Sermon Discussion

Sermon: Ecclesiastes – Evaluate

Text: Ecclesiastes 2:12-26

Introduction

People sometimes call life a big rat race. It conjures up the image of the futile efforts of a lab rat trying to escape while running around a maze or in a wheel. This can be our lives too if we don’t stop and take the time to evaluate the choices and decisions we make. In this message, Pastor Charlton explains that death is the great equalizer for all people, regardless of their status and intelligence. Knowing this, we are forced to evaluate the pursuits of our lives. The truth is that any pursuit of pleasure can only bring us temporary satisfaction. The only lasting enjoyment can be found in God. And so Solomon concludes that “To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God.” (vs. 26)

Discussion Questions

1. Evaluate this Italian proverb: “After the game, the king and pawn go into the same box.” Do you agree or disagree? Do you think that is the extent of life?
2. What is your perspective on the death of people (2:14-16)? How has this mindset affected your pursuit of pleasure and management of time?
3. What does it mean “to find pleasure or satisfaction in Christ alone”? What does that look like?
4. Read Hebrews 11:6. What are the two aspects or components of faith? (God exist and He wants to rewards those who seek Him.) How does this lead to us finding true and lasting enjoyment for our lives?

Moving Forward

Many times, we mistakenly think that the values of the world are the same as the things that God desires for our lives. We try to apply these worldly principles but become disappointed when they don’t meet our expectations. That is why it is so important to look at what the Scriptures say about God. As we start to embrace the value-system from the Scriptures, we will start to see and experience true and lasting enjoyment and purpose for our lives.

Meditate

A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? – Ecclesiastes 2:24-25