Isaiah 58:1-59:21

God requires the obedience that only he can accomplish

Main Points:

1. The Problem: False Worship (Isaiah 58:1-7)

2. A Solution: True Worship (Isaiah 58:8-14)

3. The Problem with the Solution: Human Depravity (Isaiah 59:1-15a)

4. The Solution to All the Problems (Isaiah 59:15b-21)

Sermon Discussion Questions

1. Read Isaiah 58:1-59:21. What is the main point of this passage of Scripture?

2. Consider 58:1-7. Is it sometimes easier for you to gather for public worship or to do other outwardly religious actions than it is for you to repent of disobedience to God in a certain area of your life? If so, why? Explain.

3. Consider 58:8-14 (and in particular v. 12). Have you ever tried to repair your life or your relationship with God by your own efforts? Have you ever fantasized about being the hero of your story (example: "I really made a mess of things but then I turned things around")? Explain.

4. Consider 59:1-15a and Romans 3:9-20. Have you ever been discouraged about your own inability to turn things around in your life or in the world? Explain.

5. Consider 59:15b-21. How does this show God as the only hero of the story?

6. Read Ephesians 6:10-19. Look at verse 11. Whose armor is being described here? Why do we get to wear it? What does this mean for our daily lives? Conisder Isaiah 59:21. How does the New Covenant relate to God's Spirit upon God's people? What does this mean for our daily lives?

7. How is God calling you to respond to this message from Isaiah 58:1-59:21?