Discussion Notes (for use in a small group or individual study)
Sermon: The Path to Fulfillment
(Phone apps are good for comparing multiple translations. Study Bibles help with interpretation.)

Questions:
1. Opening questions:
a) What earthly gifts from God do you especially enjoy?
b) What “dead-end paths” have you had to abandon at some point in your life?
2. The sermon focused on the Ecclesiastes Teacher’s continued search for satisfaction. What do you remember about each of the main points? What stood out to you or impacted you?
3. Read John 17:1-26. This is part of a prayer that Jesus prayed the night before he went to the cross (John 17:1-26 is known as the “High Priestly Prayer”).
a) What does it mean to glorify someone? (See Habakkuk 2:14, Revelation 15:4)
b) Nearing the end of his earthly ministry, how does Jesus say he brought glory to the Father? (v. 4)
c) How would you describe the work Jesus was sent to do? (see John 17:2, 6, 8, 12, 14, 18, 19, 26)
d) What work has God given you to do? Do you believe you are bringing Him glory through it?
e) At the end of your life, would you like to be able to pray John 17:4 as Jesus did? What needs to change in your life now to make that more likely?
4. The heavenly purpose Jesus lived for can be summarized as “Gospel, Growth, and Glory.” Where do you see these purposes in the John 17 passage above?
5. Gospel. Read Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 24:14, and Acts 1:8.
a) What confidence can these verses give us regarding the spread of the gospel?
b) How much motivation do you have regarding the gospel? Grade yourself.
6. Growth. Read Philippians 1:6, Philippians 2:13, and Romans 8:29.
a) What confidence can these verses give us regarding our spiritual growth?
b) How much motivation do you have to become more like Jesus? To help others grow spiritually?
7. Glory. 1 Samuel 17 tells the story of David facing the giant Goliath. Read 1 Samuel 17:45-47.
a) Why was David so confident that he would defeat Goliath?
b) What did David say the whole world would know?
c) Read Habakkuk 2:14, Psalm 86:9, and Revelation 15:4.
d) What confidence can these verses give us regarding God’s glory?
e) How much motivation do you have to see God glorified? Do you pray for that?
8. Reflection and prayer:
a) Are there any dead-end paths you’ve still been following lately?
b) Turn to God in prayer now. Submit to Christ’s lordship and ask Him to lead you into his divine purpose for you.
c) And pray for any other specific needs in your group.