November 22 -- God Expects

 

If you say that something is a reality check for someone, your purpose it to make them recognize the truth about a situation, especially about the difficulties involved in something they want to achieve. God Expects will examine Isaiah 58:1-12 as the prophet, Isaiah, helps the Israelites face a reality check regarding their relationship with the Lord. 

In this passage the Lord calls into question the way the Israelites lived out their faith. As you study or prepare to lead this session, take your own reality check to determine whether your confession of Christ aligns with your actions. The one true God is just; therefore, as your study guide emphasizes for this session, He expects His people to demonstrate their faith through right living.

The passage will focus on three reality checks regarding proper worship. In order to understand these reality checks, you must first define the scope of worship. Worship is so much more than just an event we attend. It includes personal Bible study, group Bible study, prayer, corporate worship, and serving alongside other believers in the church, just to name a few. In Romans 12:1-2, you are told to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Colossians 3:17 states: whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. All that we do is to be done as unto the Lord. Broadly speaking, worship is a way of life.

The three reality checks of proper worship explored are:

1. Motives for Worship -- Isaiah 58:1-5
2. Results of proper worship -- Isaiah 58:6-10
3. Blessings of proper worship -- Isaiah 58:11-12

Throughout history, worship practices have had a tendency to drift away from their intended purpose. Consider the reality check God gave the Israelites regarding their MOTIVES for worship, the RESULTS of properly motivated worship, and the BLESSINGS of properly motivated worship.

If our motives are impure, misplaced, or misguided, not only is God displeased with us, but we will struggle during difficult times. Perhaps this is why so many are struggling with consistently being a part of corporate worship either online or in-person during the Covid-19 pandemic. Perhaps this is why so many who profess Christ are struggling to remain in God’s Word and are struggling to live out their faith during this pandemic. This pandemic should be a reality check for our motives regarding our lifestyle of worship. Prayerfully consider your motives for your religious actions and practices. Making necessary adjustments will bring out the best in our lives and will help us join God in His mission of rebuilding, repairing, and restoring broken lives. (see Isaiah 58:12)

DOWNLOADABLE STUDY HELPS

The Bible study helps have been modified in order to provide opportunities for both online and face-to-face teaching venues. Ideas in boxes will be provided for engaging groups more when meeting in person. The boxed items could also be modified and used for online discussion as well. 

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