Your Season To Succeed

If you could start a business and automatically be successful, which type of business would you open?

What’s something you were successful at as a child? (e.g.,, skill, talent, school subject, backflips, not getting in trouble in class, etc.)

See who can be the most successful at reciting tongue twisters. Choose a tongue twister from below and see who can say it three times in a row. (Print out slips of paper with each tongue twister, display it on a screen, or text it to each group member.)

• He threw three free throws.

• A big black bug bit a big black bear.

• A proper copper coffee pot.

• If a dog chews shoes, whose shoes does he choose?

• She sees cheese.

Ask eGroup members to share their favorite points from the sermon, what spoke to them, a phrase or moment from the sermon they related to the most, or questions they have. If members have a hard time recalling the sermon, talk through your notes and share your favorite points.

• What’s your definition of success?

• Everyone has an area where they are completely failing, but also an area where they’re really succeeding. What are your areas? Why do you think you’re failing? Succeeding?

• Read Psalm 1:1-3. This passage starts with the word “blessed” and in Hebrew, it means happy. What are some other words that could be used to describe the blessed person in Psalm 1?

• Success is relative in different ways: who, what, when, and where. The choice of our focus determines whether we live in fear or faith. In a typical week, where do you most often focus?

• LEADER: Choose a few questions to get your group talking about how their focus on success has affected their thoughts and actions.

• • Who has your attention? In what ways are you living your life based on the opinion of others instead of approval from God?
  • Most people have one person whose approval they seek the most. Who is it for you? Why does their opinion mean so much to you? (Leader: Is this person giving wise and godly counsel? Or is this person’s opinion controlling the happiness of someone?)
  • Read Luke 17:20-21. Verse 21 says the kingdom of God is NOW — it’s “in your midst.” How have you been waiting for success (i.e., “to get there”) and not focusing on what’s within you?
  • What things have contributed to your concept of what success looks like?
  • Are there any areas of your life where you’re asking if you’re doing a good job? Why?
  • Look at Psalm 1:3. Which is harder for you — to focus on growing your gifts (“yielding your fruit”) or being content with where you are, even if people can’t see the success (“in season”)?

• Pastor Steven said we need to be fruitful and yield our fruit (If you’re a coach, coach. If you’re a teacher, teach. If you’re a singer, sing.) Have group members make a list of what they do (they can write it out or just share). Encourage each other in the ways the group is yielding the fruit that God has placed in their lives.

• Jesus’ ministry most likely wouldn’t have been called successful based on earthly standards (who, what, when, or where). In what ways does that encourage you to remain planted, continuing to embrace calling rather than chase clout?

On a piece of paper, write down the words “who,” “what,” “when,” and “where,” then cross them out with an “X.” Place the paper on your bathroom mirror. Every morning this week, look at those words and remind yourself that success is relative. Ask God to help you recall all the blessings in your life, to embrace this season and remain planted, and to fulfill the purpose you were created for.

BONUS ACT ON IT: Think about the people in your life. Who has remained planted and consistent? What fruit are they yielding that they may not be aware of? Encourage one person and let them know they are doing a good job.

Ask eGroup members to share any prayer requests they have. Record any notes or prayer requests to pray for members during the week.