Lesson Six: Fool's Gold

One of the many struggles in this world for me as a christian is not knowing which path to follow. I think it would be so much easier to know what each day has in store so we make plans, make the right choices, and be comfortable. Freedom doesn't work that way. While we are given free will from God, there is always a possibility that we can and will make the wrong choice. The fear of making the wrong choice has kept me up some nights. As I wake up this morning I am happily aware that the word of God offers doctrine, conviction, and correction in His perfect word. In Ecclesiastes 12, Solomon has hindsight for Ecclesiastes 6. We have the luxury of studying chapter 6 to avoid Solmon's frustrations. There are three.

Point One: Wealth Without Pleasure

In Ecclesiastes 6:1 we find how Solomon defines wealth. It is riches, wealth, and honor combined.
Riches - The power and ability to get

Wealth - The ability to have and keep

Honor - glory and fame

Solomon had all these things, but at some point he didn't take pleasure in them. I believe at some point most of us pursue things of this world in hopes of buying the one item that will bring pleasure only to still find a void. So many of us go for the gold with great aspirations with our material possessions. So much so that rather than having riches, wealth, and honor, they have us. Epesians 1:3 tells us we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms through Christ. We have these tremendous blessings in Christ that are meant to bring satisfaction without end. These are true treasures and worthy of our pursuit. Luke 1:30 recounts the angel telling Mary she was blessed among her peers for she had the privelege of carrying Christ. We now too have that blessing. We carry Christ with us wherever we go. We carry His message of love, grace, and mercy. What a privelege.

Study Questions:

1. What are your spiritual blessings?

2.. Are you taking pleasure in your spiritual blessing in Christ?

Point 2: Labor Without Satisfaction

In Ecclesiastes 6:7, we come across another frustration of Solomon's. We all have an appetite. We have an appetite for physical, mental, and spiritual needs. If we limit our pursuit of satisfaction to strictly physical needs, it leaves us out of balance. In addition, our flesh cannot be satisfied. We will always want more. Life can begin to feel as if we are on the hamster wheel again. However, Matthew 5:6. tells us that if we hunger and thirst for righteousness, we will be filled. Our spirit can be satisfied! When we are living by the spirit we have the ability to bring our souls and flesh under control. The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, Galatians 5:22. We need to have FUN, Fress Uninterrupted Nearness to God.

Study Questions:

What efforts do you make daily to satisfy your spririt?

Which fruit of the spirit do you need most now?

Point 3: Questions Without Answers

We come to Solomon's final frustration in this chapter. I'd like to think I've become an expert on answering questions. Did you know the average four year old asks four hundred questions a day? Now that I have a five year old, I can tell you there are many questions I've listened to over the last year. To be honest, I rarely answered half of them and to get even more vulnerable, rarely did I want to answer them. I have so many questions for God that go unanswered. My biggest curiosity I must say is creation. There are many theories, but did it really go down like the Bible say it went down? When Job was going through his tough time, there were many friends that offered their opinions as to why these events were occurring in his life. God heard them all. In Job 38:1 through Job 41,God decided to address Job. Essentially, we learn that no one is worthy of questioning God. He does what he does for His purpose. He is sovereign and all knowing.

Discuss with the group how you handle your unanswered questions and prayers.

Lesson Five: Mind the Gap

For this week's lesson, please read Ecclesiastes 5

If you've ever traveled in London you'll hear the phrase, "Mind the Gap." The gap is the space between the platform and the underground train. The friendly lady will call out her warning as the train doors open. We watch our step so we don't trip over the gap. In Ecclesiastes 5, we can consider this as Solomon's warning to watch our steps so that we don't trip over the gaps in our lives. There are five points in chapter five that I'd like to highlight this week.

Point One: Mind Your Place In Church

Ecclesiastes 5:1 tells us to "Guard our steps when you go to the house of God." Going to church and being in the house of God is a holy activity in our lives. The Spirit of God and His words move throughout the church body to bring repentance, conviction, and encouragement. Yet, it is curious that we do not treat the entire service as a holy activity. This is often demonstrated by our tardiness which brings distraction. We run in during the third song, trying to make our way to our seats. Often times not considering what a distraction we may be to other deep in worship. In Leviticus 10:1, we see how serious God is about his house. Aaron's sons were drunk trying to make a sacrifice and were struck dead. It was such an offense God had to make a distinction between what is holy and what isn't. We are to prepare to be in the house of God.

Study Questions:

How do you prepare you heart to be in church?

Point Two: Mind Your Prayers

In Ecceclesiastes 5:2 Solomon reminds us that what we say before God counts. As we approach God in our prayer life, what is the attitude that we have? In our family we are guilty of not having the appropriate attitude before God. I can tell you when this happens at our house. After a long day, we are trying to get the kids to bed which part of the routine calls for bed time prayers. My oldest son is the last to go to bed. Often times, we rush through our bed time prayers so we can get just get him to bed. Sadly, this happens more often then I'm happy to admit. To make it doubly worse, we aren't showing my son the appropriate attitude in which he should approach God. Thanks be to God for his grace! The bible tells us that God knows our thoughts long before we think them. So I can't think he is ever blessed by this attitude. Thankfully, the bible gives us good examples of what not to do and what to do. Matthew 6:5 tells of people who pray to be seen by men. They receive their reward, the recoginition by those men. That's it. In verse 6, the Jesus encourages us to go to a secret place to be heard by God. In verse 8, we see that God knows what we ask before we ask him. Before we pray, let us think about what we are going to pray, let us think about the attitude we approach God, and let us remember that he is holy.

Study Question:

What is your prayer life like and what specific steps are you willing to make to improve it?

Point Three: Mind Your Promises

Ecclesiastes 5:4-7 Solomon warns about making promises before God. What do we know about God's promises? For me, the promise of heaven is the foundation for how I live my life. What if one day he decided to change his mind 10 minutes before I reached heaven. I can't imagine! There is a reason I can't imagine, I've come to know God is someone who keeps his word. It is apart of his reputation. So if God keeps his word, is it really important that I keep mine? Yes! 2 Corinthians 7:1 and 2 Corinthians 5:20 tell us we are God's representation here on earth. His ambassador's. When we don't keep our promises, God's reputation is at stake. When you say you are going to show up for a commitment and don't, you are hurting the effectiveness of your witness for Christ.

Discuss with the group your favorite promise from God.

Point Four: Mind Your Priorities

Balance is an art. In Ecc 5:8-16, Solomon warns us about excess. Every one has desires. For these desires, there is a level of satisfaction where anything beyond that is excessive. While the level of satisfaction is different for everyone, we are all the same because we have desires. It can be illustrated this way, a feast verses a perfectly proportioned meal. While there is no limit to a feast, there is a point where if you consume one more bite you will be sick. In a perfectly portioned meal you have a bit of everything, all perfectly balanced. There is still joy in this meal, and one is fully satisfied. J.D. Rockefeller built Standard Oil into a conglomerate. He was the world's first billionaire. He was worth $310 billion in today's terms. He tithed from his first paycheck to the last. There was a point where he became a bit eccentric and went through a weird time with his health mid-way through his life. Around the same time his financial advisor told him he needed to begin to give away massive amounts of money since he had accumulated so much. It would be interesting to argue that hoarding all he had was the reason for his health and mental issues. He followed his advisor. He became a conduit of blessing to many people. He went on to live to the age of 99. We spend a large portion of our lives accumulating money to live, spend, enjoy. We cannot get caught up in the time it takes to gain money or spending it when we get it. We must remember we came with nothing and we will leave with nothing. We must be more balanced.


Discuss with the group how you approach balance in your own life.


Point 5: Mind Your Place
To find our passion in life is truly a blessing from God. In verse 5:18, Solomon reminds us of this. In Chariots of Fire, the main character was contemplating his next step in life. His choices were going in to missions or becoming an olympian. In this decision he said, "All I know is God made me fast and when I run I feel his pleasure." I find this so amazing. We all have specific gifts and talents that the Lord made us with(Revelation 4:11, Psalm 147:10-11). I can't imagine how much joy God has when we find a place to use our gifts and talents. I know when I use my own gifts and talents I am completely at peace. He give us all a Divine Non-Negotiable Agenda.


Study question:
1. Do you know what your gifts and talents are?
2. If so, what is one activity you do that utilize them.
3. If not, would you pray this week asking God to show them to you?

Lesson Four: Surviving Suffering and Oppression

For this week, please Read Ecclesiastes 4.

In this week's reading we see Solomon wrestling with suffering and oppression. These two topics as unpleasant as they are are apart of our lives. We are in a fallen world introduced to us by Adam and Eve's disobedience in the garden. In Genesis 2:16-17 a simple act of disobedience, brought serious and deadly consequences. Romans 8:20 tells us God's creation was subjected to futility on that day. It is inevitable that we will be touched with suffering and oppression. However inevitable suffering is, we see at the end of the chapter a way to survive is through our relationships.

In the opening verses of Ecclesiastes 4, Solomon makes very heavy conclusions about the world in it's suffering.

Conclusion #1: It is better to not be born (Ecclesiastes 4:3)

As strange as it seems, we see the spirit of abortion at work in Solomon's day. Solomon determined it was better this way placing himself above God who determined that a life full of hope in heaven is best. (Psalm 139)

Conclusion #2: It is better to have just enough (Ecclesiastes 4:6)

We can see a spirit of selfishness creep it's way into Solomon's conclusion. A good definition of prosperity that I've heard is having enough to share. Acts 20:35 the example is set for us by the newly converted. The fruit from their labors went to feed the weak and needy. They followed Jesus example of giving.

Solomon had a way of making life seem futile, but we serve a God who gave His word, His Son, and each other to overcome these thought patterns that lead to a meaningless life. There is an interesting pattern to our relationships and how they deepen. There are five points of focus in this week's study as we look to build relationships to survive times of suffering.

Point One: Interest and Investment

Typically these terms are used in banking or business. You would expect to earn interest on your investment. If we turn these terms around and apply them to people we see that showing an interest in someone and investing time in that person returns its own reward. Proverbs 18:24 talks about friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Study Question:

Are you a friendly person? Do you take interest and invest in people other than your family?

Discuss with the group ideas of how you invest spiritually in your friends.

Point Two: Intimacy --> Into-Me-You-See

Once we've invested and shown interest, our relationship grow in intimacy. This can be a scary thing for people. One one side, you find your friends aren't perfect and make judgements on their life. On the other side you've been tempted and fallen and may not feel worthy of friendship. With true intimacy these barriers are taken away. Galatians 6:1-3 reminds us of our duty to each other.

Study Question:

Who in your life can you apply Galatians 6:1-3?

Point Three: Integrity

In order for any relationship to survive integrity must be present. Solomon points out in v.12, a cord of three isn't easily broken. Have you ever tried to cut a three fold cord, when you start to slice through it turns on you. A natural defense. When Christ is present in our relationships it bring us hope that the relationship will not easily be broken or destroyed.

Study Question:

Have you prayed the armor of God onto your close relationships, if not when will you start? Ephesians 6:10

As we finish up studying Solomon's thoughts on suffering and its inevitability in our lives, let us prepare for those days by building strong relationships around us.

Lesson Three: The Truth About Time

Please read Ecclesiastes 3

A Procrastinator's Poem By Kalish Awati

Procrastination’s the thief of time.
It only makes one fall behind.
So, try if you can
to stick to the plan.
Don’t wait for intervention divine.

As we continue the study, Solomon's next focus is time.Time is our great equalizer. It is our most valuable commodity. We don't know how much we have. Once time is spent, we are out. How we spend it is of great importance in a believer's life. James 4:13-17 warns us about how we speak about spending our time. "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city and spend a year there, carry on business and make money." In verse 14 he continues, "You don't even know what will happen tomorrow." These are interesting points of view to have about time, while one assumes we have all the time in the world, why not put things off as shown in the poem. The second point of view from James assumes we have all the time in the world, let's follow our own agenda. While doing some research for this lesson I found a website that takes your height, weight, age, and general outlook towards life and calculates how much time you have left on earth. My clock told me if all went well I would live to 93. Of course, we can never really know how long we have, but it put things in perspective for me right now. As we begin the lesson, my prayer is that God will reveal to us how to be better stewards of the time he gives to us.

Point 1: In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 we see that time has a purpose
Let's use church time as an example. In church we have time for worship, offering, learning, and fellowship. While some may enjoy worshipping, others may prefer learning and fellowship. I find myself getting sidetracked during the announcements, but being distracted could cause me to miss an opportunity to serve. Or maybe getting to church on time is challenging a particular morning and we arrive late and miss the beginning of worship. Each piece of the service is important. It is cliche to say, but you get out of something what you put in. When we miss this time or any piece of this time, we can never get it back. They all work together to bring a complete offering of worship to our God and edification for us. In order to make the most of the time we have, it seems we need to be prepared.

Study Question: Are there areas in your life that are slipping away due to lack of your purposeful intention?
Discuss with the group an example of a successful process of preparation that leads to complete fulfillment in one area of your life whether it be in the home, work, church, a project, or your ideal day.

Point 2: Ecclesiastes 3:3,4,8 We see there is a providence for the seasons we endure.  I found the definition interesting,  God directing the affairs of humankind with wise benevolence. In the good times in our life and the bad times in our life, God is in charge of us. Matthew 7:24 illustrates it to us this way. There are two men, one built his house on the sand and the other on a firm foundation. The interesting point though is that the rain came down on both of them. As christians we are not exempt from trials in our life. God uses them for our sanctification. James tells us we should face these trial with joy at the thought of them because we are becoming more like Christ. So often I'm tempted to whine or complain about the hard times, it is hard to remember to keep such a perspective as James encourages me to have.

Study Question: Read Matt 7:24 and James 1:2.
How are you building your faith on a firm foundation?
How are you prepared for the rain of trials in your life?

In conclusion, time has a purpose and providence in our life.  As the four seasons, winter, spring, summer, and fall have their high points and low points, there is something beautiful and meaningful about them.  We can draw a parallel and see we can enjoy something beautiful about the seasons in our life if we are willing to be patient and endure its process.   

Lesson Two: No Satisfaction?

Please read Ecclesiastes 2

Have you ever noticed the purpose of a fishing lure or hampster wheel?  While the fish has the illusion of catching something in the lure, the hamster has the illusion of getting somewhere on the hampster wheel.  They both live in a world of deception.  I would argue we can all fall into that trap.  We are trying to get something and go somewhere that we think will make us happier, richer, wiser, or popular.  Solomon called this "Chasing after the wind."

As we continue this week, we will delve deeper into Solomon's life and his quest for meaning.  Solomon was blessed with a great mind.  History tells us he wrote 3,000 proverbs and 105 songs.  Solomon had the means to build a memorable kingdom.  He had a staff of 200,000 men. Solomon also had the money to accomplish all that was in his heart to do.  2 Chronicles 8:4-6 tells us he had storehouses for all his wealth.  He amassed $25 million per in year in tolls.  Over the 14 year span he spent an estimated $4 billion in buildings.  It is also estimated that his annual income was $150 million.  With these resources, Solomon sets out to find what makes man truly happy.    

Point One: Ecclesiastes 2:1-2 Solomon tries to find meaning and pleasure in entertainment

Solomon put forth money and time into seeking entertainment.  Today, we are no different.  The entertainment industry is big business in this country.  We all have favorite shows, movies, bands, and magazines.  While Proverbs 17:22 declares a cheerful heart is good medicine, it also declares a crushed spirit dries up the bones.  Too often our favorite programs exploit people for our laughs and entertainment.  We are entertained at the expense of their dignity.  Rarely our programs are absent from this perversity.   

Study Questions

1. What in your entertainment is causing a laugh at someone else's expense?

2. Discuss with the group some examples of boundaries that you set for your family with your entertainment habits that you can share.

Point Two: Ecclesiastes 2:3 Solomon tries to find meaning and pleasure in food and wine

Sadly, every 32 minutes a member of someone's family dies of alcoholic related car accidents.  In addition we also see the obesity rate in the U.S. rise year after year.  That is among adults and children.  For three months I had to go on an extreme diet to lower my cholesterol.  Oddly, my challenge came in social settings.  Eating and drinking is a big part of social gatherings.  It was a very isolating feeling not being able to participate like everyone else.  

Study Questions:

1. Does alcohol and food become a distraction for healthy living for you?  If so, how?  If not, why?

2. Discuss with the group how you keep the enjoyment of food and wine in its proper place.

Point Three: Ecclesiastes 2:4 Solomon tries to find meaning in success

In the above passage you notice Solomon uses the words, "I" and "my" quite frequently.  While Solomon has the resources to do all that he sets out to accomplish, there is a sense that he has tremendous focus and pride in his projects.  It is tempting to look at what we do on a daily basis whether it is staying at home with the children and making the home perfect, or building a business, or keeping on track for that big promotion at work, and lose sight of whose glory this life is for.  

Study Questions

1. What is your most important God given task?

2. Discuss with the group how you keep focused on God's glory in your important task.

While Solomon had the mind, the means, and the money to find his pleasure, he ultimately came up short upon his examination.  It is my prayer that this study will cause us to test our hearts not to insight any guilt.  While Christ came so we can live life and live it abundantly, we often miss opportunities to see when our enjoyment may be a distraction while we serve our Lord.  Have an excellent week!

Is Wisdom Meaningless?

For this week's lesson please read Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

Have you ever started a project? At the beginning of this project there is excitement, a plan, a purpose, an idea. As the project gets underway there are setbacks, obstacles, tests, and trials. When you expected smooth sailing, you hit a brick wall. The idea isn't your ideal.

As we begin our study of Ecclesiastes, we find Solomon in this rut. We know from Solomon's background that he is the most successful king Israel had, a preacher, blessed beyond measure, and wise. Yet, there is something in his voice as we read this passage that would suggest he is in back-slide mode (not as close to God as he was in the past). His compass seems broken.

There are four points to bring out in this passage to show us what being in a rut looks like and how we can get through it.

Point One: Ecclesiastes 1:1-2 Blessings seem as baggage.

Blessings can take the following three forms:

Platform - a voice or a position of importance

Prosperity - healthy, wealthy, and wise

Popularity - you draw people to you easily

Solomon had all these, yet there is a sense that these blessing are a burden to him. James 1:17 tells us that every good and perfect gift is from above. God doesn't have a dark side. As long as God is honored with our blessings, they are to be enjoyed. We also see that happiness isn't found in having little or having much, but it is found in our vibrant relationship with God.

Study Questions:

1. What blessings do you enjoy today?

2. Which blessings feel like burdens at times?

Point Two: Ecclesiastes 1:3 Engaging in a "Who Cares?" attitude

In verse 3, Solomon introduces the statement "Under the sun." It seems that his focus is entirely on the planet earth. There has to be more than being born, collecting stuff, giving it away, and dying. We can easily fall into this routine. If you work or stay at home, your day could look like this:

1. Get up

2. Fight Traffic or Kids

3. Get to work

4. Lunch

5. More work

6. Fight Traffic or Kids

7. Home/Bedtime for Kids

8. TV

9. Sleep

"Wash, Rinse, and Repeat." An approach to life like this would lead to boredom or "who cares" attitude.

Colossians 3:22 Says we serve God not man. How different would our approach to our day would be if we were to serve God in everything we did?

Study Questions

1. Is there anything about your attitude that needs to change in how you approach your day to day life?

2. How you serving God with your day?

Point 3 Ecclesiastes 1:4 Time is something you don't mind wasting.

Solomon tells us in this verse, "generations come and go, but nothing ever changes."

Having young children there are often times when they go through a particular stage that is difficult for the parent, it seems that time stands still. We wait and wait and wait for it to pass and it doesn't. There are long days and long nights, but it just seems like a waste of time and energy. But with God there is always purpose to the time He gives us. Ephesians 5:16 tells us to "be careful of how we live not as unwise, but as wise. "

Study Questions

1. Are there areas of your life where time is being wasted?

2. What can you do to change this?

3. Discuss with the group any time saving ideas that have helped you live your day unto the Lord. 

Point 4 Ecclesiastes 1:8-11 Fun has become frustrating to you.

Solomon tells us "All things are wearisome."

A few months ago we celebrated my youngest birthday.  As with all parties, the planning had become somewhat stressful.  With one last to do on my list, my oldest son happily volunteered to help me get balloons for the party.  We took balloons to get filled up at the store.  After tallying all the balloons we paid and left.  It had to be the windiest day in OK.  Needless to say getting the balloons from the store to the car was a chore.  However, the following events could be remembered differently had my attitude been that of Solomon.  Instead, it turned out to be one of the best moments I've ever had with my son.  We did lose balloons from the store to the car, but I don't remember being bothered by the cost or upset at the wind.  I do remember that I've never laughed so hard with my son.  The picture of both of us shepherding our balloons to the car will last a lifetime.   

Matthew 10:39 tells us "Whoever finds his life will lose it and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."   Often times our perspective about life reveals how we are living.  Being disconnected often results from fruitless living.

Study Questions

1. Discuss with your group where you chose to look positively at a tough situation rather than negatively.

Welcome to RCC Women's Online Bible Study!

Thank you for signing up to participate in bible study this fall. I hope this format will provide the flexibility you need for your busy schedule. The study is over Solomon in Ecclesiastes. It is a 12 week study. A new lesson will be posted every Monday. Each lesson will consist of a bible passage for the week, commentary, and study questions. I would recommend a notebook/journal to keep track of the answers to the personal study questions. There will be questions that will are specific for group discussion. These will be designated by Discuss With the Group tag. For these designated questions, please post your answer and any commentary specific to that question you would like to share with the group. As always you can email me if you are having problems, nspirejess@gmail.com. I look forward to getting to know you this fall!