Tale of Two Cities

1. After witnessing God’s humbling of the proud and bringing judgment upon the rebellious, discuss the truth behind this statement: It is only a God who hates evil that can actually give us hope.

2. Our idolatry and rebellion de-creates all the good that God created for his glory. Discuss what this means as you compare Isaiah 24:10 with Genesis 1:2.

3. In light of Isaiah 25:1, what should be the theme of our prayer in the midst of chaos, turmoil and fear?

4. Sometimes it may be hard to remember or believe that God’s highest purpose is redemption and not punishment. Where do you see proof of this? How and why does it give you hope?

5. Discuss your agreement or disagreement with this idea: “Faith in God is only found at the end of one’s rope/when one hits rock bottom.”
Why is trusting in other things than God the greatest threat to our true joy?

6. How does this play out in our lives: All kinds of sin flows from putting trust in false saviors.

7. God’s people have been offered perfect peace (or peace upon peace), what causes the exhaustion and stress of so many around us who don’t yet know him?

8. Review Isaiah 25:6-8. Imagine how you could share what it promises with someone who has not yet had their reproach taken away as one of “his people”, with someone who thinks the God of Isaiah is only wrathful, merciless and angry.

9. What does this closing encouragement mean to you: Pray expectantly, serve with confidence, love from security.