Despair, Deliverance, and Delight

Sermon Application Questions:

1. Have you ever bought a knock-off product (e.g,. Fake Oakleys, Some Fake Designer Brand)? What was it? Why did you get it?

2. Fake religion claims that if you do a few good things for God then you can do whatever else you want. What's compelling about fake religion?

3. Fake religion doesn't work. It earns distance from God (Isaiah 58:4b, 59:2). There are at least three ways to respond: (1) try harder, (2) distract yourself, or (3) be humble and contrite (Isaiah 59:9-12). Which one are you naturally drawn to? 

4. Real religion is the delightful response to God's deliverance. Why is it important to distinguish that real religion is a response and not a work? (see Ephesians 2:8-9 if needed). 

5. Real religion is meant to be a delight. Where have you experienced joy in knowing and following Jesus?

6. Real religion is a delight even though there may be challenge. Where have you experienced challenge to follow Jesus?

7. There's a future to come where Jesus will come back and all will be made right again. How does that future reality impact your day? Week? Future?

_____________________________

Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532