Sunday, February 14th, 2016
The book of Ecclesiastes contains Proverbs, maxims, sayings, and is largely an autobiographical story. Solomon wrote it late in his life, approximately 935 B.C. He had become aware of the mistakes that he made throughout his life and began to document them. The purpose of Ecclesiastes is to spare future generations the suffering and misery of seeking after foolish, meaningless, materialistic emptiness, and to offer wisdom by discovering truth in seeking after God. (Biblehub.com)
As you read, study and apply, ask the Holy Spirit to lead your group discussions. Work hard to make sure everyone has the opportunity to participate. Close by praying for one another.
- After having just studied Colossians, and the explicitness of the gospel presented in that letter, what is your immediate reaction to the declaration that “everything is meaningless”? Does this set the tone for a book that seems like it will be encouraging, or depressing to read?
- The author claims that “there is nothing new under the sun” (verse 9)- what is he talking about? How does this phrase apply to us and our spiritual lives?
- Looking forward, what is your hope for our study through the book of Ecclesiastes, for both you, as well as your community?
- Where in your own life have you seen something become meaningless in comparison to Christ?
- What are some things that you have placed too high of a value on? What are the negative results or effects you have seen in your life due to these misappropriated priorities?
- What does the season of Lent mean to you? What are some things you are doing to meaningfully look ahead to the celebration of Christ’s resurrection this Easter?