Main Scripture Reference - Isaiah 58:1-14
Other Scripture References: James 3:9; Amos 5:21-24; Isaiah 61:1-4; I Peter 4:10; Romans 12:1

Did you sign up to participate in any of the “Change the World” projects this week? What are you or will you be doing?

INTRO–‘Why Church?’

After the resurrection, Jesus commissioned his disciples to go and carry out God’s mission in the world and that mission still exists today. The church over the years has strayed from the message and mission of Jesus trying to get people into the church instead of taking the church into the world to change the world. Usually when people stray from God or God’s will there is adversity and God often uses that adversity to get you back on track, or renew your thinking. And the church should take this time to reevaluate both the reason for the church and the mission the church needs to do.

• Why do you regularly come to church? How is your worship experience a catalyst to really carrying out God’s mission in the world?


• Has God ever used adversity or uncertainty to get your attention? What was it and what did you do?

THE PROBLEM–‘The Gospel of Me’Read Isaiah 58:1-11; James 3:9; & Amos 5:21-24

The Israelites had strayed and forgot how to truly worship God, and God used this opportunity to teach them about right worship and right living. God pointed out that their religious worship had little or no effect on their daily life or relationships, choosing to do evil or seek selfish gain even while participating in religious rituals. Christianity as well is not a private faith, using God merely for your own purpose or materialistic interest not taking your faith beyond the walls of a church building. Your faith should affect the treatment of your neighbors, co-workers, family members, and everyone who comes across your path. Jesus was clear that you can’t separate your relationship with God from your relationships and responsibilities with people around you.

• Describe a time you did ‘church work’ in order to basically ask God for a material blessing of some kind. Are you sowing any seeds right now to further God’s kingdom and not your own kingdom?


• Are your relationships at work and home truly affected by your relationship with God? How?


• Name one way you can begin to improve your relationships with people close to you.

THE TRUTH–‘The Gospel of God’Read Isaiah 58:12 & Isaiah 64:1-4

Just as God didn’t respond to the prayers of the Israelites because of their hypocrisy, God doesn’t respond to the Gospel of me. God only responds to those who pursue the real gospel which is the Gospel that builds the kingdom of God. The mission that God is sending you to fulfill is one of rebuilding, restoring and renewing people’s lives in this broken and often oppressive world. The key to changing the world is for the whole church body to get involved, using their God-given gifts and passions to bring life to those who need it most. Every gift is needed to accomplish this mission and you are called as a follower of Jesus to find your place to serve.

• What are some of your God-given gifts and passions and how are you using them to accomplish the church’s mission to rebuild, renew and restore people?

THE WORK–‘The Sabbath’Read Isaiah 58:13-14

Finally you must never forget that in order to successfully build the kingdom and not give in to compassion fatigue you must continually seek those places of renewal in Jesus, spending time finding joy and inspiration which comes only from the presence of God.

• How are you continually renewing your passion and commitment each day so that you can ‘be’ the gospel? What can you do to improve your Sabbath time?


• How can you begin to offer yourself to God in new way to do and be the gospel in your neighborhood and community?