Ecclesiastes
Investigating the Meaning of Life
Ecclesiastes #16
March 3, 2024 • Jason Carson • Ecclesiastes 11:1—12:8
TOGETHER GROUP QUESTIONS Read Ecclesiastes 11:1-10. Have each group member share one verse or nugget of wisdom from chapter 11 that sticks out to them and why. How would you define the word idleness? In what areas of life do you find yourself being idle? What are some good safeguards for staying away from idleness? Ecc. 11:10 says to remove vexation from your heart and put away pain from your body. What are some things you are annoyed, frustrated, or worried about? How can we move away from obsession or excess of that kind of thinking, instead moving towards a godly mindset and contentment in all situations? Chapter 12:1-8 talks about us remembering our Creator in the midst of everything we know fading away. If time is short, what is the number one thing you are wasting time on? What is one thing you’d like to do before you die? What is one spiritual thing that you’d like to do or put into practice before you die? Read Ephesians 5:15-21 out loud. What are a couple ways we (or specifically you personally) can make the best use of our time?
Ecclesiastes #15
February 18, 2024 • Jason Carson • Ecclesiastes 10
TOGETHER GROUP QUESTIONS Read Ecclesiastes 10:1-20. Solomon lists off many proverbs in this chapter and moves around all over the place between topics, observations, and experience. Have each group member share one verse or idea in chapter 10 that sticks out to them and why. Verse one talks about the idea of a fool being compared to a bad stench. What are some ways that Christians can give off a bad aroma to this world? (In other words, how can we be off putting to the people around us?) One mark of a fool is that they don’t see clearly in regards to how God wants us to see things in this world. Spiritually, how does our vision get clouded with the world’s ways? In what ways can we be foolish with our family? At work? With neighbors? At church? What does it mean to be… Foolishly indulgent? Foolishly lazy? Foolishly indifferent? Foolishly blunt? Read Ephesians 5:15-17. How can we pursue wisdom instead of foolishness?
Ecclesiastes #13
February 4, 2024 • Jason Carson • Ecclesiastes 9:1–10
Ecclesiastes #12
January 28, 2024 • Jason Carson • Ecclesiastes 8
Ecclesiastes #5
November 5, 2023 • Jason Carson • Ecclesiastes 3:1–15
TOGETHER GROUP QUESTIONS Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-15. What is God’s Word saying to you? What stands out? There is a time and a season for everything. Go around the group and have each person share what kind of season they are in. The highs, the lows, the rhythms of life, the best things, the hardest things, etc. Why is change so hard? What is one of the hardest changes you’ve had to face in life? And in addition, since the pandemic, what is a recent change in our society over the past 3 years that has been really hard for you? How are you responding to inflation with groceries and gas? And how would God want His disciples to respond to these changes? What is a practical step we could take to work towards this? (Please note: this principle can be applied to any change in life!) (verse 12-13) When I think of the gifts God has given me, who or what immediately come to mind? How often do I express my gratitude to God for all His gifts? And how often WILL I seek to thank Him this week? (verse 14-15) Do I honestly fear and honor God? What are some practical ways my life can show this on a daily basis? What things should I be doing, and what things should I not be doing?
Ecclesiastes #4
October 22, 2023 • Jason Carson • Ecclesiastes 2:12–26
TOGETHER GROUP QUESTIONS Read Ecclesiastes 2:1-11. In Solomon’s search for the meaning of life, he first explores pleasure. What is the difference between pleasure outside of God vs. the pleasure that God created us to know and experience? What are some of the downfalls of pleasure from this world? Solomon had done it all, made it all, had it all, and earned it all, and yet he still said that it was all “hevel” (a meaningless vapor that is here for a second and gone), and that nothing was new under the sun. How should this wisdom and realization change our thoughts, perspective, and life styles? Read Ecclesiastes 2:12-17. Next, Solomon explores wisdom and we find in this passage that life isn’t fair. Obtaining wisdom can’t change our fate, destiny, or legacy. But… what are the benefits of living a life with Godly wisdom? Read Ecclesiastes 2:18-26. And finally, In Solomon’s search for the meaning of life, he explores work. And once again, he’s frustrated that no matter how hard you work or how successful you become, it also is hevel. What is the hardest or most frustrating thing about your work? What are the best ways you can glorify God in your work? (Or instead of “work”, insert anything you do: parent, grandparent, school, hobby, etc.) Close: What is ONE thing that you are holding onto and need to let go of? How can you live in grace in that thing or situation?
Ecclesiastes #3
October 15, 2023 • Jason Carson • Ecclesiastes 2:1–11