Isaiah 51:1-8

1. Why do you think God begins each section of this passage with “Listen to me”? (51:1, 4, 7)
2. What situations in your life have made you discouraged or doubtful, and how do the truths of Isaiah 51:1–8 provide hope?
3. What is significant about the imagery of Zion being restored to an Eden-like quality? What hope does this give us?
4. Consider how our world might look and operate differently if sin and suffering suddenly disappeared forever.
5. How do God’s promises of restoration help us to endure suffering?
6. How should we as believers process the truth that God will judge the wicked? (51:8a)

Intro to Kings

1. What is one thing you learned or were reminded of about the Old Testament?
2. Throughout the Old Testament overview, we repeatedly saw people forced to trust God’s promises when circumstances seemed to contradict them (Abraham and Isaac, Israel in Egypt, Israel in the wilderness, exile). What circumstances in your life currently tempt you to doubt God’s promises, and how can you respond in faith rather than fear (recall also Heb 11 and Pastor Josiah’s sermon)?
3. The sermon emphasized that the Old Testament is not merely ancient history but our family history through faith in Christ. How does viewing yourself as part of God’s unfolding story change the way you read Scripture and understand your place in God’s purposes today?
4. Exodus 34 and Romans 3 reveal that God is both perfectly merciful and perfectly just, through the death of Christ. When you think about your own sin, are you more tempted to presume upon God’s mercy or to doubt His willingness to forgive? How does the cross of Christ help correct that tendency and deepen your worship?