What Does the Bible Say About Being Self-Made?

Watch: https://youtube.com/live/QMBWOyRMDuU

Read: Deuteronomy 6 and consider making some observations about the passage.

Sermon Recap

Review the sermon with your group, highlighting the following:

1. “God cautioned the Israelites against forgetting Him once they entered the Promised Land, despite His role in their past successes.”
2. “Prosperity can lead to pride and forgetting the past, making us focus on present achievements instead of God's providence.”
3. “It's essential to recognize that God is the source of the talents and skills we use to build wealth and achieve successes.”
4. “Through the stories of the Tower of Babel and King Nebuchadnezzar, we see the dangers of seeking personal glory instead of honoring God.”
5. “Joseph's story shows that acknowledging our abilities as gifts from God can lead to greater opportunities and recognition of God's power.”

Group Discussion

1. In Deuteronomy 6, what is God warning the Israelites about, and how does this apply to our modern lives?
2. Can you identify a time when you’ve focused more on your own achievements than on acknowledging God's role in your success?
3. How can we find a balance between being productive and building wealth while giving glory to God for our abilities and successes?
4. Discuss the story of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel chapter 4. What lessons can we learn from his downfall and restoration?
5. How does Joseph's recognition of his abilities as gifts from God in Genesis chapter 41 impact your view on stewardship and influence?

Digging Deeper

1. Reflect on Genesis 11 (the Tower of Babel) and Daniel 4 (King Nebuchadnezzar's downfall). How do these stories illustrate the consequences of seeking personal glory over giving credit to God?
2. Read about Joseph's life in Genesis 41. How did Joseph’s acknowledgment of God's providence impact his life and the lives of others?
3. Take a moment to consider what it means to be a good steward of the talents and abilities God has given you.
4. Explore spiritual gift tests or seek feedback from others to discover your unique abilities and how they can be used for God's glory.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You humbled by the knowledge that all our abilities and successes come from You. Help us to always remember Your providence and give You the glory for our achievements. Grant us discernment to recognize and follow the path You have laid out for us, avoiding the trap of seeking self-glory like those who built the Tower of Babel or King Nebuchadnezzar.

Fill us with the spirit of stewardship, making us aware of the talents You've placed in us, and guide us in using them for Your kingdom's work. Just as Joseph acknowledged Your hand in his life, teach us to attribute our successes to Your blessings and not our might.

May we always be humble publicly and thankful privately, recognizing Your role in every victory. Thank You for the gift of salvation, unattainable through our merit but graciously given by Your love. Lead us to greater opportunities to influence others for Your glory and help us to continually express gratitude for Your guidance and provision.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.