DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
"Fulfilled at Work?"
Choose the questions for your group; no pressure to use all of them.
Start Off
- Let’s begin our time by acknowledging the presence of God in our Group. Open in prayer, asking for a greater awareness that God is in the room in a special way as we meet.
- Quick announcement: Baptism weekend is coming up October 16-18. Have you considered baptism, or is there anyone you know that is considering baptism? You can get more info here: www.chaseoaks.org/baptism
- To kick off our discussion, what is your current job, and what was your first job?
- For a quick summary of the message, you can take turns reading the summary and key thoughts from the “Sermon Notes” section on the main page of the Chase Oaks App.
- What stood out to you most from this message, and why?
Reflect on God’s Word
- Read Genesis 1:27–28. What does being made in the image of God have to do with our work and responsibility in the world?
- Read Genesis 1:1–2. The message identifies four ways God works in the world: order out of chaos, meaning out of emptiness, flourishing out of futility, and restoration out of brokenness. Which of these most resonates with you?
Go Deeper
- Eric describes the “IMAX version” of work as seeing that our work is connected to something bigger than simply earning a paycheck. How have you typically viewed the purpose of your work?
- What aspects of your current work feel most meaningful? What aspects feel most futile?
- Think about your workplace, school, home, or other regular responsibilities. Where do you see chaos that could use more order? Or where do you have an opportunity to bring meaning, beauty, creativity, or value to something that currently feels empty?
- Read Ephesians 6:7–8. What would it look like practically to “serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people” in your current situation?
- What is one specific person, problem, or situation in your work that God might be inviting you to serve, improve, encourage, or help flourish this week?
Wrap Up
- What was a win for today’s meeting? Where did we see the Holy Spirit show up?
- Share prayer requests and spend some time in prayer, specifically for what we can each apply from this message and discussion to our work.
VERSE TO MEDITATE ON AND MEMORIZE THIS WEEK
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people… (Ephesians 6:7, NIV)
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (BETWEEN MEETINGS)
Day 1 — See Your Work Differently.
Read Genesis 2:1–2. Take a few minutes to thank God for the dignity of work. Identify one thing you normally consider “just part of the job” and ask God to help you see its value. Pray, “God, help me see my work through your eyes. Remind me that ordinary work can be meaningful because you are a worker and you have invited me to participate with you.”
Day 2 — Bring Order.
Read Genesis 1:1–2. Look for one area of chaos in your workplace, home, or responsibilities. Instead of simply complaining about it, take one practical step toward bringing order. Ask, “What can I make clearer, simpler, more organized, or more purposeful today?”
Day 3 — Create Meaning.
Read Genesis 1:27–28. Look for an opportunity to add beauty, creativity, value, or meaning to someone's experience today. Do one thing that makes your environment or another person's experience noticeably better, even if no one recognizes you for it.
Day 4 — Pursue Flourishing.
Read Ephesians 6:7–8. Identify one person who may be struggling, overlooked, or discouraged. Listen to them, encourage them, help them, or make their work easier. Ask, “How can I help this person or this place flourish rather than simply get through the day?”
Day 5 — Join God in Restoration.
Read Revelation 21:5 and John 5:17. Spend time reflecting on the places of brokenness you encounter through your work. Ask God to show you where you can participate in his restoring work. Choose one specific action (listen, encourage, serve, repair, improve, pray, create, or help) that brings a small measure of restoration.