Key Points

Cleansing Comes Before Commission. God always purifies us before He sends us. Isaiah's lips were cleansed with a burning coal before he received his mission.

God Won't Fill What Isn't Empty. As Spurgeon said: "God will never fill you with himself until he has emptied you of your own self."

Mission Starts at Home. Before we can care for God's church or community, we must learn to manage and love our own households well (1 Timothy 3:4-5).

Consecration Precedes Breakthrough. Joshua 3:5 - "Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, the Lord will do wonders among you."

Discussion Questions

Share about a time when you felt completely unprepared for something God called you to do. How did that experience change you?

How have you experienced God's cleansing and forgiveness in your life? Share a specific example.

What fears hold you back from serving God more fully?

Why do you think God prioritizes how we care for our own households before sending us to serve elsewhere?

Without sharing details that would dishonor anyone, where do you see opportunities for greater service and sacrifice within your own home or immediate family?

Jesus says if someone has something against you (whether you intended harm or not), go make it right before offering your gift. Why is this so countercultural and difficult?

What "dishonorable" things might God be asking you to cleanse yourself from?

Paul says to "flee youthful passions" and "pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace." What's one thing you need to flee and one thing you need to pursue this week?