining our Faith

Isaiah 40:5 The Study

"Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, And all flesh will see it together; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” (Isaiah 40:5).

1. What happens as a result of clearing the way for the LORD?

2. What will be revealed? What does this mean?

3. Does God desire that His glory be shone?

4. Do you think that the Lord will make sure this plan will work out? Why?

5. Can you trust Him during your broken times for a closer experience with Him?

6. What is your purpose in life? How much do you want His glory in your life?

7. What might He do through your life if His glory shines?

Application

We must strive as our life's goal to bring glory to His Name. This means we allow Him to do His work in and through us the way He desires. This begins now on earth but is perfected in His presence.

Isaiah 1- 6 | Isaiah 7-12 | Isaiah 13-23 | Isaiah 24-27
Isaiah 28-33 | Isaiah 34-35 | Isaiah 36-39 | Isaiah 40-66