Sermon Discussion

Message: Ecclesiastes – Faith

Text: Ecclesiastes 1

Introduction

In this message, Pastor Charlton goes through the first chapter of Ecclesiastes and examines what Solomon has determined about life and all the things of this world. The conclusion is that all the things of life, including pleasure, power, wealth, and fame, are meaningless. What gives life meaning is not the things we can hear, see, touch, feel, or taste, instead it requires a sixth sense, faith. Without faith, we will not be able understand and accept the value and meaning of life that Christ brings.

Discussion Questions

1. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? What happened?
2. What do you see people do in order to find meaning for their lives?
3. Do you detect a sense of “chasing the wind” in our world today among the people you know? That is, do you see people who are frustrated, worried and uncertain concerning what their lives are all about? People who are struggling to distraction, if not despair to figure out the big questions of life? In what ways do you see this?
4. Read Psalm 39:4-6; 90:9-12; and James 4:13-17. Why does the Bible emphasize the brevity of life? What will it take for me to maximize my life and the allotted days that God has given me?
5. The issue is not that wealth, power, fame, beauty, and talent are bad things. But what is bad is when they become the ultimate thing in our lives. How do we know that these things have become an ultimate thing in our lives? How does the faith community help the members to see this in their lives?

Moving Forward

As we go through life, we need to take a moment to ask ourselves this very important question: “What gives my life meaning?” We answer it not by mere words but by how we live our lives. Family, work, relationships, church, and everything else are gifts from God. But they are not the reasons we live. Instead, we must turn to God in faith to find our meaning and purpose in Him. 

Meditate

Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.  – Psalm 39: 6