40 Days Discussion Questions | Week 4
The Hustle to Satisfy Yourself
We often chase happiness, love, and comfort, believing they will fulfill us, yet they always leave us longing for more. True fulfillment comes when we align our desires with Him, discovering a deeper satisfaction beyond anything the world provides. This week, we’ll explore how pursuing temporary satisfaction can derail us while Jesus offers lasting joy.
Memory Verse for Week 4: “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11 NIV
Try using this Bible verse memorization tool. Each letter in the following line is the first letter of the memory verse.
YMKTMTPOL; YWFMWJIYP, WEPAYRH. P16:11
Dig a little deeper into the memory verse. Ask yourself the following three questions. Discuss your answers with your group:
What? (What is this verse saying?)
So What? (What does it mean to me?)
Now What? (To apply this verse, I must.)
1. What's the most ridiculous thing you've ever done when you were really hungry?
2. Pastor James spoke about our tendency to "hustle" for satisfaction. In what ways have you seen people, including yourself, seeking fulfillment in life?
3. The story of Jacob and Esau is central to this message. Pastor James said it isn’t just a tale; it’s a mirror. What stood out to you most about their interaction over the bowl of stew?
4. We start reaching for anything that promises relief, even if it costs us something sacred. When we’re weak, when we’re empty, that’s when the enemy sets the trap. In Genesis 25:32, Esau says, "Look, I am about to die. What good is the birthright to me?" Was Esau really about to die? How does this statement reflect the danger of distorted desires?
5. Pastor James said, "Craving leads to caving." He also remarked, “When any of your desires become exaggerated, it magnifies whatever you want out of proportion." Can you think of a time when a strong desire led you to make a decision you later regretted? How did that experience affect you?
6. Read Ephesians 1:17-18. Paul isn’t praying for better eyesight—he’s praying for spiritual sight. He knows that the real issue isn’t what we see—it’s how our hearts interpret what we see. Sometimes, we focus on temporary desires instead of our savior. How does this passage help us recognize God's greater purpose in moments of temptation?
7. We heard that "When craving is loud, clarity gets quiet." In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to maintain spiritual clarity when faced with strong desires?
8. Jesus didn't come to take away our satisfaction but to be it. How does this perspective challenge or encourage your view of following Christ?
9. Read John 6:35. Jesus is the "bread of life," offering true fulfillment to those who come to Him. Think about five people in your life who need His hope, peace, and freedom. As a group, pray for them by name so they can experience Jesus for themselves.
10. Reflect on Psalm 16:11: "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." How might embracing this truth alter your approach to daily "hustles" for satisfaction?
11. How can we shift our perspective to see Jesus as the source of true satisfaction rather than seeking fulfillment in temporary things? If He is the Bread of Life, how can we redirect our desires toward Him instead of suppressing them?
Last Thoughts and Reminders
Esau’s story illustrates our struggle; he traded his birthright for temporary relief, just as we often exchange lasting fulfillment for short-term desires. Jesus doesn’t take away our satisfaction—He is our satisfaction. Stop reaching for what cannot fill you—and come to the One who already has. You’ve been chasing a feeling—Jesus is the true fulfillment. What are you trying to satisfy that Jesus has already filled? What stew have you been trading your birthright for?
Easter is a season of new life and fresh starts. Someone in your life is waiting for an invitation—who will you invite to join you this Easter weekend? A simple “Come sit with me at church!” could change someone’s life forever. Who are the five people you are praying for?
Orange City Location Easter Clean-up. April 12, 9 am to 12 pm. This is a great opportunity for your group to join other Life Groups as we clean up the Orange City location in preparation for Easter! There will be mulching, painting, and cleaning projects available to choose from. https://bit.ly/42mWTZm
Would you consider serving at one of our Easter services? We will have many first-time visitors on campus, and we want everyone to feel at home. If you would like to help, please scan the QR code and complete the Volunteer Interest Form. You would not be committing to a team (although you might fall in love with it!); we simply want to discuss where you could help out. Guest Experience and Journey Kids are where we will have the greatest need on Easter Weekend.
We invite you to join us for one or all of our Night of Prayer events starting at 6:30 pm:
• Daytona – April 3 (4 Rivers)
• Orange City – April 6 – Auditorium
• Online (streamed) – April 13
• DeLand – April 8 – Stetson University Student Union (CUB 203)
• Deltona – April 1 - Deltona Presbyterian Church, 2300 Howland Blvd, Deltona
Mark your calendar and plan to attend Consume, our Good Friday Worship Service, on April 18, at 6:30 pm, at our Orange City location. Just a reminder that childcare is not provided, so please start planning now.