Sins of Society, Promise to Purify

Isaiah charges the Jews with the degeneration of their society and promises to purify His people.

1. Link between the sins of society and the sins of false worship. Commands to love God and to love neighbor are linked together.
2. Specific sins of society. Rulers who should act as God's regents are instead abusing authority, neglecting God's law, and uncaring to the orphan and widow.
3. God's promise to purify. First, by reforming the church, like a refiner purifying silver. Second, by removing those who continue to rebel. Such action reveals allegiance. As God's discipline falls His people will be penitent, while rebels will try to find refuge in their false gods.
   Conclusion: This leads us to pray and labor for 1. thorough-going spiritual revival, not just moral reform; 2. leaders who fear God and do good; 3. God's refining fire both personally and corporately.