Lesson on futility of ignoring God?
What does "they will not profit" teach about the futility of ignoring God?

Setting of the Verse

Isaiah 57 confronts Judah’s idolatry. God exposes the nation’s self-made “righteousness” to show its emptiness.

“I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not profit you.” – Isaiah 57:12


Key Phrase: “They will not profit”

• “Profit” speaks of gain, advantage, or benefit.

• God Himself declares that works performed apart from Him bring zero return.

• The phrase is absolute—no partial credit, no marginal benefit.


The Futility Described

• Self-styled righteousness looks impressive, yet God calls it counterfeit currency.

• Religious activity minus genuine repentance cannot purchase favor.

• When God “exposes” these works, their true value—nothing—is revealed.


Why Ignoring God Never Pays Off

• God alone defines what is righteous; ignoring Him disconnects us from the only standard that counts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

• Human deeds are powerless to cancel sin’s debt (Romans 3:20).

• Trusting in rituals or moral achievements creates a false sense of security that collapses under divine scrutiny (Matthew 7:22-23).


Lessons for Today

• Examine motives: Are good works flowing from love for Christ or from desire for self-credit?

• Value repentance over reputation. God prefers “a broken and contrite heart” (Psalm 51:17).

• Remember that true profit is found in knowing Christ (Philippians 3:7-8).


Related Scriptures that Echo the Warning

1 Samuel 12:21 – “Do not turn aside after worthless things that cannot profit or save you; they are worthless.”

Jeremiah 16:19 – “Our fathers have inherited nothing but lies, worthless idols of no benefit at all.”

John 15:5 – “Apart from Me you can do nothing.”


Encouragement to Choose the Better Way

• God exposes vain works not to shame but to invite surrender.

• When we abandon self-made righteousness and trust the finished work of Jesus, we move from “no profit” to eternal gain (2 Corinthians 5:21).

How does Jeremiah 12:13 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God's commands?
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