Some Things Never Change – Wk 3
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 (NLT)
1 For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
2 A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
3 A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
4 A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
6 A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
8 A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
9 What do people really get for all their hard work? 10 I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. 11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.
Luke 12:22-32 (NLT)
22 Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. 23 For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. 24 Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! 25 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 26 And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
27 “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
JESUS TAUGHT US HOW TO FIND PURPOSE IN EVERY SEASON:
1. Don’t be easily distracted by everyday life.
2. Seek the kingdom of God first.
– If Jesus ruled this part of my life, what would I do?
3. God will give you what you need for the season you’re in.
COMMUNITY GROUP MEETING OUTLINE
Where your faith intersects with real life!
Reconnect:
Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.
Explore:
Review the message notes.
Big Idea: The season you’re in has a God-given purpose.
Consider:
Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.
▶ Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. What “time” do you most resonate with in this season of your life and why?
▶ Read Ecclesiastes 3:9-11. What could God be making beautiful in this season of your life?
▶ Share a story of a time when God made something beautiful out of a season that was not easy.
Activate:
Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share your decision with the Group.
Prior to reading this passage, think about something that you habitually worry about. Ask God to highlight one insight as you read Luke 12:22-32 out loud. Share the insight with the group.
Prayer:
Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.
Take some time to lift the personal distracting worries up to the Lord and ask him to help you reframe this season.
Want to go deeper?:
Consider joining the Confronting Anxiety course launching next week. Visit www.worshipcenter.org/groups for more information and to register.