Small Group Questions | The Heart of God | Isaiah 1:1-20

This Spring Coastline Bible Church started preaching through the Old Testament book of Isaiah. The book of Isaiah is known as one of the three major prophets. The book starts with confrontation but ends with comfort. God is not impressed with Israel’s religious practices because their hearts are far from God. Israel has rebelled against God, forsaken Him, and turned their backs. Today we will see God confront their rebellion and invite them back into relationship with Him. Each week, we’ve created small group questions designed to help people reflect deeply, apply personally, and grow spiritually. I’m sharing those questions here so others can benefit; whether you’re leading a small group, studying on your own, or learning to pray these questions are for you. 

Small Group Questions | The Heart of God | Isaiah 1:1-20

The book starts by highlight the rebellion of Israel. We know this book was written by Isaiah because his name is right there in the first sentence. Isaiah means: salvation of the Lord. And this is a key theme in the book of Isaiah. Israel has spurred the ‘Holy One of Israel.’ This is Isaiah’s favor title for God in the book. Isaiah was called to ministry in 739 B.C. the year King Uzziah died. We’ll see that spelled out next week in Chapter 6. He ministered through the reign of several different kings. He preached during the rise of the Assyrian Empire while God’s people continued to drift away from Him. Isaiah had a ministry that spanned a 50 year time period before he died.

1) Neal shared a story about a couple who was married and everything looked great on the outside but internally the marriage was loveless. Share about a time in your walk with Christ when things looked good on the outside but the inside was empty. 

2) Read Isaiah 1:2-4. God calls Israel His “children” but they have abandoned their father. What does this teach us about our relationship with God and how sin impacts that relationship? (see Luke 15:11–24 and Ephesians 4:30)

3) Read Isaiah 1:5-9. Israel experienced the consequences of their sin in the result of pain in their bodies and desolation in their country. What are some of the effects of sin that we see play out in our daily lives? 

4) Read Isaiah 1:10-15. God is sick and tired of heartless worship and longs for His people to return to worship Him. Discuss the difference between religious activity and relational obedience. (read Matthew 15:8-9 and 1 Samuel 15:22).

5) Where is it easiest for you to “go through the motions” spiritually? (see Revelation 2:4–5, Psalm 51:16–17 and John 4:23–24). What helps you move from going through the motions to a heart dedicated to the Lord? 

6)Read Isaiah 1:16-17. God gives very practical commands (defend the oppressed, care for the fatherless, plead for the widow.). Why do you think justice and worship are connected? How can our small group live this passage out in the next month? 

7) Read Isaiah 1:18-20. God says: “If you are willing…” What does willingness look like in your life right now? Is there any area of your life that looks religious on the outside but distant on the inside?

Close your time in prayer asking God to help you have a heart for Him.