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.