Built Different

KEY VERSES:

• Psalm 127:1–2
• Proverbs 13:20
• 1 Kings 18–19
• Exodus 2–3
• John 4
• John 21
• Genesis 32
• Haggai 1:3–6
• Matthew 6:25–33
• Ephesians 3:17–19
• Joshua 1:8
• Psalm 1
• 1 Corinthians 12:4–7
• Ephesians 2:21–22
• Romans 10:9–10

HIGHLIGHTS:

• The Dodge Neon – a lesson in misdiagnosis and wasted effort
• Main Scripture: Psalm 127:1–2 — “Unless the Lord builds the house…”
• Core Problem: You can work really hard and still have nothing to show for it if you’re not building what God wants, how God wants.
• Four Ways We Waste Energy Building Wrong:
  • 1. Working in the Wrong Direction: Pursuing someone else’s dream or image instead of God’s purpose for you
  • 2. Working on the Wrong Stuff: Focusing on the outside while ignoring what’s going on inside
  • 3. Working with the Wrong Motives: Trying to prove your worth or get approval instead of trusting God’s grace
  • 4. Working with the Wrong People: The people around you may be holding you back—or maybe you’re trying to do it all alone
• Biblical Examples:
  • Elijah (1 Kings 18–19) — Burned out and needed God’s gentle voice
  • Moses (Exodus 2–3) — Took things into his own hands and had to wait
  • Woman at the Well (John 4) — Looked for love in the wrong places
  • Peter (John 21) — Fished all night with no success until Jesus stepped in
  • Jacob (Genesis 32) — Wrestled with God and left with a limp
  • God’s people (Haggai 1:3–6) — Working hard but nothing to show for it
  • Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 6:33) — Seek God’s kingdom first
• Four Ways God Calls Us to Build:
  • 1. Build Rooted in Love: Ephesians 3:17–19 – Start with God’s love
  • 2. Build on His Word: Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1 – Stay grounded in Scripture
  • 3. Use Your Gifts in the Local Church: 1 Corinthians 12:4–7 – We’re all part of the body
  • 4. Build Together: Ephesians 2:21–22 – Don’t try to do this alone
• Final Challenge: Reevaluate what you’re building. If it’s not working, it’s time to build with God—His way, for His purpose, in His strength.

TALK ABOUT IT:

• What’s something in your life you’ve been “working on” that still feels broken?
• Have you ever realized you were building in the wrong direction? What changed?
• Are your efforts rooted in seeking God—or proving yourself to others?
• Who are the “builders” around you? Are they lifting you up or holding you back?
• What’s one step you could take to deepen your relationship with God this week?
• How can being involved in your church community help you build better?
• What’s something you’ve been trying to do alone that you need to invite others into?

APPLY IT:

• Ask yourself: Am I building what God wants or what I want?
• Do a heart check—are your motives for success grounded in love or approval?
• Prioritize personal time in God's Word this week.
• Get involved at church by serving or using your gifts.
• Reach out to someone you trust and let them walk with you—don’t go it alone.
• Let God lead the next step—don’t force progress out of fear or comparison.