Sermon on success in life

Sermon on success in life, focused passage text:

Gen.39:2-5: (The Lord Was With Joseph):

v2 The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
v3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand.
v4 So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority.
v5 So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field.”

What is Success?

Success in life has been variously defined as:

• The achievement of something deserved or planned
• Achievement of a desired outcome

The life of Joseph is an amazing example of someone who overcame great adversity and human wickedness to become successful. Everywhere he turned, at home or outside, adversity seemed to be attracted to him, but we are told from scripture that in spite of it all, God was with him and saw him through.

When we reflect on biblical principles, we find that true success in life is rooted not only in external achievements but also in internal transformation and divine alignment.

Seven (7) Things You Should Know About Success

1. God Wants Us to Succeed

• Our success brings Him pleasure:
• Psalm 35:27: “Let them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, ‘Let the Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.'”
• Psalm 147:11: “The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy.”
• Psalm 149:4: “For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.”
• He wants us to be joyful and successful:
• John 15:11: “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”
• John 16:24: “Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”
• He showed us in scripture how to succeed:
• Joshua 1:6-9: “Be strong and of good courage… For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

By following God’s instructions with obedience and faith, we unlock the biblical path to sustainable success.

2. Success Extends the Frontiers of His Kingdom

• 1 Chronicles 29:3-5: “Moreover, because I have set my affection on the house of my God… Who then is willing to consecrate himself this day to the Lord?”
• John 19:38-40: “Joseph of Arimathea… and Nicodemus… brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds…”

Contributing to God’s work with our time, talents, and treasures expands His kingdom on earth and aligns our goals with His divine agenda.

3. The Prosperity of Our Souls Affects Our Success

• 3 John 3: “For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth.”

A man’s soul is the mental and spiritual center of the human person. It’s composed of:

• Feelings – Proverbs 15:13: “A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.”
• Longings & desires – Psalm 21:2: “You have given him his heart’s desire, And have not withheld the request of his lips.”
• Thinking and reasoning – Psalm 90:12: “So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
• Decisions of the will – Proverbs 16:9: “A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.”

When your soul prospers, your life follows suit. This is a core truth in any sermon on success in life.

4. Success is Beyond Money or Human Recognition

• Hosea 12:8; Luke 12:16-21: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully… So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
• God’s idea of success is submission to Him:
• 1 Corinthians 4:2: “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”

Lasting success is built on faithfulness to God, not the fleeting applause of man.

5. Your Success is Determined by What You Are Willing to Ignore

Please note, there are at least four (4) things you must be willing to ignore:

1. Your personal weaknesses – Judges 6:14-16
2. The offences of others – Mark 16:7
3. Family disrespect – John 7:1-6
4. Substitution of your assignment – Acts 6:2-3

Ignoring distractions and discouragements is key when staying focused on your God-given calling.

6. The Testimony of Your Success Encourages Others

• Joshua 24:15-16: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Sharing your story of overcoming challenges through faith can inspire others on their path to success in life.

7. True Success Almost Always Requires Hard Work

The truly successful person has learnt the value of hard work. No dependence on lottery, luck, etc.

• Genesis 6-9 (Noah)
• Nehemiah 3:1-6 (Nehemiah)

Effort, perseverance, and divine instruction are the foundations of a prosperous life.

Three (3) Things Success is Not

1. Success is Not a Goal to be Sought After

But rather a by-product of learning to serve and adding value to people’s lives.

• Joshua 1:6-9
• Matthew 23:11: “But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.”
• Galatians 5:13: “…through love serve one another.”

True success in life flows from a heart committed to service and love.

2. Success is Not Just a Reward to be Enjoyed

But rather a trust to be administered.

• 2 Corinthians 9:7: “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Stewardship is essential; success should be used to uplift and bless others.

3. Success is Not Sacrificing Your Future for the Immediate

God wants our labors to last.

• Proverbs 13:22: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children…”
• Psalm 71:18: “Now also when I am old and gray headed… Until I declare Your strength to this generation…”
• Acts 13:36: “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God…”

Thus, success in life, as illustrated by scripture, is multi-dimensional and deeply rooted in our spiritual alignment with God’s purpose.

Sermon on success in life: Conclusion – Achievement of Something Deserved

In closing, let this sermon on success in life remind us that real prosperity begins within and flows outward, grounded in God’s Word, obedience, and purpose.