Proverbs 30 | Suffering & Success | Modern Problems / Ancient Solutions

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Life Group Guide QUESTIONS

SERMON OUTLINE

WHAT ARE THESE TESTS?

•       The two extremes of suffering and success often __________ what we really worship, and ________ what anchors our trust

WHY DO THEY WORK?

1.       They _____________

2.       They are ____________ that change us

3.       They reveal our ____________

TWO ESSENTIAL REMINDERS

1.       We rarely know the full extent of _________

2.       God will use all circumstances to bring about _____________ and ____________. 

WHAT DO THEY TEST?

1.       Success tests our ____________

2.       Suffering tests our ____________

HOW CAN WE PASS THE TESTS?

•       Every circumstance is an opportunity to _______________

•       When in a season of success – put on ______________

•       When in a season of suffering – put on the ____________________ of God

•       In all seasons – it’s not about _________

LIFE GROUP QUESTIONS

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

1.        As Life Groups wraps up for the season, what is your fondest memory you have this season of gathering with your group?

 2.        What is one thing that you have discovered about your faith, or about the Lord, in this exploration of our Modern Problems, while seeking Ancient Solutions?

QUICK REVIEW

1.        Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything that particularly caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

2.        In seasons of success, where are you most tempted to “take credit” rather than draw near to God? Why do you think that is? 

READ SCRIPTURE

Proverbs 30:7-9

1.        How does this passage highlight God’s presence in our world?

2.        What does this passage say about our broken human condition?

3.        How does this passage call me to make change in my life?

DIGGING DEEPER

1.        READ Proverbs 10:16, John 10:7-10. Jesus wasn’t talking about giving us full wallets or bursting bank accounts; what is Solomon’s “life” from “righteousness,” and Jesus’ “abundance” (NIV, “full”) that comes from being “saved”? Do you think they are talking about the same thing?

2.        READ Proverbs 10:25. We can never be the same once a storm of life passes over.  How have you seen both suffering and success make you more aware of God in your life?

•       READ Exodus 23:29-30 (in context of v.20-32), Deuteronomy 31:1-6.  As Joshua was to take over Israelite leadership after Moses, and as they are about to move into the Promised Land, there would be a lot of work to do.  Talk about the realities, that you might be aware of, when it comes to their suffering and success in that endeavor?

3.        READ Proverbs 24:10-12.  As Solomon continues to record his wisdom for his son, what do you understand this text to mean?

•       READ Matthew 5:43-44, 7:13-14, 18:21-22.  Disciples of Jesus are called to come alongside people who are facing hard moments in life.  What are some of those adverse and troubling parts of life that you see people (maybe even yourself) having to navigate?

•       READ Proverbs 24:13-14, James 1:2-8.  Both Solomon and James are speaking to God’s people about their posture when it comes to navigating complexities in life.  What is their combined advice for helping others? For finding peace yourself?

TAKING IT HOME

READ Proverbs 30:7-9, Hebrews 13:1-6. What shift in life and in the posture of your heart, might you have to make to steer yourself away from pursuing “excess” or being unhappy in “lacking” – but being content in what the Lord has provided?

PERSONAL REFLECTION

READ Psalm 16. David writes a song about the Lord’s nearness, constant provision, and the Lord being His key source of protection, but he also recognizes that there are distractions that others have fallen to (v.4).  Have you, like David, fully settled on the Lord being your “portion and cup” (v.5)? If no, what holds you back? If yes, are you sure?