The Road to Meaning: Discussion Guide
Find Sermon Video HERE
Summary
In Psalm 127, Solomon teaches that depending on God is the only way to build a life that matters. The sermon explores three key areas where we must depend on God: in our work, for our rest, and for our family. Solomon warns that unless the Lord builds the house and watches over the city, all our labor is in vain. Our work becomes meaningful when done with humility, dependence, thankfulness, and the right motivation - working for God rather than to prove our worth.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss the wisdom found in Psalm 127, open our hearts to understand what it truly means to depend on You in every area of our lives. Help us to recognize where we might be striving in our own strength rather than resting in Yours. Guide our conversation today, and show each of us what You want us to learn about building lives that matter. In Jesus' name, amen.
Ice Breaker
What was your first job, and what's one memorable lesson you learned from that experience?
Key Verses
Psalm 127:1-2
Matthew 11:28
John 15:5
Proverbs 3:5-6
Colossians 3:23-24
Questions
The sermon identifies four marks of meaningful work: humility, dependence, thankfulness, and right motivation.
Which of these do you find most challenging to practice in your daily work, and why?
Solomon warns against 'anxious toil' and 'eating the bread of anxious toil.' What are some ways you've experienced this in your own life, and how did it affect you?
Pastor Mike said, 'For the Christian, every day is like bring your kid to work day with your Heavenly Father.' How might this perspective change how you approach your daily tasks?
In what areas of your life do you find it hardest to trust God and depend on Him?
What makes those areas particularly challenging?
The sermon contrasts Harold Abrahams' view of running ('10 lonely seconds to justify my whole existence') with Eric Liddell's ('when I run, I feel His pleasure'). Where in your life are you working to prove yourself versus working in response to God's grace?
How does our culture's view of children and family differ from the biblical perspective presented in Psalm 127?
What impact do these differences have on society?
The sermon mentions that many people today are 'spiritually hungry' but looking in the wrong places. Where do you see evidence of this spiritual hunger in our world?
Jesus said, 'Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.' What practical steps can we take to live from this rest rather than from anxious striving?
Life Application
This week, identify one area of your life where you've been operating in 'anxious toil' - perhaps your work, parenting, relationships, or personal goals. Each morning, deliberately surrender this area to God in prayer, acknowledging your dependence on Him. Throughout the day, practice pausing when you feel anxiety rising, and whisper a simple prayer like 'Lord, I trust You with this.' At the end of each day, write down one way you saw God at work in that area. Notice how your perspective shifts as you move from anxious striving to dependent trust.
Key Takeaways
Unless the Lord builds the house and watches over the city, all our labor is in vain - our work only has lasting meaning when done in dependence on God.
True rest doesn't come from success or achievement but from trusting Jesus, who said 'Come to me and I will give you rest.'
Children are a heritage and reward from the Lord, not merely the product of our own making, and they are meant to be raised with purpose and sent out on mission.
Many people today are working hard in search of rest, but apart from God, it only leads to deeper exhaustion, stress, and anxiety.
We are called to work not to prove ourselves but in response to God's grace, knowing our identity is secure in Christ.
Ending Prayer
Lord God, thank You for reminding us that a life built on anything other than You is ultimately in vain. Forgive us for the times we've strived in anxious toil rather than resting in Your sufficiency. Help us to work with humility, dependence, and thankfulness, knowing that our strength comes from You. May we find our rest in Jesus rather than in achievements or approval. And may we value what You value, especially the gift of family and community. As we go from here, help us to live each day secure in Your love, working not to earn our worth but to express our gratitude for all You've done. In Jesus' name, amen.