On the Sidelines
Part 3 – Worship God’s Way
Leader Guide
Do you ever feel like you are missing something? You're doing what you think is right, but God is not showing up in miraculous ways. He seems silent and you feel defeated. Maybe it’s time to study and see exactly what God wants from us.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. What is on your “How to Live a Christian Life” checklist? Is it more a list of things you don’t do or things you do? Did you grow up doing more than attending church or having a quiet time?
2. Read Isaiah 58:2-4. In verse two, what actions are the people taking that seem “right” to you? In the first part of verse three, what is their attitude towards God? In the 2nd part of verse three and verse four, what does God say they have been doing wrong? How can you personally relate to any of their selfishness?
Leader Note: They SEEM to be praying, meditating on God’s Word, and trying to follow His ways. They are even fasting! It’s like they are checking off their religious boxes. So, they question God: “If we’re doing all the right stuff, why aren’t You listening?” This is entitled, self-righteous, and arrogant behavior, challenging God’s ways. God responds and we find the truth from His perspective. They are ignoring the poor and their employees. They are selfish and gluttonous when others are hungry. They are arguing and getting all self-righteous, even resulting in fist fights for who is the most right! If they had been seriously doing all the things in verse two, their hearts would have been changed. Instead, they are just proud. Example: People who look at the news (from either side!), grumbling about what should be done and what is right. They begin to argue and debate, but never get involved to change anything on any issue for either side.
3. Read Isaiah 58:5-7. What does real fasting consist of? What is the most important word in verse five? How does it reveal what is good and missing? What is missing from our worship, based on verses six and seven?
Leader Note: Yes, fasting consists of humbling oneself and bowing in repentance and mourning for sin (sackcloth and ashes). But that is not all. It is not ONLY to do those things. Verses six and seven tell us to take it further: fight injustice, feed the poor, provide shelter, and clothe the naked.
4. Read Isaiah 58:8-10. What are the results of addressing social ills and injustice in society? What are the benefits in your own life? What does God promise if you “spend yourself” or “pour yourself out” (ESV) for the hungry or afflicted?
Leader Note: The glory of the Lord will go before and behind. He will answer and He will heal. Your light will shine; maybe this means you are recognized, or it means your righteousness reaches the heavens. In any event, God is pleased! The dark night of your own suffering will become like day and God’s blessings will overwhelm you. This reminds me of Genesis 12:2, where Abraham is blessed “so that you will be a blessing.”
5. Action Step: If you are stuck, not hearing from God, or need refreshing, you are not alone. Read Isaiah 58:11-12 for the promise you need. Where are you seeing something and thinking, “That ain’t right.” If you can’t think of anything, look at the Deeper section below to see where God is moving in your heart to get you connected to the needs of others.
Deeper
Leader: This section is designed for further use in your Life Group or for personal study. These can also be used as discussion points and ways to stay connected with your group throughout the week. Encourage your group to take time daily to walk through these questions.
Proverbs 31:8-9, Luke 3:10-11: Consider programs such Guardian ad Litem or Foster Care to help neglected or abused children. Volunteer at the Children’s Hope Alliance.
Jeremiah 5:27-28: Consider giving to and serving in Called to Care or The Cove Marketplace to provide food and clothing for the underprivileged.
Luke 4:16-18, Matthew 11:4-5: Join The Cove Global teams to share the Gospel, supply support, food, education, clean water, and shelter. Break the cycle of poverty in underdeveloped areas.
Matthew 25:34-40: Feed those who are hungry at Saturday Share (Mooresville) and Wednesday Cook Out (Statesville). Care for students at Power Cross by serving meals and tutoring in Statesville or Salisbury.
Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-35: Personally, intentionally, look for fellow believers in need and share with them. Meet their needs on your own.
James 1:27: Be a “dad” to a young boy or support pregnant single moms (Denver).
Isaiah 58:6: Help break the chains of trafficking and human slavery (A21, Justice Ministries) and domestic abuse (Dove House).