In Whom Do You Trust?

SERMON QUESTIONS:

Our hope is that you would use these questions as a discipleship tool. Process the thoughts and questions on your own or in community.

1. Isaiah proclaims the Word of God to a people who continue not to listen. How does this challenge you and your current view of Christian discipleship?

2. Describe how Isaiah’s ministry can be an encouragement to modern believers?

3. Read Isaiah 33:13-16. What comes to mind after reading the text? Implications?

4. Read Isaiah 33:22. How do we reconcile God as judge and God as being loving? Are love and judgement opposed to one another?

5. Notice the contrast with Isaiah 34:2-3 and Isaiah 35:1-2. Take note of the differences. What is Isaiah trying to teach us?

6. Read and reflect on Isaiah 35:3-7 (the Message translation is interesting). How does this text make you feel? How is it good news for us?

7. Read Isaiah 35:8-10. The text describes a rescue for genuine Christians. What are some evidences of genuine Christianity?

EXTRA THOUGHTS AND QUESTIONS:

8. Many years ago, pastor Jonathan Edwards preached, "Unconverted people find themselves with sin-sick minds, indeed with fallen inclinations and desires that lead to vice. They do not want to do God’s will. They still behave with genuine freedom, with power to do what they please. No one forces them to sin. Yet despite the “natural” freedom they enjoy to do as they wish, they sin by “moral” necessity—for “the will always is as the greatest apparent good is.” The will always chooses what the moral agent prefers. People act according to their strongest inclinations—and do so necessarily, whenever they make a choice.” Reflect on the Edwards quote and explain what you think he is saying here.

9. Theologian Don Carson writes, “Conclusion: The Desert or the Garden. This concludes chs. 13–35 by dramatically contrasting the opposite results of trusting human nations (ch. 34) or Yahweh (ch. 35). Those who trust the nations will become a desert, but trusting Yahweh will transform one’s desert into a garden.” Thoughts?

10. Pastor Daniel Montgomery writes, “We rule over a little part of creation, and sometimes we have subjects who submit to our rule in business, family, and friendships. Some friends are “in charge” of their relationships, and that can be for evil as well as good. Our tendency is to take whatever power we have and leverage it for whatever purpose suits us. It’s important to notice that the gospel is not simply an invitation; it’s a declaration, an announcement: The time has come for God to be your king. He’s reclaiming and restoring his world. Repent of all of your petty kingdoms and believe this good news.” Thoughts?