Alive Update: 16 Verses ~ New Creation

16 VERSES New CreationMEMORY VERSE For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. (Isaiah 65:17)

KEY BIBLICAL THEOLOGICAL THEMES New creation

THE STORY SO FAR God created a kingdom, and he is the King, but he made human beings to represent him in that kingdom. Adam and Eve rejected this call, which led to sin and death. But God promised to defeat the Serpent through the seed of the woman, who is also the seed of Abraham. Through Abraham’s family, and specifically Judah’s royal seed, David, the covenant blessings would come to the world. Because all people were guilty and deserved death, the sacrifices of the Mosaic law revealed more clearly their need for a substitute—the suffering servant. Through the servant and the work of the Spirit, God would establish a new covenant and give lasting life to his people in the new heavens and new earth.

STUDY QUESTIONS
1) How should Isaiah 65:17 shape our view of God’s creation in Genesis 1–2? How should it shape the way we see the world now?

2) We will all face suffering of different sizes and shapes during this life. How should the hope of new creation inform and reshape that suffering?

3) When God first appeared to Abraham, he promised him the land of Canaan. Here in Isaiah 65, it seems that this Promised Land now includes the whole earth. What does this teach us about God and his covenant promises?

4) In this quick tour through the Old Testament, what was new to you? What challenged you the most? What was most exciting to see?

BIBLE READINGS
Psalm 72
How does this psalm help you understand the biblical theological themes from this chapter and the big story of the Bible, which culminates with Jesus?

Isaiah 65
What are some key insights from this passage that add to your understanding of the story and the biblical theological themes?