Delight
About this series
We take an in-depth look at Isaiah 61. We hope that this will be powerful series that looks at the prophecy in its immediate context, then sees it fulfilled in Jesus and finally moves to equipping us as we see Jesus’ mission being continued through His people - yet always being rooted in Him.
About this talk
Scripture: Isaiah 61:10
The first two lines are delight in and excitement about God himself, not only what he is done. God himself is the treasure; a vital test for our faith when things are not all ease and comfort. Yet, supporting the idea that the good news of vs 1 - 3 is God’s grace to those who humbly receive his salvation, Isaiah here delights in the free gift of salvation, in being declared righteous.
How can we cultivate a delight in all that God is and in all he does? And as is clear throughout the Bible, those God calls to himself are called to be holy, righteous, distinct; to display in their lives the righteousness which he has clothed us in. Which also connects to the mission God’s people have in the world.
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Watch it here
Audio only
Summary video
Questions
Watch Sean's video and use the questions/suggestions below to aid discussion and growth in your groups. Feel free to shape the conversation according to the needs of your group.
Read together again Isaiah 61
What was God doing before the creation of the universe? Sean talked about this from John 17:24
Sean talked with us about Father God delighting in us; discuss together why God delights in you/us. What scriptures can you show that give evidence of this?
"Worshippers become like the one or thing they worship, so even in calling us to worship him, the Father is showing his love for us because he wants us to be transformed into his likeness." Discuss this aspect from Sean's preach within your group, did you realise this or is this new to you?
Sean reminded us that to be able to delight in God we need to have some knowledge of him first so that we know what, and who, we are delighting in. Discuss together what you know about God and what causes you to delight in him. How many different attributes of God can you come up with? (use this list later to help you and your group in the response & prayer time)
Maybe you're not sure if you delight in God, or maybe there are gaps in your understanding of him and his character. What aspects of God or his character do you need to learn more about, in order that you can take more delight in him? (Maybe what others have shared in the previous question has shown you where you are in need of more revelation and understanding of God's character.)
Sean made the following statements; 'Sacrifice gratification now, for something greater later', 'The joy of holiness is found in having heard a sweeter song' and 'Pleasure in God is the power for purity'. Discuss these statements and share where in your life you are preferring God? What are you saying no to, or what sinful behaviour have you been able to overcome because he is more satisfying?
Idolatry. Is there anything in your life you are delighting in or finding satisfaction in more than you are in God? Are you enjoying the gifts he has given you more than you are enjoying 'The Giver'? Are you finding your final delight in the giver of the gift? What do you need to give to make sure that HE is your treasure?
Worship/Meditation
Spend some time adoring, and delighting in God together.
Leaders you could prepare some scriptures that speak of God's various attributes and read these aloud over your group, taking time to pause between each one for quiet reflection.
Play/show some worship songs focusing on Gods character, and encourage your group to sing along, paint, draw, journal, respond in the ways they are comfortable with to the truths you are hearing in the songs. c. read an excerpt from a book, some poetry or show a painting or piece of artwork that helps your group to adore and delight in God together.
Prayer & Action
As Sean encouraged us, ask Holy Spirit to stir up in you a greater love for God, to reveal Jesus in all his glory & splendour so you can gaze at him and love him more . Romans 5:5
Pray for greater revelation of the character of God (you can ask for revelation of specific areas if it helps)
Is Holy Spirit showing you areas you need to change, or highlighting gifts God has given you that have become more important to you than he is? Take some time to repent, confess what you are repenting to another trusted person, or your DNA group (or to your whole group if you feel it's appropriate) so that you can remain accountable in this area.
