Sermon Outline:
- The Lord summons Zion out of darkness from all nations
- The Lord builds and beautifies His city temple by giving new hearts to people of all nations
- The Gospel of Christ’s punishment instead of sinners will gather the nations to Zion
- Former enemies will come humbly and joyfully to Zion
- Peace and righteousness will captivate Zion’s citizens
- Since Zion’s righteousness comes from God alone it is sure
Family Discussion Questions:
- Isaiah says that the only place in the world which will not be in darkness is Zion. What does that tell us about the church?
- Isaiah 27:6 tells us the boundaries of Zion when the Messiah comes. What does that tell us about the church? About missions and evangelism?
- When was the first symbolic fulfillment of verse 6? How was that a foreshadowing of the Gospel?
- What does the imagery of the temple city (Zion) being built with precious materials from all nations teach us about how the church grows? How does this correct our view about what makes a church pleasing to Christ?
- Verse 10 tells us why (note the word “for”) the nations will be added to Zion. Verse 6’s Christmas fulfillment tells us who will do this (Jesus). What about Jesus does verse 10 tell us will gather these people?
- Describe the humility and honour of someone joining God’s people from v10-14. How does the Apostle Paul’s story fit this wonderfully?
- How is it currently seen as dishonourable to belong to the church in the eyes of the world? How will that be reversed?
- How is God currently using the unsaved world to build up the church?
- What does it mean for peace and righteousness to be our taskmasters?
- Verse 19 speaks of the sun being unnecessary for the light of Zion. How is this the current privilege of the church? How will that one day be fully realized?
- The building of the church is something that we get no glory for - and this is a stumbling block for many people - why? Why, though, is it really good news?
