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!