The Success Trap

Opening Question:

What is something in your life that you once prayed for, worked toward, or hoped to have that you now have? How has your life changed since you received it?

Key Takeaways:

  • We can receive more from God without allowing what we have to become more important than our relationship with Him.
  • God is a provider. Everything we have, including our abilities, opportunities, and resources, ultimately comes from Him.
  • God’s blessings aren’t the problem. The danger comes when we respond to His goodness with pride, forgetfulness, or independence.
  • Success doesn’t just reveal what we have; it reveals what having it is doing to our hearts.
  • Humility isn’t denying the work we’ve done. It’s remembering the God who gave us the ability and opportunity to do it.
  • Our identity is found in belonging to God, not in our accomplishments, titles, money, or success.
  • We can remember God with our words while living as though we no longer need Him.
  • God wants to be our source of security and dependence, even when He provides resources to meet our needs.

Discussion Questions:

Part 1: Look In The Mirror

1. Read Hosea 13:6. It says, “When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me.” Why do you think having more can sometimes make us less aware of our need for God?

2. Think about something good in your life right now. Has it brought you closer to God, or has it made you more comfortable doing life without Him? Be honest.

Part 2: Remember Your Source

1. Read Deuteronomy 8:17–18. Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I got here because of how hard I worked,” without thinking about the opportunities, abilities, or people God gave you along the way?

2. Is there an area of your life where you’ve started taking credit for something you once prayed for? What would it look like to recognize God’s part in that story?

Part 3: Who Are You Without It?

1. Read Jeremiah 9:23–24. If your job, money, accomplishments, or other people’s opinions were taken away, what would still give your life value? How does knowing God change the way you see yourself?

2. Is there something you’re afraid to lose because you feel like you have to protect your success, reputation, or position? How might trusting God change the way you handle that fear?

Part 4: Don’t Forget God

1. Pastor said, “God can answer the prayer so completely that we stop praying the prayer.” Have you ever stopped asking God for help or direction after He gave you what you wanted?

2. Is there something God has given you—a relationship, job, family, or opportunity—that has started taking up more of your time or trust than your relationship with Him? What might it look like to put God first in that area again?

Part 5: You Decide

1. Which of the three challenges from the message do you most need to work on right now: not making God’s provision your accomplishment, your identity, or your source of security? Why?

2. Finish this sentence honestly: “God, thank You for giving me __________. Help me not to forget that I need You for __________.”

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