“Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger and the staff in whose hand is My indignation. I will send him against an ungodly nation, and against the people of My wrath I will give him charge, to seize the spoil, to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets. Yet he does not mean so, nor does his heart think so; But it is in his heart to destroy, and cut off not a few nations.” vs5-7

This sermon is about repentance and God’s guaranteed deliverance from sin.

First, the enemy does not know that he’s been sent to chasten us for our good [vs5-11]. “He does not mean so, nor does his heart think so.” He doesn’t understand that his destruction is coming, and he is God’s tool to bring God’s elect into holiness [Heb 12:10]. He thinks that he shall prevail and even destroy, but he shall be destroyed by the anointing [Holy Spirit], when his yoke is broken. God will deliver us from his hands.

Let us be ENCOURAGED by the grace of God in the gospel. Conviction of sin comes to give us holiness by the blood of Christ. Guilt and frustration lead to imputed righteousness and power over sin, as we look to the Spirit. Failure in doing our own will brings us to God’s will, so that we can be happy.

Cast off your sins and whatever keeps you from the joy of Christ. They are hindering you, but they are not stronger than God. He can deliver you by the Blood and the Spirit. He will do it.

Secondly, God will punish our enemy [vs12-14]. “When the Lord has performed all His work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, He will say, ‘I will punish the fruit of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his haughty looks [vs12].”

God will get glory in bringing His enemy down, after He’s used him. Sin will be destroyed, after it’s made a mess. Satan will be defeated, after he’s worked trouble. The adversary of God’s elect will be broken, after grace has made you obedient [Heb 12:11].

It was like this in my life, how about you? Did sin break you and bring you to your knees, and then God lifted you up in the peace and power? Is Christ not an ample Savior to the sin-sick soul? Didn’t He show you, after He humbled you, that He has power over guilt, shame, and temptation? Wasn’t He sufficient as promised?

If you are under the yoke, bowed beneath the load of sin, then look to the promise. Let patience have her PERFECT WORK, and come to Jesus Christ [James 1:5]. Holiness is the purpose of the trial - that we’d be conformed to God’s will. Submit to His rule, bow to His way, and receive obedience by faith. He justifies and sanctifies. Faith is not an excuse for sin but a means of holiness. Get to Christ to be conformed to Him, and you will live in His power and peace. You’ll be fully assured in God’s will, and the enemy will bow his neck to the Spirit!

Thirdly, the destruction God gives will be complete [vs15-19]. “Therefore the Lord, the Lord of hosts, will send leanness among his fat ones; and under his glory He will kindle a burning like the burning of a fire [vs16].”

The destruction will destroy mightily, and the enemy will be broken. Be it guilt or pride, when it is tackled by sovereign mercy, it will give up the captive and the repentant will go free.

Oh, give up your transgressions and LAY THEM ON THE ALTAR. Bind the sacrifice and take forgiveness [Ps 118:27]. Acknowledge that His death is enough for your pardon. Then, arise and give Him glory, for He has given us the victory.

Do not think your sin is small, because you are better than others: It hinders you from joy. Do not think it is too deep, for the Spirit can cleanse. Do not think that it’s OK for sin to hinder you in one area, but take it to Christ for more grace. Be sanctified fully [1 Thess 5:23]. Cast out bed-time bondage. Rise to deal with your bad attitude and unforgiving spirit. Become more like Christ.