Sermon Notes
- Misdirected worship (Rom. 1:18-25)
- Rejection of the one true God (v. 18-23)
- Worship creation rather than the Creator (v. 24-25)
- Rightly directed worship (John 4:6-42)
Going Deeper Questions
1. In what ways do you see people pursuing the good life (personal happiness)? How have you pursued the good life? Why is happiness elusive?
2. Why is the good life (soul satisfaction) only found in Jesus?
3. Read how people misdirect their worship in Rom. 1:18-25. What did they do wrong? What is the lie? Now Read 1 Thess. 1:9. How did these believers do the opposite? How will you turn to God from idols (exchange the lies of idolatry to the truth)?
4. C. S. Lewis said, “We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” How have you found yourself far too easily pleased? What will you do to change?
5. Read Psalm 42:1-2. Where does the Psalmist look for soul satisfaction? John Piper said, “God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him.” How will you find satisfaction in God this week?
6. Read Isaiah 58:11. What will the Lord do for us when we seek Him?
7. James Hamilton Jr. says, “We were made for God. We were made to experience him and respond in praise. God wants what is best for us, and there is nothing better he can give us than himself. All who seek happiness need to know: God seeks worshipers who will worship him in spirit and in truth.”
8. Read Romans 10:9-10. What is the confession? We cannot be lord of our own life and also have Jesus be Lord. The throne of our hearts does not have room for multiple lords. If Jesus is not Lord of all he is not lord at all.
9. The good life in Jesus is not the easy life. Read Luke 14:26-27. The life of a Christ-follower is often a life of difficulty, suffering for being faithful to God, living counter-culturally, saying no to sinful pleasures and yes to godliness. Following Jesus requires picking up our cross and following Jesus daily. But it is a deeply satisfying life!
10. Read Isaiah 55. What is the invitation? What is required of us? How will you apply this text this week?
