Life Under The Sun Biblical Studies In Ecclesiastes …

Life Under The Sun Biblical Studies In Ecclesiastes Bible Studies From Ecclesiastes

Life Under The Sun Biblical Studies In Ecclesiastes The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8  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

Life Under The Sun Biblical Studies In Ecclesiastes THE PROBLEM 3:1 – 5:20  The Dangers Of Questioning God 5:1-20  Koheleth has admitted unalterable truths about God as Sovereign 3:1-15  He also posed “questions” that seem to challenge these truths 3:16 – 4:16 The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8

Life Under The Sun Biblical Studies In Ecclesiastes THE PROBLEM 3:1 – 5:20  The Dangers Of Questioning God 5:1-20  Now, he will warn of certain “dangers” if one yields to these questions 5:1-20 The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8

Life Under The Sun Biblical Studies In Ecclesiastes THE PROBLEM 3:1 – 5:20  The Dangers Of Questioning God 5:1-20 Ê The Danger Of Improper Worship vv. 1-7  This could result if one approaches God with anything but reverence for Him as Sovereign  Man must “guard his steps” v. 1  He must draw near to listen rather than to offer the “sacrifice of fools” The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8

Life Under The Sun Biblical Studies In Ecclesiastes THE PROBLEM 3:1 – 5:20  The Dangers Of Questioning God 5:1-20 Ê The Danger Of Improper Worship vv. 1-7  “Be not hasty…” v. 2  God is in heaven…man is on the earth  The distance between us necessitates we acknowledge His superiority The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8

Life Under The Sun Biblical Studies In Ecclesiastes THE PROBLEM 3:1 – 5:20  The Dangers Of Questioning God 5:1-20 Ê The Danger Of Improper Worship vv. 1-7  Not only must man “guard his steps” v. 2 but also “guard his mouth” re: worship v. 3  A lesson missed by the Pharisees Mt 6:7  They thought “quantity” = “quality” The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8

Life Under The Sun Biblical Studies In Ecclesiastes THE PROBLEM 3:1 – 5:20  The Dangers Of Questioning God 5:1-20 Ê The Danger Of Improper Worship vv. 1-7  Solomon’s advice vv. 4-7  If one is going to “speak” (make a vow to God), he needs to pay…not delay in paying it  It is better not to vow than to vow and not pay  It is sin to vow, then claim it is a “mistake” The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8

Life Under The Sun Biblical Studies In Ecclesiastes THE PROBLEM 3:1 – 5:20  The Dangers Of Questioning God 5:1-20 Ê The Danger Of Improper Worship vv. 1-7  Solomon’s advice vv. 4-7  Such actions only anger God, invite His wrath  Just as dreams are “empty”…so are vows not ever intended to be paid  The solution Ù Fear (Reverence) God The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8

Life Under The Sun Biblical Studies In Ecclesiastes THE PROBLEM 3:1 – 5:20  The Dangers Of Questioning God 5:1-20 Ë The Danger Of Losing Faith vv. 8-9  Don’t be shocked (lose faith) even though you see “puzzling” things v. 8a cp. 3:16  Those who may abuse their power still have to answer to a higher authority  All must answer to a sovereign God v. 8b The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8

Life Under The Sun Biblical Studies In Ecclesiastes THE PROBLEM 3:1 – 5:20  The Dangers Of Questioning God 5:1-20 Ë The Danger Of Losing Faith vv. 8-9  “A king who cultivates his field is an advantage to the land” v. 9  A supreme ruler actively involved in ruling his domain ultimately proves advantageous for everyone and everything involved The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8

Life Under The Sun Biblical Studies In Ecclesiastes THE PROBLEM 3:1 – 5:20  The Dangers Of Questioning God 5:1-20 Ë The Danger Of Losing Faith vv. 8-9  “A king who cultivates his field is an advantage to the land” v. 9  This certainly describes God Heb 4:13  It also describes us as accountable subjects 2 Cor 5:10 The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8

Life Under The Sun Biblical Studies In Ecclesiastes THE PROBLEM 3:1 – 5:20  The Dangers Of Questioning God 5:1-20 Ì The Danger Of Materialism vv  Turning to a materialistic lifestyle won’t answer the “puzzling questions” of life  Any “security” thought to be found in money will be false…loving it only produces wanting more & never produces enough vv The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8

Life Under The Sun Biblical Studies In Ecclesiastes THE PROBLEM 3:1 – 5:20  The Dangers Of Questioning God 5:1-20 Ì The Danger Of Materialism vv  He has already warned of such 2:8-11  The “preferred” lifestyle Ù contentment v. 12  The sleep of a working contented man will be “pleasant” whether he has little or much  He is not obsessed with gaining wealth The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8

Life Under The Sun Biblical Studies In Ecclesiastes THE PROBLEM 3:1 – 5:20  The Dangers Of Questioning God 5:1-20 Ì The Danger Of Materialism vv  He has already warned of such 2:8-11  The “preferred” lifestyle Ù contentment v. 12  The materialist and his “full stomach” cannot rest…worries about gaining more and keeping what he has rob him of needed sleep The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8

Life Under The Sun Biblical Studies In Ecclesiastes THE PROBLEM 3:1 – 5:20  The Dangers Of Questioning God 5:1-20 Ì The Danger Of Materialism vv  Hoarding up riches = a “grievous evil” v. 13  Bad investments, other misfortunes can wipe out a lifetime’s work of saving, stock-piling  What will heirs of such a one do? v. 14  It is a failed “safety net” 1 Tim 6:17 The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8

Life Under The Sun Biblical Studies In Ecclesiastes THE PROBLEM 3:1 – 5:20  The Dangers Of Questioning God 5:1-20 Ì The Danger Of Materialism vv  There are certain “laws” that cannot be altered, no matter how much wealth a man may hoard up in his lifetime vv cp. 1 Tim 6:7  “What profit (advantage) is such a lifestyle?”  It can even ruin the rest of his life v. 17 The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8

Life Under The Sun Biblical Studies In Ecclesiastes THE PROBLEM 3:1 – 5:20  The Dangers Of Questioning God 5:1-20 Ì The Danger Of Materialism vv  We must be impressed with the continual references to materialism in this book, and the numerous times we can reference 1 Tim 6  What is that God wants us to see that makes this book written long ago so timely today? The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8

Life Under The Sun Biblical Studies In Ecclesiastes THE PROBLEM 3:1 – 5:20  The Dangers Of Questioning God 5:1-20  Koheleth’s conclusions vv  His 2nd “reach above the sun” cp. 2:24-26  Despite the puzzling realities in life, we are still encouraged to live a fruitful, thankful life  We need to enjoy our gifts from God…not turn them into the reason (purpose) for living The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8

Life Under The Sun Biblical Studies In Ecclesiastes THE PROBLEM 3:1 – 5:20  The Dangers Of Questioning God 5:1-20  Koheleth’s conclusions vv  Riches are sure to “fail” cp. Lk 16:9 1 Tim 6:17  The one who has learned the lesson of calm enjoyment in life will not concern himself with how long or short life is to enjoy the fruits of his labors v. 20a The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8

Life Under The Sun Biblical Studies In Ecclesiastes THE PROBLEM 3:1 – 5:20  The Dangers Of Questioning God 5:1-20  Koheleth’s conclusions vv  He will be able to enjoy possessions when he has them, and to weather adversity when tough times come cp. Phil 4:10-20  His heart is fixed on God, not his wealth v. 20b The Monologue 1:12 – 12:8

Life Under The Sun Biblical Studies In Ecclesiastes …