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Sermon Discussion Guide - 06/22/2025
Published June 22, 2025
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What I Wish I Knew at 20:
Life Isn’t Fair, But God Is Faithful
Sermon Recap
This sermon wraps up the series “What I Wish I Knew When I Was 20” with a deep and compassionate look at life’s injustices. While life often seems unfair, the message of Ecclesiastes 3 and the broader biblical narrative reminds us that God's faithfulness endures even through our pain and confusion. Drawing on the wisdom of Solomon and the hope of the cross, the sermon encourages believers to anchor their hearts in God's promises, trust Him in the unknown, and live righteously in an unjust world.
Ice Breakers
- If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be and why?
- What is one annoying thing that feels wildly unfair to you (e.g., convenience fees, spoilers, long hold times)?
- Have you ever been in a food fight? What happened?
Discussion Questions
1. When life isn't fair, how do you respond?
- Context: The sermon highlighted Solomon’s lament over injustice, especially in places meant for justice and righteousness (Ecclesiastes 3:16).
- Application: When have you experienced something deeply unfair? How did you respond, and how might you respond differently with the perspective of God’s faithfulness?
2. How can we live faithfully through injustice?
- Context: We often ask, “Why doesn’t God intervene sooner?” Yet the sermon encouraged trusting the guide even when we can’t trace His steps - like Spurgeon said, “too wise to err, too good to be unkind.”
- Application: What’s one way you can grow in trusting God through confusing or painful circumstances?
3. Where has the Church reflected righteousness poorly, and how can we do better?
- Context: Solomon called out wickedness in both justice systems and the religious community. The sermon pointed to how exclusion or judgmental attitudes can damage people spiritually.
- Application: Have you ever been hurt by a church or religious leader? How can your Small Group become a place of healing and welcome for others?
4. What does choosing righteousness over revenge look like?
- Context: Romans 12 calls us to “never avenge yourselves” but instead do good even to enemies. The sermon challenged us to rethink how we label people and to seek God’s justice rather than our own.
- Application: Is there someone in your life you’re tempted to “write off” or get even with? What would it look like to respond with righteousness instead?
5. How do God's promises anchor you today?
- Context: The sermon concluded with powerful reminders from Romans 8 and Hebrews 10 that nothing can separate us from God’s love and that His promises are trustworthy.
- Application: Which of God’s promises do you cling to most right now? How can you remind yourself and others of this truth when life feels overwhelming?
Prayer
- Pray for those carrying deep or long-standing injustice to experience God’s faithfulness and comfort
- Ask God for strength to live righteously in an unfair world
- Thank God for the hope and justice made possible through Jesus, especially through the cross
- Encourage the group to pray for each other’s burdens and next steps
Leader Tip
When your group opens up about injustice or suffering, remember that acknowledging someone’s pain is often more powerful than offering immediate solutions. Practice active listening and empathy before jumping to advice. Your presence and prayerful support may be the clearest reflection of God's faithfulness that someone experiences this week.