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Stolen by Success
sermon guide
This week we looked at how much God’s wants us to experience what Jesus describes as “life to the full.” He knows that if we don’t look to Him for purpose, worth, truth, and unfailing love our priorities get out of whack.
Think about the things that make you feel good about yourself. What happens to your self-worth if any of these things change?
Ecclesiastes 4:4(NLT) says, “Then I observed that most people are motivated to success by their envy of their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless, like chasing the wind.“Share a time in your life where it felt meaningless.
Have someone read Luke 18:18-21
This man comes to Jesus asking, “what do I need to do to inherit eternal life?” He was a high performer, ready to do what he needed to do. He had a checklist of all the commands he had kept but money was his idol. In the end, the one thing Jesus challenged him to do, give away his wealth, he couldn’t do. He couldn’t surrender his heart to God.
Have someone read 1 John 3:1. We find our identity when we accept and experience God’s lavish love for us. Share a time you experienced God’s overwhelming love for you. How did that change you?
James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” Mike talked about true intimacy with God is when we feel His presence and sense Him directing our path. Intimacy with God happens when we are talking to Him daily, worshipping and expressing gratitude. On a scale of 1-5 how would you rate your intimacy with God right now? What could you do to draw closer to Him?
Have someone read Ephesians 2:10. Share what it means to think of yourself as God’s masterpiece? How does that make a difference in how you live your life?
own end of times?
Application
This weekend Mike shared the story of the teacher who was overcoming an eating disorder by saying the verses he had shared last week before each meal. That first step led them to be able to eat a meal without getting sick. What is one area of your life you need help overcoming? Commit to looking up and writing down a few verses and praying them daily.
warm up and prayer
Break into groups of two to three and pray that you would walk in the freedom God has given you, in confidence.