Chapter Summary

Fear and hope of remnant of Israel in day of vengeance.

Discussion Questions for Isaiah, Chapter 64

1. Reread verses 1-4. When was the last time you were so desperate for God to do something that you pleaded for His presence or His action like it is written in these first four verses of Isaiah 64? What were the circumstances of your pleading?
2. When you call on God in prayer do you remember how God is faithful to those who rejoice in righteousness? Do you remember to recount how you had been a sinner and how God graciously and mercifully forgave and blessed you? How might you encourage someone who is facing a trying time where it has been a long time since they have experienced God's faithfulness? Which is more important, the truth of God's faithfulness or the experience of it? Why?
3. What is the “remnant”? What are the circumstances this remnant is facing that make them call and cry out to God in this chapter? How do you see situations you have been through similarly to how this remnant is facing their situation?
4. How does this remnant present themselves before God in verses 6-7? What effect might their presentation and prostration before God have? What are the various ways believers are encouraged and even commanded to present themselves before God? What ways have you presented yourself before God in prayer? What effect did it have upon you seeking to match your body's position before God with the state of your heart? Why does it matter?
5. Verse 6 presents some strong imagery. Read through this verse and think upon this imagery. What does verse 6 mean when it says, “All our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment” (NASB1995)? Why is the righteousness of these people considered this way?
6. Sometimes we do not have a concern enough regarding the affront our sin is before a righteous and holy God. Think upon this quote from Spurgeon below and discuss in regards to verse 6- “Brethren, if our righteousnesses are so bad, what must our unrighteousnesses be?” Spurgeon
7. What must if feel like to feel that God has, “hidden [His] face from us”? Have you ever experienced a time in your life where you felt this is was what you were experiencing? Did you associate this feeling with sins you had or were committing? Why or why not?
8. What does the imagery of “potter” and “clay” bring to your mind? Do you see yourself as clay in the hands of God? Is He your Potter? To what degree in your life does this metaphor apply? To what degree should it apply, and do these two match?
9. The Israelites so closely associated the temple with the presence of God that when it was in shambles they were utterly dismayed and discouraged. How do New Testament believers understand God's present differently from the Israelites? Explain.
10. Where folks of different sects or denominations might perhaps overvalue the church building, do you think that there are ways in which it is important to value the gathering place of believers? Why or why not?

Key Words/Phrase

Mercy implored, vv. 9, 12.

Characters

God, Christ.

Strong Verse(s)

4, 6.