Discussion Jumpstarter

Study leader reference - not a definitive answer

Question 10

The speaker reframes “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64) as describing ongoing, unrepentant rebellion trying to offer worship—like an adulterer buying flowers while refusing to change—and then piles up texts about being “well-pleasing” and God’s “delight” in the upright; what would have to change in your view of God (and in your habits) to actually live as someone who believes God is pleased by real obedience and threatened by persistent disobedience?

Another way to ask: What would need to change in how you see God—and in your daily habits—to live like God is pleased with real obedience and warns against ongoing disobedience? What is one area where that change would show up first?

Discussion Jumpstarter

Direct Answer
According to the transcript, you’d need to stop viewing God as permanently disgusted with sincere obedience and instead see Him as a Father who “delights” in upright people and calls you to real, diligent obedience. Habit-wise, that means forsaking deliberate sin, aiming to please God, and treating disobedience as a real danger—not something covered by slogans.

Support from Transcript:

He re-reads Isaiah 64 in context: God “meets him who rejoices and does righteousness,” but Israel “continue[s]” in sin; “no one… stirs himself up to take hold of you.”
He uses the adultery illustration: refusing to change while offering flowers is “filthy rags… disgusting,” like ongoing rebellion offering worship.
He contrasts uprightness: if he were not adulterous and brought roses, “she would be very happy,” implying God also receives upright offerings.
He cites many “pleasing” texts: “do those things that are pleasing,” “present your bodies… holy and acceptable,” “aim to be well-pleasing,” “fully pleasing him.”
He emphasizes God’s delight: “the blameless… are his delight,” “the prayer of the upright… God’s delight,” and “Children, obey… well-pleasing.”
He concludes: Satan wants you to think you can’t please God, but “I’m telling you we can… He’s a great father.”

Discussion Follow-ups What ongoing, defended habit would you have to stop calling “covered” in order to start living as someone who actually fears “falling short”?

Jumpstarter 10 of 10