2.23.2025
Success Vs. Significance

I. Defining Success

• Is your ladder on the WRONG WALL?

“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” Mark 8:36 NLT

• Maybe it’s because SUCCESS isn’t the goal. SIGNIFICANCE is.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 NLT

• True significance isn’t found in what we ACHIEVE, but in who we become in CHRIST.

 
II. Building a Friendship with God
“I no longer call you servants… Instead, I have called you friends.” John 15:15 (NIV)

• True significance is found in FRIENDSHIP with God.
• Friendship with God is BUILT just like any other relationship. It takes INTENTIONALITY.

 
1. Trust Jesus as Your Savior. (If you’ve never done this before, this is your first step.)
“I no longer call you servants… Instead, I have called you friends.” John 15:15 (NIV)
2. Talk to Him in Prayer. (It doesn’t have to be fancy — just real.)
3.Be in the Bible. (Friendship grows by listening, not just talking.)
4. Be in Community. (You can’t do life alone.)
“Let us not give up meeting together…” Hebrews 10:25 (GNT)
5.Serve Others. (The heart of God is to love and serve.)
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” Mark 10:45 (NIV)
 
III. Pre-Decide
1. You don’t DRIFT into a strong relationship with God. It happens by DECISION.
2. You have to PRE-DECIDE to make these goals of friendship with God a reality.
“Choose this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 (ESV)
 
Success and significance don’t have to be ENEMIES.

What’s your next step this week to move your ladder?
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Small Group Discussion Questions