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!