Sunday, February 28st, 2016
Ecclesiastes 3-5::7
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.
- Think of times when things didn’t go your way. How did it make you feel when circumstances were hard? When you were low on money? In a less-than-ideal relationship? Felt far from God? Had a terrible job environment? Hear from others. Does it help to know struggle is constant across all people, from all backgrounds?
- Considering this, what is your reaction to Ecclesiastes 3:22? Knowing what you know about God and His love, is the spirit of Ecclesiastes 3:22 more “suck it up” or “know the plans I have for you”? Why or why not?
- Why are we asked not to take vengeance? Why are we asked not to worry about people getting their ‘just deserts’? What does Ecclesiastes 3:15-17 say about our worry and the behavior of others? Does it change your perception of people ‘getting away’ with things? Do you think it might change your reactions to bad behavior?
- In Ecclesiastes 3:21 the author asks the question whether or not our souls are cared for by God. Do you think the author is asking a rhetorical question? For example, is he asking it in a way that we must realize everything in the hereafter is a gift from God? Is he getting at something else?
- Discuss with your group the ideas of trusting God with eternal matters—your eternal well being and what happens to you after you die. How much power do you have to change these things? Is that the point of verses like this?