
LifeGroup Notes
BIG IDEA
In our society, many people make random or meaningless donations to churches or other organizations simply as a tax write-off, in order to make money from their “gift”. Others give large sums of money for the honor and recognition they will receive. Some also give in memory of someone else. While these donations can be very beneficial to these ministries, they are not always “pleasing” to God.
God desires sincere giving, with a glad and generous heart. Our primary goal should be to please God as we obediently carry out the work He has given us to do. We should seek to honor God in everything, doing His will and living a life that is pleasing to Him. God has a plan for each of us - to be on mission for Him. This calling is unique to each person, but God can use every one of us if we are willing to give Him our time, talent, and treasure! In this week’s study, we will look at how God can use each of us to reach a lost world with His message of salvation.
Passages we’ll review:
Isaiah 6:1-13; Hebrews 13:15-16
OPENING
What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you?
What is something you have volunteered for or invested in that has changed you? Why do you think it has been so impactful?
READ
Read Isaiah 6:1-8
Imagine seeing what Isaiah saw! How did he respond to God’s revelation of Himself in verses 1-4? How did Isaiah’s vision of the Lord impact his understanding of God’s holiness?
How do you think you would have responded?
At Isaiah’s confession of his sin, God atoned for his sin, removing his guilt, and preparing Isaiah to serve Him! Like Isaiah, we must humble ourselves before God in order that we may be used by Him. Letting God purify us may be painful, but it is necessary in order for us to truly represent God, who is pure and holy. —Editor’s Note
Why did God ask for a volunteer to deliver His message instead of simply choosing someone? What does this say about God’s desire for willing servants?
What did Isaiah’s immediate response to God’s call, “Here I am! Send me!”, reveal about his willingness to serve?
Who do you know who, like Isaiah, eagerly responded to God’s call? Share with your group.
Read Isaiah 6:9-13
Why would God send a messenger to deliver a message that would make the people “deaf” and “blind”? Is that what He wanted to happen to them, or was it what He knew would happen as a result of their sin? Explain.
How does Isaiah’s day compare to our time today? In what ways do you see people in our world “keep on hearing, but do not understand”?
When Isaiah heard his assignment, what did he do? Why was it important for Isaiah to know this at the beginning of his mission assignment?
What does it reveal to us about God when He calls people to a task but acknowledges that they may have few positive results?
God’s call to Isaiah, “Go and tell,” is the same for us today! He still calls us to be a part of His mission. We have the responsibility to respond to His call and to go wherever He leads us, whether it be in our actual going or through our monetary support of those who are going. God can do great things in and through us if we are willing to serve Him wholeheartedly. We must simply be willing to reply as Isaiah did: “Here I am. Send me!” —Editor’s Note
In what ways may God be calling you to change the world around you one person at a time, whether missionally or generously? What practical steps can you take to respond to Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:18-20?
DIGGING DEEPER
Read Hebrews 13:15-16
While we are no longer required to make sacrifices for our sin, the writer of Hebrews mentions two spiritual sacrifices that we can give, to be used by God for His purposes. The first is our sacrifice of continual praise to Him. —Editor’s Note
How can you actively practice praising God sacrificially in your daily life, both publicly and privately?
The second sacrifice is to do good works and share what we have. When we think of sharing, we tend to think of the concept we teach children - to share toys with one another. But as children of God, we should practice sharing as well! —Editor’s Note
How does the concept of “sharing” apply to your relationships, possessions, and time? What are specific ways that you can participate in acts of sharing and generosity?
With so many unending needs in the world, how can we know where to direct our service and monetary gifts?
LET’S PRAY
Consider the following as you pray together:
What needs to be removed from your life, or changed in your life, for you to more eagerly follow Him and pursue His calling?
There is an even greater need for laborers today, and we have tremendous opportunities for sharing the gospel with a lost world. Are you one of God’s willing volunteers? What does it mean for you, in your personal life, to answer God’s call as Isaiah did?
Sacrifice always costs us something. As we offer a sacrifice of praise to God, we must be willing to give up something for Him. What will it be: Money? Time? Our own plans and desires? Our own glory?