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Sermon Discussion Guide - 05/18/2025
Published May 18, 2025
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what i wish i knew when i was 20
Sucess isn't what you think
SERMON RECAP
Solomon’s reflections in Ecclesiastes reveal the emptiness of chasing success, achievement, and possessions apart from God. Though he had everything the world offers, he found it meaningless without eternal perspective. This sermon challenges us to redefine success through God’s eyes and pursue a life rooted in lasting purpose.
Ice Breakers
- What’s one fashion trend you rocked in your younger years that you’d rather forget?
- What’s one totally unnecessary thing you thought you needed to be a grown-up?
- What’s a food or habit you couldn’t stand when you were younger that you now enjoy (or vice versa)?
Discussion Questions
- How did Solomon’s experiences in Ecclesiastes shape his views on success and achievement?
- Context: Pastor discusses how Solomon looked back at his life and realized that chasing after achievements led to emptiness, expressing this in Ecclesiastes 2:17-23.
- Application: In what ways do you see people around you (or yourself) chasing achievements? How can reflecting on their outcomes help you make different choices?
- Have you ever climbed the “wrong mountain”? Can you share a time when you realized your goals were leading you away from fulfillment?
- Context: The story about the men who trained for the wrong summit illustrated how misguided effort can still feel like success until you realize the direction was off.
- Application: What steps can you take now to ensure you're climbing the right mountain in your life?
- How does anxious striving show up in your daily life? What does your mental, emotional, or spiritual exhaustion tell you about your current pursuits?
- Context: Solomon described “toil” as exhausting labor filled with anxiety. This was his experience even at the peak of success.
- Application: Where might God be inviting you to rest instead of strive?
- What do you want to be remembered for? What do you want your legacy to be?
- Context: Solomon grieved that all his work would be inherited by someone who might not value it. His legacy wasn’t what he hoped for.
- Application: How are you investing today in things that will outlast your achievements?
- Where in your life are you “adding God in” rather than centering Him? In what areas of your life have you sidelined God while chasing success?
- Context: The sermon warned that God will not be a side hustle, mascot, or backup plan—He must be the cornerstone.
- Application: What’s one area you can re-center on Christ this week?
Prayer
• Ask God to reveal areas where you can embrace faithfulness in your life.
• Pray for the courage to learn from past mistakes and reflect on them.
• Ask for guidance in redefining success according to God's standards.
• Spend time in gratitude for the gifts God has given you in your work and relationships.
Leader Tip
In your group this week, model a new definition of success—one based on faithfulness, not achievement. It’s easy for conversation to drift toward job titles, accomplishments, or busy schedules. Steer the conversation back to what matters most: Who are we becoming in Christ? Remind your group that success in God’s eyes looks like trust, obedience, and character.