Week 4 Sermon

God Is Holy and Near

Introduction

Many people think of holiness as distance — something cold, unreachable, or intimidating. But Isaiah 6 shows us something different. God’s holiness does not push Isaiah away; it reveals truth and invites transformation.

After seeing God as Creator, Image-Giver, and King, Scripture now brings us face to face with who God is.

When Isaiah encounters the holy God, everything changes.

Scripture Reading

Isaiah 6

Scripture (BSB): Isaiah 6

Isaiah’s Commission

1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple.

2 Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.

3 And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.”

4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook, and the temple was filled with smoke.

5 Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.”

6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar.

7 And with it he touched my mouth and said: “Now that this has touched your lips, your iniquity is removed and your sin is atoned for.”

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!”

9 And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’

10 Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed. ”

11 Then I asked: “How long, O Lord?” And He replied: “Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant, until the houses are left unoccupied and the land is desolate and ravaged,

12 until the LORD has driven men far away and the land is utterly forsaken.

13 And though a tenth remains in the land, it will be burned again. As the terebinth and oak leave stumps when felled, so the holy seed will be a stump in the land.”

Point 1 — God Is Perfectly Holy

Isaiah’s vision begins with God seated on a throne — high, exalted, and unmatched. God’s holiness is not a quality among many; it defines who He is.

The seraphim cry out “Holy, holy, holy,” declaring God’s complete purity, power, and uniqueness. God’s glory fills the temple, and creation responds with awe.

Holiness means God is utterly different from us — not just morally better, but completely other.

Point 2 — God’s Holiness Exposes Human Sin

Isaiah’s first response is not celebration — it is confession. Standing before a holy God reveals truth about ourselves. Isaiah recognizes his sin and the sin of his people.

God’s holiness does not create shame for shame’s sake. It creates clarity. Isaiah finally sees reality as it is.

This moment prepares us to understand sin rightly — not as mistakes, but as a condition revealed by God’s holiness.

Point 3 — God Draws Near with Grace

God does not leave Isaiah undone. God acts first. A burning coal touches Isaiah’s lips, his guilt is removed, and his sin is atoned for.

Holiness does not destroy Isaiah — it restores him. God’s nearness brings cleansing, not rejection.

Only after Isaiah is cleansed does God invite him into service. Grace always comes before calling.

Big Truth Revisited

Because God is holy and near, we respond with humility, repentance, and worship.

Holiness shows us who God is. Nearness shows us who God saves.

Call to Response

Consider:

• Where have you lost a sense of awe before God?
• What sin has God’s holiness revealed in your heart?
• How might confession and repentance lead you into deeper worship?

God is holy — and God is near.

Transition to Groups

As you move into groups and home discipleship this week, allow Isaiah’s encounter to shape your own posture before God.

Next week, we will see how sin enters the story — and why God’s holiness matters so deeply.