Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 8:

Read Ecclesiastes 8 and then answer the following questions:

Section 1: Ecclesiastes 8:1

1. Do you think that this verse concludes chapter 7, or introduces what follows in chapter 8?

Why do you think this?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 7

Departing thought: The Lord is the one who is able to give us wisdom. In what ways does God provide opportunities to develop wisdom and understanding? To whom or what do you normally look for meaning and satisfaction? How does it practically look to rely on God for your meaning and satisfaction?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 7

Memory Verse: “My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:1-6

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 7:

Read Ecclesiastes 7 and then answer the following questions:

Section 2: Ecclesiastes 7:15-29

1. You may have noticed that the author of Ecclesiastes seems to be on a quest to find meaning and satisfaction in life. Do you think that the book of Ecclesiastes is a good book to recommend to someone who is searching for meaning and satisfaction? Why or why not?

2. Why is it wise to avoid extremes?

3. What do you think verse 16 means? Look up Romans 12:3, and Ephesians 2:8-9.

4. Where is wisdom found? Look up Job 28:12-28 and Proverbs 2:1-6.

5. What do you think the seductive woman of verse 26 represents? Look up Proverbs 9.

6. Look up 1 King 11:1-3, Genesis 1:27, and Genesis 3:6-7. How do these verses help you to better understand Ecclesiastes 7:27-29?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 7:

Read Ecclesiastes 7 and then answer the following questions:

Section 1: Ecclesiastes 7:1-14

1. Why do you think the author of Ecclesiastes said that the day you die is better than the day you were born? Look up Psalm 90:12.

2. How does sadness refine us? Look up 2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

3. How does this section answer the question asked in Ecclesiastes 6:12?


4.  Which of these proverbs is the most encouraging? Which is the most challenging? The most convicting?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 6

Departing thought: Chapter 6 is another reminder that contentment and satisfaction are gifts from the Lord. Are the final three proverbs in this chapter encouraging or discouraging to you? In what way? What are you thankful for this week? While chapter 6 shows us that prosperity is not always as good as it seems, chapter 7 will remind us that problems are not as bad as they seem. Be encouraged: God, who loves us, is in control and sees the bigger picture. Sometimes things are not as they seem, but we can take comfort that God will provide us with all we need.

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 6

Memory Verse: “Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.” Isaiah 55:2-3

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 6:

Read Ecclesiastes 6 and then answer the following questions:

Section 2: Ecclesiastes 6:10-12

1. How do each of these three proverbs match up with what you have read and studied so far in Ecclesiastes?

2. What are some characteristics of a shadow? Look up 1 Chronicles 29:15, Job 8:9, Psalm 102:11, Psalm 109:23. Compare these verses with Psalm 36:7 and Psalm 91:1. How do these characteristics help you to understand verse 12?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 6:

Read Ecclesiastes 6 and then answer the following questions:

Section 1: Ecclesiastes 6:1-9

1. How does the beginning of chapter 6 expound on the end of chapter 5?

2. Which is better, quality, or quantity?  From where or who do we find our satisfaction? Look up Isaiah 55. 

3. Throughout Ecclesiastes, you may have noticed that meaningless things are “like chasing the wind.” Pursuing the wind, especially the hot east wind, was a metaphor in biblical times for anything that was worthless or absurd.  See Hosea 12:1 for an example. How does this enhance your perception of the phrase, “like chasing the wind?” What are some examples of ways we “chase the wind” today?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 5

Departing thought: Even though the previous question, “Who is the source of wealth, enjoyment, and contentment?” seems like a “Sunday school question” where the answer is obviously God or Jesus, how often do we find ourselves with feelings of discontent? How often do you find yourself looking for happiness and contentment from other people and things? Pray that God would show you how to be content with where you are in life.

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 5

Memory Verse: “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 5:

Read Ecclesiastes 5 and then answer the following questions:

Section 2: Ecclesiastes 5:8-20

1. What seems to be happening in verses 8-9? Look up Proverbs 3:27-28.

2. What does this passage say is wrong about wealth and riches?

3. Is there anything encouragement for those who are wealthy? Look up Psalm 62:10b and 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

4. Who is the source of wealth, enjoyment, and contentment?

5. What does it mean to accept your lot in life? (See Philippians 4:11-13)

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 5:

Read Ecclesiastes 5 and then answer the following questions:

Section 1: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

1.  What is a “mindless offering to God?” Look up Amos 5:21-24. What kind of offering does the Lord want?

 
2. How important are our words? Look up Matthew 12:36-37 and Ephesians 5:4.

3. Look up Matthew 15:10-11, Romans 3:13-14, James 1:26-27. How can your mouth make you sin?

4. How could verses 1-7 affect the way we pray?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 4

Departing thought: In all of the hustle and bustle of life, we can become too busy. We can be too busy to take care of the oppressed. We can be too busy to spend time in community and fellowship. We can be too busy to spend time alone, spend time with God, or even to spend time enjoying that which we worked so hard to acquire. It is important to try to find balance in life, between work and rest, and who we spend time with; between focusing on that which is temporary, and that which is eternal. What are some ways that you can find balance this week? Pray that God would show you an opportunity to take a break if you need one, or to give someone else the break that they need.

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 4

Memory Verse: The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 4:

Read Ecclesiastes 4 and then answer the following questions:

Section 3: Ecclesiastes 4:13-16

1.  Some think this is a fictional story, told in order to teach wisdom. In our culture we love a good “rags to riches” story. Why are “rags to riches” stories so encouraging? Who in the Bible also has a “rags to riches” story? (See Genesis 41 and 1 Samuel 16) 

2. Look up Psalm 39:4 and Isaiah 40:6-8. With these verses in mind, as well as Ecclesiastes 4:15-16, what is temporary in this world? What is lasting?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 4:

Read Ecclesiastes 4 and then answer the following questions:

Section 2: Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

1.  Look up 1 John 2:15-17 and Colossians 3:23. What is the difference between working for yourself and working for the Lord?

2. How do verses 7-8 relate to verses 4-6 (above)? 

3. What are the benefits of companionship, fellowship, community?

4. What or who do you think is being referred to when the author says, “Three are even better, for a triple braided cord is not easily broken?”

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 4:

Read Ecclesiastes 4 and then answer the following questions:

Section 1: Ecclesiastes 4:1-6

1. Who are the oppressed of today’s society?  

2. Look up Jeremiah 7:3-7 and Zechariah 7:8-10. What does the Bible have to say about those who oppress others? How are we to treat each other? 

3. The idea of being “better off dead” or better yet, never born is not unique to Ecclesiastes (See Jeremiah 20:14-18 and Job 3:11-26). This wording is used to make the point that a life without “the God whom the Bible reveals, [is a] life not worth living.”  How do you think this idea is connected with verse 1?

4. The saying, “Keeping up with the Joneses” is similar to verse 4. What does the Bible have to say about envying what others have? How are we supposed to treat our neighbors? (See Exodus 20:17 and Matthew 22:39)

5. In verses 5-6, the folding of idle hands refers to not working at all. Having “one handful with quietness” is working to earn what you need, but not over-working yourself. Having “two handfuls with hard work” shows that while you may have earned more but at the cost of your own rest and tranquility (perhaps to “keep up with the Joneses”).  How are these proverbs relevant to society today? Do you think the author is condemning hard work?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 3

Departing thought: At this point, you are a quarter of the way through Ecclesiastes. What are your impressions so far? Where is hope to be found? What make life meaningful? How have you seen God in Ecclesiastes? How have you seen God working in your life, and in the lives of those you know? In the coming week, take note of all the ways (both big and small) you see the hand of God in your life. We have much to be thankful for!

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 3

Memory Verse: “For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.” Titus 2:11-14

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 3:

Read Ecclesiastes 3 and then answer the following questions:

Section 3: Ecclesiastes 3:16-22

1.  Look up Matthew 16:27, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 2:6-11, and 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10. Is there any encouragement to be found in verses 16-17 (of Ecclesiastes 3)?

2. According to verses 18-20, how are humans and animals alike? How are they different?

3. Look up Psalm 49:8-15. What is the fate of those who do not know the Lord? Why do you think that the author of Ecclesiastes concludes that for people under the sun, there is nothing better than being happy in their work?

4. Look up Titus 2:11-14. Who redeems us from meaninglessness?

Some Panoramas

In the long process of quitting Facebook, I am going through all of my pictures and deciding which ones to keep, and which ones to toss. I love these panoramic pictures, but probably will never print them...so to the blog they go!

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 3:

Read Ecclesiastes 3 and then answer the following questions:

Section 2: Ecclesiastes 3:9-15

1. Look up Genesis 3:17-19. What is the “burden God has placed on us all?” What is this the result of?

2. Look up Job 5:9 and Romans 11:33. What do you think it means that even though God placed eternity in the human heart, but we still cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end? How does this make you feel?

3. Interspersed throughout Ecclesiastes are glimpses of the good life. What do you think it means to live a good life? 

4.  Look up Deuteronomy 6:5, Leviticus 19: Leviticus 25:14-17, and Matthew 22:37-40. In light of these passages, what does it mean to fear God? 

5. The saying, “history repeats itself” is similar to verse 15. Have you seen this happen? How?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 3:

Read Ecclesiastes 3 and then answer the following questions:

Section 1: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

1. There is a time for everything. Which of these verses speaks to a situation in your life? Why? Are any of these verses confusing to you?

2. The Hebrew words for time in this passage describe “an appointed or divinely determined time.”
God is involved in the lives of his people. Upon close inspection, one can see that despite the apparent chaos of life under the sun, there is divine order. Have you seen God’s hand in your life? How?

3. Are there any aspects of life that seem to be missing from this list?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 2

Departing thought: Chapter 2 of Ecclesiastes is starting to show a glimmer of hope. When we put our trust in Jesus, we have hope that whether we are rich or poor in this life, we can be content. In Luke 12, Jesus reminds us that “a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” How is your relationship with God? Take some time this week to seek after God and spend some time in prayer. What are you thankful for? What is troubling you? What are the desires of your heart? What does God have to say to you?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 2

Memory Verse: “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 2:

Read Ecclesiastes 2 and then answer the following questions:

Section 3: Ecclesiastes 2:18-26

1. Can you think of a modern day situation where someone squandered their inheritance? (Look also to Luke 15:11-31)

 
2. In light of everything you have read to this point, what is significant about verses 24-25? 

3.  Look up 1 Timothy 6:6-19. How does a life with faith and hope in God differ from life under the sun?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 2:

Read Ecclesiastes 2 and then answer the following questions:

Section 2: Ecclesiastes 2:12-17

1. Remembering that the author of Ecclesiastes is still referring to life under the sun, for whom does the age-old proverb (Look up Proverbs 17:24) that wisdom is better than foolishness fall flat? (Look up Psalm 49)

2. It seems to be a strong statement when someone says they hate life. Does it make any difference that the author hates life under the sun? What other Scripture uses this strong language? What is the context? (Look up Job 7, Psalm 119:104)

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 2:

Read Ecclesiastes 2 and then answer the following questions:

Section 1: Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

1. Look up Luke 12:13-21. How does Jesus’ parable about the rich fool help us to understand this section in Ecclesiastes?

2. What do you think the author means when he says that things like laughter and happiness are meaningless? Look up Proverbs 14:13.

 

3. Verses 4-11 show all of the wealth that King Solomon had acquired (Look up 1 Kings 7:1-12). What are some modern-day symbols of wealth?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 1

Departing thought: The book of Ecclesiastes starts out on a grim note, but it is illustrating what a life without the Lord is like. Do you know someone who is living this “tragic existence” and needs some hope? How can you share your hope this week? What are some ways that you are reminded of hope?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 1


Memory Verse: 

“For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us.” Romans 8:22-23

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 1:

Read Ecclesiastes 1 and then answer the following questions:

Section 3: Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 

1. Look up 1 Kings 4:29-34. Does it add to your understanding of 1:12-18? How?

 
2. The “tragic existence” dealt to the human race can be found in Genesis 3:19. If you have time, read all of Genesis 3. How did this “tragic existence” come about?

 
3. What does it mean to “learn something the hard way?” With verse 17 in mind, do you think that the author of Ecclesiastes learned things the hard way? What can we learn from him?

 
4. What do you think he means in verse 18 when he says, “The greater the wisdom, the greater my grief. To increase knowledge only increases sorrow.”? Can you think of a time where you were saddened by “knowing too much?