Passage: Isaiah 42:1-9

This is the first of many steps for Isaiah in which he reveals the coming Savior to his audience. This is the first piece of the puzzle in confirming Jesus as Savior.

Key Takeaways:

• Jesus Christ was chosen by God for a specific purpose, and the Spirit of God rests on Him.
• Jesus is the perfect definition of what it means to be meek—gentle and humble.
• He will not grow faint or be discouraged until He has established justice in the earth.
• Jesus was given as a covenant for the people and a light for the nations.
• He came to open blind eyes and bring prisoners out of darkness.
• Hope does not invalidate your struggles; it empowers you to push through them.
• As Christians we are little Christs—called to be chosen, gentle, humble, enduring, and a light.
• Becoming like Christ happens one purposeful step at a time.

Passage: Isaiah 1-2:5

Isaiah 1-2:5 tells the story of two cities, one rebellious and one righteous. This week we look at how a city of ruins can become a city of righteousness.

Key Takeaways:

• Often we feel God has forgotten us when we've been rebellious and are experiencing the consequences of that choice.
• Each of us is a rebellious nation—individually and collectively.
• Spiritual weakness leads to a lack of self-control, and often to physical weakness as well.
• We should be a mighty fortress in God, but often we're more like a temporary shelter easily torn down.
• It's only by the grace of God that any of us remain standing.
• Listen and do—but your heart has to be in it.
• Putting your heart into all that you do turns the meaningless into praise.
• God didn't spare His own Son—He will hold you accountable.

Passage: Col 4:5, Matthew 5:14-16

We must make the most of every opportunity presented to us so that we can further the kingdom of God.

Key Takeaways:

• Every interaction is an opportunity to proclaim the Lord Jesus Christ.
• Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
• A poor reputation results in the gospel falling on deaf ears.
• It takes years to build a good reputation and only one moment to ruin it.
• Everybody is an influencer—own your influence and use it for Christ.
• You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world; let your light shine.
• Be authentic, and be where your feet are.
• Always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have—with gentleness and respect.

Passage: Phil 2:3, Eph 4:32, Proverbs 15:1

We must take care of one another and treat one another with kindness and respect. Discipleship happens in proximity; if we are always hurting our relationships, we can’t fulfill the Great Commission.

Key Takeaways:

• How you treat others says a lot about your relationship with Jesus.
• Value others above yourselves; put others first.
• Words either build or they destroy—be a benefit, not a detriment.
• Your voice becomes the inner voice of those closest to you.
• Leave people better than how you found them.
• A gentle answer turns away wrath; a measured Christian brings peace.
• Listen first, speak second—listen to hear and understand, not just to respond.
• Approach conflict with hope, and keep your conflict your conflict.

Passage: 1 Cor 6:19-20

How we live in respect to our health matters. If we can do what others can’t and don’t, it’s not only an affront to God, but an affront to others.

Key Takeaways:

• A body devoted to the Lord would never intentionally defile itself.
• Those who are united with the Lord cannot be united with sin.
• Honor God with your body—you are not your own; you were bought at a price.
• When it comes to the service of the Lord, our physical readiness should match our spiritual readiness.
• Are you in control of your body, or is your body in control of you?
• Aimlessness has no place in the life of the Christian.
• Food is fuel for the body devoted to the service of the Lord.
• Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Passage: Prov 2:1-6

Knowledge is a light that is meant to be shared with others. We should all strive to use what we have learned for the benefit of others.

Key Takeaways:

• True wisdom is found in knowing God and following His path.
• As Christians, our ability to learn and grow must be used to help others learn and grow.
• Pursue God’s words and commands—true knowledge and learning result in wisdom.
• Wisdom is more than knowledge; it’s the application of knowledge for moral good.
• Hunger: you are never too old to learn and grow; Christians should be lifelong learners.
• Discernment: know what’s worth keeping and chase after it—know the Word of God.
• Humility: knowledge is a tool, not a status symbol.
• Service: use your knowledge and learning to serve others; don’t keep it to yourself.

Passage: 1 Peter 4:10, Matthew 25:14-30

We have been given talents, giftings, and aptitudes. These aren’t just for our own personal use and gain; they are ways in which we can serve the Lord and serve others.

Key Takeaways:

• Everyone has talents and gifts.
• The outcome of good stewardship is more to steward.
• Kingdom differences are met with kingdom rewards.
• The opposite of good stewardship is wicked laziness.
• Your gifting is yours, but it doesn’t belong to you—it belongs to God.
• Use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace.
• Any skill you possess that can be put to work for the kingdom of God is a talent.
• Be a vessel: whatever you have that God can use is His to use.

Passage: Matthew 6:19-21, 1 Tim 6:17-18, Mal 3:10

How we manage our financial resources says a lot about our relationship with God. Our treasure isn’t here on earth; it’s in heaven. However, mismanaging our resources can quickly divert our focus away from heaven and turn the earth into hell.

Key Takeaways:

• How we manage our resources says a lot about our relationship with God.
• Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
• It’s better to be poor and content than wealthy and wayward.
• Happiness is a matter of the heart, not a matter of your pocketbook.
• Wealth is no reason for arrogance, but a means to a godly end.
• Work to exchange the temporary for the eternal.
• Don’t think you can rob God and experience the riches of His blessing.
• What we do with our financial resources reveals a great deal about our relationship with God.

Passage: Ephesians 5:15-16

Time is our most precious resource. How we use our time is of ultimate importance. No one has a single second to waste. This doesn’t mean we make ourselves busy; it just means we are intentional.

Key Takeaways:

• All things are His things.
• Be very careful how you live—watch your steps and make the most of every opportunity.
• We have no time to waste; our days are short in comparison to eternity.
• Stop wasting your life; stop waiting until tomorrow.
• When it comes to the stewardship of your time, what may be good for others may not be good for you.
• Busy isn’t bad if it’s blessed by the Lord.
• God’s math always works out.
• If you give God your time, He will make the most of it.

God With Us, pt. 4 - In the Waiting

Passage: Isaiah 40:29-31, 1 Sam 1-2, Rom 5:3-5

Waiting is God’s way of bringing strength and renewal, purification, and deeper intimacy. During this time, we experience constant companionship, guidance, and direction, and ultimately the fulfillment of His promises.

Key Takeaways:

• Trials are temporary; God is not.
• A promise is a promise no matter how long it takes to keep.
• God's majesty is the evidence of possibility.
• In times of waiting, the strength of the Lord is invaluable.
• God hears your prayers, but your worth shouldn't be based on how God responds.
• We cannot afford to be the people of have-not.
• We have to learn to trust God when the answer is no or not right now.
• Waiting is proofing—God is perfecting you, not punishing you.