In 1996, at Mount Pleasant Community Church, I helped lead a Bible study on Ecclesiastes. Here are some of my notes and discussion questions. (I think the class was five weeks long with the first session from 9:45-10:45 on September 15, 1996.
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On Ecclesiastes 1:1-11:
This is a very “unchristian” view of the world. Why is it here? Before answering that question, I want us to recognize, in some sense, the truth of this view. (If we attempt to “Christianize” Ecclesiastes it will lose its impact.)
How might one respond to this recognition that “all is meaningless”? What are the different paths people take in trying to resolve this problem?
Let me tell you about my vacation this summer... and then play a Harry Chapin song.
The Harry Chapin song, Halfway to Heaven, is about a man at a midpoint, a man who is halfway home and halfway through life, who stops and reconsiders what he is doing. You won’t like his conclusion.
Assignment for next time. Read chapters 1-3.
What illusions do your friends and colleagues pursue? What illusions do you pursue? Come to class next week with at least three illusions you observe people following. (I won’t ask you whether these illusions are yours or those of your friends!)
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Second session (?)
Review and Remarks:
This book is probably an apologetic, a defense of Judaism! (Tell about the comment of an international student...)
It is important that we not simplify it or attempt to brush it aside. It is a hard book; there must be something important to learn from it. (Tell about the wino’s accusation...)
Do you believe in the importance of air?
Let’s talk about illusions we have and that we live under.
For next time:
Read chapters 4 - 6. At the end of chapter 3 and chapter 4, Solomon talks about evil and oppression.
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Discussion questions for next time:
How does evil contribute to our discussion about the purpose of life?
We thank God for good things. Should we thank him for bad things?
For next time
Read chapters 7-9.
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Discussion questions:
What do your friends and colleagues think is the meaning of life? (Ask them!)
Solomon claims “there is nothing new under the sun,” and “what has been will be again” (1:9). In what ways do things change? In what ways do they stay the same?
Let’s look at the following passages:
Ecclesiastes 8:15-17
9:1-3
9:4-6
9:7-12
9:13-18
3. Is it better to be wise, or not? Why does Solomon appear to run down wisdom?
4. What are the advantages of thinking about death and chance?
Let’s read James 4:13-16
Next time: Read chapters 10-12. What is the conclusion of the book? (We will finally come up for air! And I have an upbeat song to play for you.)
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1. What is the conclusion of the book?
2. One of the wisest things one can say is “ _ D O N’ T _ _ _ _ “
3. Why don’t we understand God? (What is it we really expect of God?)
There is something deeper here than merely the meaning of life. Think of all the passages in the Bible which say something like: “You see ... but God sees...”. Examples: The anointing of David (I Samuel 16:7), Elisha’s vision of a great army (II Kings 6:16,17), Paul’s statement’s about the mind of God and the foolishness of earthly wisdom in I Corinthians 2, ...
4. Should Christians be risk-takers?
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Thank You
by Ray Boltz (from the album of the same title)
I dreamed I went to heaven and you were there with me.
We walked upon the streets of gold beside the crystal sea.
We heard the angels singing, then someone called your name.
You turned and saw this young man and he was smiling as he came.
And he said, “Friend, you may not know me now,” and then he said, “But wait,
You used to teach my Sunday School, when I was only eight.
And every week you would say a prayer before the class would start
and one day when you said that prayer, I asked Jesus in my heart.”
“Thank you for giving to the Lord;
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord;
I am so glad you gave.”
Then another man stood before you, he said, “Remember the time
a missionary came to your church, his pictures made you cry.
You didn’t have much money but you gave it anyway.
Jesus took the gift you gave and that’s why I’m here today.”
“Thank you for giving to the Lord;
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord;
I am so glad you gave.”
One by one they came far as the eye could see,
each life somehow touched by your generosity
Little things that you had done, sacrifices made,
unnoticed on the earth, in heaven now proclaimed.
I know up in heaven you are not supposed to cry.
I am almost sure there were tears in your eyes
as Jesus took your hand and you stood before the Lord;
He said, “My child, look around you, for great is your reward.”
“Thank you for giving to the Lord;
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord;
I am so glad you gave.”
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