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.