CG Discussion Guide
UDistrict
Watch the Sermon Here
Summary:
This message challenges us to rethink our approach to commitment by first grounding ourselves in God's unwavering commitment to us. Rather than focusing on fleeting New Year's resolutions, we're invited into daily resolutions rooted in the character of God. The sermon walks us through five foundational truths: God is consistent and unchanging, unlike the fickle gods of ancient cultures or the unpredictable people in our lives. He is sovereign, upholding the universe by the word of His power. His mercies are new every morning, even when we've failed repeatedly. He provides our daily bread, calling us away from scarcity mindsets toward trust in His abundance. And He is always available, never leaving or forsaking us. These aren't abstract theological concepts—they're the bedrock realities that make any meaningful commitment to God possible. From this foundation, we're called to three daily practices: grounding ourselves in the gospel message of Christ's death and resurrection, abiding relationally with Jesus through prayer, silence, fasting, and worship, and being on mission to make both new disciples and better disciples. The beauty of this approach is that it shifts our focus from white-knuckled effort to response—we commit because He first committed to us.
Key Takeaways:
Discussion Questions:
Practical Applications:
Edmonds
Listen to the Sermon here
Summary
This exploration of Isaiah 40:10-31 centers on understanding how God's character brings comfort during times of difficulty and weariness. The true comfort doesn't come from removing our burdens or changing our situations, but from knowing the God who oversees everything. Isaiah shows us that the God who holds the oceans in His hand and names the stars also acts as a shepherd, caring for us like lambs. This concept serves as a reassurance for those times when challenges feel too much, and we might wonder if God is still aware of us. The message questions our modern inclination to find comfort in distraction or detailed explanations, reminding us that understanding the God behind the promises is more critical than knowing the promises alone. When faced with trials, the focus shifts from asking 'Why did God allow this?' to 'Do we trust God during this?' The conclusion offers reassurance: though we may become weary, those who rely on the Lord will find renewed strength. God gives us the grace needed for each day's challenges—fresh mercies each morning, tailored to our needs.
Key Takeaways
Discussion Questions
Application
Watch the Sermon Here
Summary:
This message challenges us to rethink our approach to commitment by first grounding ourselves in God's unwavering commitment to us. Rather than focusing on fleeting New Year's resolutions, we're invited into daily resolutions rooted in the character of God. The sermon walks us through five foundational truths: God is consistent and unchanging, unlike the fickle gods of ancient cultures or the unpredictable people in our lives. He is sovereign, upholding the universe by the word of His power. His mercies are new every morning, even when we've failed repeatedly. He provides our daily bread, calling us away from scarcity mindsets toward trust in His abundance. And He is always available, never leaving or forsaking us. These aren't abstract theological concepts—they're the bedrock realities that make any meaningful commitment to God possible. From this foundation, we're called to three daily practices: grounding ourselves in the gospel message of Christ's death and resurrection, abiding relationally with Jesus through prayer, silence, fasting, and worship, and being on mission to make both new disciples and better disciples. The beauty of this approach is that it shifts our focus from white-knuckled effort to response—we commit because He first committed to us.
Key Takeaways:
- God is the same yesterday, today, and forever—unlike the fickle gods of ancient religions
- God upholds the universe by the word of His power and remains sovereignly in control
- God's mercies are new every morning, even when we continue to struggle with sin
- God provides daily bread and calls us to trust Him rather than operate from a scarcity mindset
- God is always available to us—His presence is not limited by time, space, or our circumstances
- Three daily commitments believers should make: being gospel-grounded, abiding in Christ, and being on mission
Discussion Questions:
- Which of God’s commitments are most and least familiar to you? Which ones are hardest for you to believe and live out?
- Which of his commitments are ones you find most encouraging today?
- Are there other scriptures (or songs) you turn to regularly to remind you of these commitments?
- What are practical steps you can take to be gospel grounded every day?
- What are you already doing to abide in Christ? What is a next step to take as you grow in this area?
Practical Applications:
- Spend time praying about the people God wants to use you to make new disciples.
- Make a plan for what accountability will look like for you this week (or this year).
Edmonds
Listen to the Sermon here
Summary
This exploration of Isaiah 40:10-31 centers on understanding how God's character brings comfort during times of difficulty and weariness. The true comfort doesn't come from removing our burdens or changing our situations, but from knowing the God who oversees everything. Isaiah shows us that the God who holds the oceans in His hand and names the stars also acts as a shepherd, caring for us like lambs. This concept serves as a reassurance for those times when challenges feel too much, and we might wonder if God is still aware of us. The message questions our modern inclination to find comfort in distraction or detailed explanations, reminding us that understanding the God behind the promises is more critical than knowing the promises alone. When faced with trials, the focus shifts from asking 'Why did God allow this?' to 'Do we trust God during this?' The conclusion offers reassurance: though we may become weary, those who rely on the Lord will find renewed strength. God gives us the grace needed for each day's challenges—fresh mercies each morning, tailored to our needs.
Key Takeaways
- True comfort comes from knowing the God of the promises, not just knowing the promises themselves
- God's power and sovereignty over all of His creation is good news to the Christian because He uses that power for our good
- Our trials do not disprove God's goodness or His promises
- God never grows weary or tired, but when we are weak and exhausted, God gives us the strength we need for each day
- Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to come as a shepherd to His people
Discussion Questions
- Where do you typically look for comfort when hardship hits? How does that compare to what Isaiah 40 says about finding comfort in God himself?
- What modern-day idols might be taking the place of God in your life, and how can you identify when good things become ultimate things?
- What can you do to remind yourself of what God says about Himself, even when you are in the midst of suffering?
- In what ways do you try to rely on your own strength rather than waiting for the Lord to renew your strength, as described in Isaiah 40:31?
- Verse 27 says: "Why do you say, O Jacob... 'My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God?'" Have you ever felt like God forgot about you or stopped caring? What was that season like?
Application
- Commit to memorizing Isaiah 40 or some specific verses from that chapter.
- What are the idols you hold on to? How can you give those up? Who can come alongside you for accountability?
- Look Back: List out some ways that God has shown you His faithfulness in the past. Look Up: List out some attributes of God that bring comfort in times of trial.
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