Successful Life - Discussion 1

Biblical Management, Focus, and Commitment
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It all starts with a Mission

Pray

Pray together for the group meeting, and any pressing needs within the group.

Review

Each week you’ll spend some time reviewing the previous week’s lesson. Did anything happen last week that brought the lesson to mind, and what did you learn from it?

Watch

Watch the following discussion-starter video. It’ll set the topic of discussion for the group.

Proverbs 21:5

Genesis 25:29-34

Philippians 3:13-14

 One person will first read the scripture selection in the King James Version. Next, another person will read the same passages in a modern language or amplified version for more clarity such as the New Living Translation (NLT), Message Bible (MSG), New English Translation (NET), Amplified Bible (AMP), etc. We recommend using the YouVersion Bible app.

Retell

  1. One person will begin retelling the scripture passage in their own words (a new person to start each week is great!) Then…
  2. As a group, work together to fill in gaps and build the story. This will help us internalize and own it. Be sure everyone participates.

Discuss

Together, share around the group how the topic and scripture setting applies to your life personally. Here are some thoughts to consider for discussion… don’t let the discussion stop here, though… what questions can you ask that will help uncover God’s message?

Proverbs 21:5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

What is the takeaway – what is the key word?

  1. What action leads to a positive result?
  2. How would you describe being diligent?
  3. Are you a hasty person or diligent? What evidence would you give?

Genesis 25:29 And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:

30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom.

31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.

32 And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?

33 And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.

34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.

Feast or Famine?

  1. What was Jacob doing? What had Esau been doing?
  2. Where do you think Jacob and Esau where?
  3. Why would Jacob want the birthright?
  4. Have you ever inherited anything? 

Melodramatic. 

  1. What did Esau say would happen if he didn’t eat? Was this  realistic? Why or why not?
  2. Have you ever over exaggerated your situation? Did you mean it at the time?
  3. Why do people exaggerate the value of a poor bargain?
  4. How can we guard against rationalizing a poor decision? 

The Goal

  1. What was Esau’s mission? What had he been doing and what did he accomplish?
  2. What was Jacob’s mission? What did he set out to do and what did he accomplish?
  3. How did Esau’s mission of finding food focus his motives? How did he frame his decisions around his mission?
  4. How did Jacob’s mission focus his bargain with Esau?
  5. Do you have a clear overriding mission? A clear goal that informs your decision making at all times?

Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Paul’s Mission

  1. What is Paul’s mission? What is he trying to achieve?
  2. What is Paul trying to leave behind?
  3. What does Paul do to leave things behind? What is his mental step?
  4. How does Paul describe the high calling of God in Christ Jesus?

Why?

  1. Paul, Jacob and Esau all had a clear mission: Does having a clear mission mean that it is a good mission?
  2. Do you think Esau made a conscious decision or choice about his mission? Why or why not?
  3. How do we end up with a mission in life, even if we do not deliberately choose one?
  4. How can we ensure that our mission is a good mission? ( because you will achieve your mission.)

Steps to a Mission:

  1. Name five words or short phrases that are the most important thing to you. What would you die for?
  2. Consider these things – are they founded in the Bible? 
  3. Can you connect them with your walk with God?
  4. Can you connect your daily activities to them?

Craft a Mission

  1. Out of the five words or phrases pick the most important one.
  2. For each of the other four write a sentence that describes their relationship to the most important one.
  3. You should now have four sentences that roughly describe your mission.
  4. This week prayerfully consider the five words or phrases and think how to consolidate the four sentences into a clear mission statement. 

Next Week:  The Successful Life – Lesson 2 Managing Your Self