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Bible Studies From Ecclesiastes Finding Life's Meaning Under The Sun Bible Studies From Ecclesiastes

The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8 4 THE SEARCH: Trying To Find The Meaningful Life 1:12 – 2:26 THE PROBLEM: Understanding God’s Providential Rule Over Life 3:1 – 5:20 THE APPLICATION: Explaining & Applying God’s Plan 6:1 – 8:15 Trusting God & Living Joyfully In An Uncertain World 8:16 – 12:8

The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8 THE SEARCH 1:12 – 2:26 The Vanity Of Wisdom 1:12-18 Solomon the most qualified in this area 1 Kings 3:6-12 4:29-31 3:16-28 He “set his mind to seek & explore by wisdom re: all that has been done under heaven” v. 13a As great as his wisdom was, it was still only that…human wisdom

The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8 THE SEARCH 1:12 – 2:26 The Vanity Of Wisdom 1:12-18 This “investigation” was a “grievous task God has given to the sons of men” v. 13b If not careful, one could easily assign sinister motives to God for doing this Not “grievous” in that God is intentionally frustrating man with an “assigned task”

The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8 THE SEARCH 1:12 – 2:26 The Vanity Of Wisdom 1:12-18 It is “grievous” in that man is the only created being who desires such an “investigation” (animals do not reason, wonder “Why?”) Man uses his intellect to figure out origin, destiny, purpose, etc. He will not find the answers in that approach

The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8 THE SEARCH 1:12 – 2:26 The Vanity Of Wisdom 1:12-18 No matter how much one “investigates”…he will not find the answers v. 14 Man is limited v. 15 The “crooked can’t be straightened” or the “lacking can’t be counted”

The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8 THE SEARCH 1:12 – 2:26 The Vanity Of Wisdom 1:12-18 “Crooked” or “Lacking” not addressing deficiencies due to man’s failures (sin) That can be corrected through repentance Addressing our attempts to know the unknown (sciences, space exploration, etc.)

The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8 THE SEARCH 1:12 – 2:26 The Vanity Of Wisdom 1:12-18 Despite his level of wisdom, even Solomon had to admit his own limitations vv. 16-17 Instead of finding answers, he found just the opposite…the more he knew, the more he realized he didn’t know v. 18 (In much wisdom, there is much grief)

The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8 THE SEARCH 1:12 – 2:26 The Vanity Of Wisdom 1:12-18 Solomon praises the right kind and use of wisdom Prov 3:5-7 9:10 If Solomon failed in this pursuit, what does that say about our chances for success? God is pleased to use His wisdom 1 Cor 1:18-31 2:1-5

The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8 THE SEARCH 1:12 – 2:26 The Vanity Of Pleasure 2:1-3 Solomon’s next “experiment” was to find life’s meaning in pleasure Given his level of wealth, how thorough a search could he have conducted? How “uninhibited” could he have lived? That doesn’t appear to be what he did v. 3

The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8 THE SEARCH 1:12 – 2:26 The Vanity Of Pleasure 2:1-3 Solomon did not totally abandon his principles, living mindlessly or wildly His “mind still guided him” He cites wine v. 2 (a “connoisseur) Not total drunkenness Prov 20:1 23:29-35 Still, a dangerous course to pursue

The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8 THE SEARCH 1:12 – 2:26 The Vanity Of Pleasure 2:1-3 He also considered mirth, laughter v. 2 Innocent laughter & play may bring momentary pleasure…but “fun” is not the purpose of living Many contend life is about “being happy” How does that help when life turns serious? 7:2-4

The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8 THE SEARCH 1:12 – 2:26 The Vanity Of Pleasure 2:1-3 If all we ever seek is our own pleasure rather than trying to please God, life will be an absolute waste 2 Tim 3:1-4 Our years on earth are “few” v. 3b Jas 4:14 Job 14:1 Such a way to live is “futility”

The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8 THE SEARCH 1:12 – 2:26 The Vanity Of Possessions 2:4-11 Solomon next tried to find life’s meaning through his building projects vv. 4-6 He built houses, parks, gardens, vineyards, and irrigation ponds All was done “…for myself” One “project” not listed Ù The Temple

The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8 THE SEARCH 1:12 – 2:26 The Vanity Of Possessions 2:4-11 Man’s “projects” he builds for himself are a great & lasting source of pride They lead to warped thinking Dan 4:4, 28-30 Life’s meaning will not be found here…they are destined for destruction 2 Pet 3:10

The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8 THE SEARCH 1:12 – 2:26 The Vanity Of Possessions 2:4-11 Solomon also enlarged his other “possessions” (slaves, wealth, entertainment) vv. 7-8 Solomon’s wealth certainly helped Israel prosper 2 Chron 1:14-15a 1 Kings 11:3a Solomon’s wealth also fulfilled Moses’ warning re: Israel’s kings Deut 17:14-17

The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8 THE SEARCH 1:12 – 2:26 The Vanity Of Possessions 2:4-11 Through his “experimentation,” Solomon became great v. 9a He always maintained his wisdom (generally remained in control) v. 9b Yet, Solomon did not refuse himself any pleasures (indulgences) v. 10

The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8 THE SEARCH 1:12 – 2:26 The Vanity Of Possessions 2:4-11 Although his heart was pleased & he felt “rewarded”…he saw it all as “vanity” v. 11 All his exerted efforts brought no lasting profit “under the sun” Making these activities the meaning of life was equivalent to “striving (grasping) after wind”

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