The Servant and the Story: God’s Global Gospel Plan
Key Verse for 2025: “Watch your life and doctrine closely.” – 1 Timothy 4:16
INTRO
This week’s sermon challenged us to wrestle with one of the most common questions about the gospel: What about those who have never heard? We were reminded that God has revealed Himself to all people through both general and special revelation—and that we, like Israel, are entrusted with making Him known.
We heard stories from Scripture, history, and a personal story from our friend Jason that all pointed to God’s heart for the nations. And we were reminded that salvation comes only through hearing and believing the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Servant of the Lord foretold in Isaiah. The calling to proclaim this gospel is not just for missionaries “over there,” but for all of us—right here.
MAIN POINT: We are God’s servants, called to make the gospel known—across the street and around the world.
SCRIPTURE-DRIVEN DISCUSSION
Have someone read these key passages aloud before the group discussion:
Read Isaiah 52:13–53:12 aloud (the final Servant Song, fulfilled in Jesus).
Then read Acts 8:26–39 aloud (Philip explains this passage to the Ethiopian official).
Take a few minutes to reflect as a group—what stood out to you? Remember the four Servant Songs from Isaiah mentioned in the sermon; we just read the fourth one. What connected from the sermon or stirred something new? Let’s just talk about these passages before moving into the questions. Other references from the sermon included Isaiah 42:1–9, Isaiah 49:1–13, Isaiah 50:4–11, Isaiah 55:6–8, Isaiah 56:3, Romans 1:18–20, Romans 2:14–15, John 14:6, and Philippians 2:5–11.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Q1: What do the Servant Songs teach us about Jesus’ identity and mission?
Reminder: Isaiah presents Jesus as the faithful Servant who fulfills Israel’s calling—suffering, saving, and drawing the nations to Himself.
– Which phrase or image from Isaiah 52–53 most moved you?
– Why do you think God revealed so much about Jesus centuries in advance?
Q2: What does Acts 8 reveal about how people come to faith in Jesus?
Reminder: Philip shared the gospel using Isaiah—and the Spirit had already prepared the Ethiopian’s heart to hear and respond.
– What stands out about the timing and boldness of this encounter?
– Do you believe God still leads people today to those who are seeking? How?
Q3: What does it look like to trust God even when you don’t understand what He’s doing?
Reminder: Terry said, “There is mystery in trust, but there is no contradiction in believing without full understanding.”
– Can you think of a time when you had to trust God without all the answers?
– How does Micah 5 or 1 Peter 1 encourage you to keep trusting even when life feels unclear?
Q4: What is keeping you from sharing the gospel more freely?
Reminder: Terry said, “You have heard—what will you do with that knowledge?”
– Are you afraid of rejection, unsure of what to say, or just distracted?
– How does knowing that salvation depends on hearing the gospel motivate your courage?
Q5: What is the difference between general revelation and special revelation—and why does it matter?
Reminder: Romans 1–2 says everyone has *some* knowledge of God, but salvation requires hearing the gospel of Jesus (special revelation).
– How does this shape your sense of urgency in evangelism?
– Does this clarify any lingering questions you’ve had about fairness or judgment? (Remember, Terry said that trusting without full understanding is not irrational—it’s actually the only way forward if we’re ever going to trust God.)
Q6: In what ways are we, the church, God’s servant today?
Reminder: Israel failed to live as a light to the nations; Jesus succeeded—and now the church carries that mission forward.
– How does Philippians 2 help us understand what it means to live as servants?
– What are some small, practical ways we can serve others and point them to Christ?
LET’S REMEMBER:
God has revealed Himself in Jesus, the Servant King, and has called us to make Him known. The gospel is good news for the world—but it must be shared. We serve a Savior who was crushed for our sins, raised in power, and now sends us out in His name. If you have heard the gospel, you’re not just a recipient—you’re also a messenger.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, thank you for revealing Yourself through Your Word and through Your Son, Jesus. Thank you that You are not silent, and that You pursue the hearts of people from every nation. Help us live as faithful servants—not passive or distracted, but bold and loving. Show us where You’re already at work, and give us the courage to speak the good news. In Jesus’ name, Amen.