Isaiah 5:1-7
1. We heard that from the passages in Isaiah that a song was being written about the people of God & that should cause us to consider our song as well.
A: In Isaiah 5, the vineyard is given great care as described in v. 1-2. This clearly speaks to the relationship of God towards the people. What are some of the ways that God has shown great care for the people?
B: At the end of Isaiah 5:2, we read that the vineyard produces wild grapes…which was not the goal. What had been produced by the people that Isaiah’s addressing that would have been contrary to God’s care & provision?
C: In Isaiah 5:4, a rhetorical question is asked, “What more was there to do for my vineyard?” The answer is nothing. Provisions had been made. We heard on Sunday that, “Provision demands responsibility.” How has God provided for us as a church? What is our responsibility as a church in light of God’s care & provision?
2. We then looked Isaiah 27 & John 15 to see how Christ is the true vine.
A: Based on Isaiah 27:6, we see that God didn’t give up on his project…that Christ fulfills the goals of filling “the whole world with fruit.” How does reading passages like this one give us a better understanding of what Christ came to do? When we think about the OT as a whole, what are some of the ways that Christ fulfills God’s goals in the world?
B: We then read John 15:1-2, 6-8 to better understand our relationship to God. It is clear from reading this passage that we don’t generate fruit apart from Christ. What happens when people fail to see themselves as branches & instead think of themselves as the vine?
C: In John 15, we read about the importance of abiding in Christ. What does it mean to abide in Christ? What are ways that we can better abide in Christ?
D: In John 15:8, bearing fruit leads to God being glorified & proof that you are a disciple. What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ? What does a person need to believe in order to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? How has your life been impacted by being a disciple of Jesus Christ?
3. We ended with a challenge to examine our own lives & the life of our church.
A: Dr. Fernandez asked us to think in light of Isaiah’s song to consider for ourselves, “What would be the theme of our song?” What do you hope to be the major themes of your life?
B: As a church body, how do we live as a vineyard that produces good fruit? What are characteristics of a healthy, fruitful church?