READ
Ecclesiastes 2:12 * Hebrews 4:14-16 * Acts 7:55-56 * Romans 8:34 * Ecclesiastes 6:7 Hebrews 3:13 * Philippians 4:11-13 * Job 1:21 * Luke 18:18-25
REFLECT
We spend our entire lives experimenting. As a small child, we experiment quite often as we are seeing things of this world for the rst time. In college, we experiment with di erent majors and even relationships. As an adult, we still continue to experiment as we try to nd meaning in this life. The problem is, we often look in the wrong place for the joy and happi- ness we continuously seek to ful ll us.
We have been looking at the life of Solomon the past couple of weeks and have seen him experiment with everything the world tells him will bring pleasure. Craig told us, “The reality that we struggle to accept, is that nothing the world o ers will be able to ll the void in our life that is meant to be lled by God.” After Solomon had it ALL - women, parties, wealth, power - he nds that it is all meaningless.
But we are just like Solomon. We are quick to give away our hearts and minds to meaningless things. But don’t be discouraged by this. God is not mad at us. He is not nished with us. He is still pursuing us. He is waiting with His arms open wide, ready for us to return to Him and to see Him for who He really is. He is a God that loves us, intercedes for us, encourages us, and walks beside us in every season of life. Trust Him and know that He is your treasure - the only treasure that will last for eternity.
TALK IT OVER
* What stood out to you in the sermon? Did God challenge, convict or encourage you in any way? What were some points that stuck out to you? * How would you describe the season of life you are in right now? * What are you pursuing right now....college degree, a relationship, retirement, material things - clothes, house, car? We are all pursuing something and it becomes part of our story, our testimony. The important thing to keep in mind is that it is ok to enjoy these things, but do not let them become all consuming.
* When we feel ourselves pursuing other things outside of God, we need to stay grounded in the one that is always pursuing us. It is important to have someone in your life that can hold you accountable when they see your priorities getting o track. Do you have someone like this in your life? Hebrews 3:13 tells us that we “must warn each other every day, while it is still today, so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.”
* Take a look at your spending - does the way you spend your money re ect what you value in life? How can we break the trend of consumerism in our life and in our family while living in a world that embraces it? * How would you describe Jesus? Craig said, “One of the reasons I believe we are slow to pursue the one that is pursuing us, is we have the wrong image of who that is.” Jesus has conquered death and is interceding for us in our lives now. He is pouring out his grace and mercy, if we will only receive it.
LIVE IT OUT
Stop: If you feel like you’re too far o track for God to love you, stop. God is still pursuing you. He is ghting for you. This is the beauty of grace. “But he said to me, “My grace is su - cient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
Remember: Once you let go of your worldly desires, do not get caught up in being the “perfect” Christian trying to do everything you can to earn God’s approval. Being a Chris- tian is not about what you can do for Christ, but what He has done for you. Trust Him with your life and align your desires with His. “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no di erence between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justi ed freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:20-24
Refocus: Take time this week to write down the pursuits of your life. Where are you placing your trust? Your value? Your time and money? See how they align with the heart of Christ and acknowledge where you need to make changes. Allow God to work through you. Only then will you nd true meaning.
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
“The Pursuit of God” by A.W. Tozer “Beyond Beleif: Exploring the Character of God” by Freddie Cardoza “7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess” by Jen Haymaker “Living With Less: An Unexpected Key to Happiness” by Joshua Becker