- Tony Galea

Ecclesiastes

Introduction The book of Ecclesiastes has long fascinated many people. Some feel it is the most puzzling book in the . It is however in the section of the Poetic Books, whereby Job, Psalms, Proverbs & Song of Song are also part of. It is not a book that should ignore. As with all Old Testament Scripture, it was written for our learning (Ro 15:4) and admonition (1 Co 10:11). It is therefore profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness (2 Ti 3:16-17). The book has special relevance today in our materialistic society, for it helps us to see the vanity of many earthly pursuits. It contains lessons for all, but especially for the young who have so much to lose should they make the wrong choices early in life.

Author In the Hebrew , the book is called “Qoheleth” (Koheleth) which means “preacher” ( or teacher cf. 1:1). The term suggests one who speaks to an assembly. Jewish and early Christian tradition attribute the book to . The author identifies himself as “the son of , king in .” (1:1). Also see 1 Kin 3:12, 1 Kin 7:1-12, 1 Kin 4:30-34

Purpose What profit has a man from all his labor which he toils under the sun?” (1:3). In other words, what value or purpose is there for living? What is the meaning of life? Having been blessed with great material resources and , the Teacher was able to explore all avenues in his search. He writes to share with us the results of his own investigation, and to offer observations and words of counsel from his search.

Message There are two Big Ideas. i. A Meaningless Life without God Ecc 1:2 “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” Meaningless – Occurs 35 times

A key phrase to take note is:“under the sun”(1:3 )which occurs 29 times & it refers to the present world without God. A life without God will have limits – A meaningless life ! “ Under heaven”which occurs less often, is the life with God. ii. A Serving Life with God. This is seen mainly in Chapter 11 &12 of :13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man.14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil

Thoughts for You! What value do you think Ecclesiastes should have on you?

Thinking about your life right now, are you living a meaningful life?

1 Ecclesiastes - Tony Galea

Ecclesiastes 1 Is it all Meaningless?

Are you an optimist or pessimist? The water in the glass measures exactly at the halfway point. Now comes the classic test to see if you are a pessimist or an optimist. Do you consider the glass of water to be half empty or half full? How does an optimist or a pessimist affect your relationship with God & others?

The Teachers Message: 1:2,3 How do you react to the Big idea of this book?

In Nature 1:4-7 How is the world of Nature seen by the Teacher? 1:8. Can you ever resonate with what the Teacher is saying here? * Read Romans 8:18-25

In History 1:9,10 What’s new according to you & what’s not, according to the Teacher? 1:11 Who is someone you remember for their greatness? What does the Teacher say about that? How does that make you feel? * Read Hebrews 1:1,2

In Wisdom 1: 12-18 Who does our world see as wise? Why does the Teacher call his search for wisdom a ‘heavy burden”? * Read Proverbs 1:7

Thank God that we have Christ, each other & the Word of God. Pray for our world trying to get meaning in life without Christ. Pray that we might enlighten them & not fall into their way of thinking.

Ecclesiastes 1: 1 The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem: 2 “Meaningless! Meaningless!”says the Teacher “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” 3 What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun? 4 Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. 5 The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises. 6 The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course. 7 All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again. 8 All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing. 9 What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. 10 Is there anything of which one can say, “Look! This is something new”? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time. 11 There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow.

12 I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 I devoted myself to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid on men! 14 I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind. 15 What is twisted cannot be straightened; what is lacking cannot be counted. 16 I thought to myself, “Look, I have grown and increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.” 17 Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind. 18 For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.

2 Ecclesiastes - Tony Galea

Ecclesiastes 2 Finding Fulfillment

As we read we need to remember God wants us to enjoy life. God created us to enjoy Him & all His good gifts of creation. But sometimes we are more interested in the Creation rather than the Creator. What do you think?

Advertising What is the advertising worlds intention?

A Pleasurable life. 2:1-10 Are the pleasures of life good, bad or neutral? The Teacher experiments with the pleasures of life in a number of ways.

What are they under the sun? 2:1-3 2:4-6 2:7-10

What is the Teachers conclusion in 2:11? What are your greatest temptations?

* Read & discuss John 10:10 & Matt. 6:33

A Learned life. 2:11-16 How does our world see education? 2:12-16

What is the Teachers conclusion in regards to wisdom?

* Read & discuss 1 Corinthians 1:18,19

A Working Man’s Life. 2:17-26 What is the value of work?

The phrase under the sun is used often in Ecclesiastes. 2:17,22. Where do you find under the sun thinking around you?

What is the Bible’s teaching on people who workaholics & those who are lazy?

* Read & discuss Colossians 3:23 & 2 Corinthians 5:20.

Sometimes people are grieved & disappointed in life because they are trying to find fulfillment in all wrong places. How could you be a help to them? What should we all be praying for ?

3 Ecclesiastes - Tony Galea Times & Seasons

God uses & keeps our lives from becoming monotonous & meaningless by helping us look to certain areas of life.

Look Up - God Orders Time. 3:1-8 Not only are there times & seasons in this world, but there is also an overuling providence in our lives.

1. What point is the author trying to make about life in this passage? 2. Can you see a season in life that you can relate to now? v8. We are never to hate people, but we ought to hate & war against the injustices & evils of this world * Read & discuss Philippians 4:11

Look Within - Eternity is in your heart. 3:9-14 The Teacher is bringing God into the picture at this point v10 Mans life is a gift from God 3. How does that make you feel? v11 Mans life is linked with eternity 4. What do you think it means to have eternity set in our hearts? * Read & discuss Genesis 1:27,28

12-14 Mans life can be enjoyable now. Life appears transitory, but whatever God does is forever. 5. So what do we have to do to live meaningful & purpose lives ? 6. How does this help us understand our place in this world?

Look Ahead – Death is coming to all. 3:15-22 Life, death, time & eternity, these are the ingredients that make up our brief experience in this world, & they must not be ignored. Why ?

7. From v15 what assurance is made to us in reading this passage? * Read & discuss Hebrews 9:27.28

8. From v19,20 What do animals and humans have in common in this passage but how are we different ?

9. If everything God makes is eternal and we are fleeting how should this change what we value in life? * Read & discuss Matthew 6: 19-21

Pray that we might be satisfied & content because our Lord is in control of our lives. Pray that we might respond with Gods grace in faith & repentance

4 Ecclesiastes - Tony Galea Life isn’t fair!

In this Chapter, Solomon recorded his observations from visiting four different places & watching people come & go though a variety of experiences. His conclusion his life was anything but monotonous, for we have no idea what problems may come to us on any given day.

What unforseen difficulty have you recently encountered?

In the Courtroom 4:1-3 What did Solomon see? Sometimes people see themselves above the law & when that happens corruption & injustice reigns.

* Read & discuss 1Tim 2:1-6

In the Marketplace 4:4-8 Who did Solomon see & what was his conclusion? V4 industrious V5 idle V6 integrated V7.8 independent

* Read & discuss 2 Thess. 3:10

On Friendships 4:9-12 What is the importance of friendship? How can these verses be used for marriage? How does unity fare in all of this?

* Read & discuss Galatians 6:1,2

In the Palace 4:13-16 Why don't we like to take counsel or criticism? What is the temptation of a high position & a low position?

* Read & discuss Mark 8:36,37 What are the costs in what you are doing & not doing? How much of the permanent are you sacrificing for the temporary?

Life without God can be lonely. Some people have partially erased their loneliness through family & friends. The person without family & friends is overwhelmed by misery & frustration. How can Church make a difference?

Please Pray for a Non Christian friend that you could invite to the Moore College Mission in May Use your Come & See Cards as a way to remind you!

5 Ecclesiastes - Tony Galea ,6 Are we robbing anyone?

“The Church is full of hypocrites” is often the cry from those outside the church. But is it true?

1. People Rob God through Meaningless Religion 1-7 What are the 2 contrasts to approach God in v1-7 ? How can we take God too lightly ?

What are the two aspects that shows up our hypocrisy? V1 V2

* Read James 1:22 Matt 6:5-15

2. People Rob Others though Meaningless Work 8,9 What is the purpose of work? Can we take work to lightly or too seriously?

The poor are oppressed because those in the justice system were sitting down on the job. In fact all they were interested in was a promotion.

Why do people have this attitude sometimes?

* Read Col. 3:23

3. People Rob themselves through Meaningless love of money 10-17 What are the Myths about Money?

V10 V11 V12 V13-17

* Read 1 Timothy 6: 10, 17-19

How can you personally follow this through?

If time Read Give examples of how viewing possessions as a gift from God would help change our attachment to them?

Please Pray for a Non Christian friend that you could invite to the Moore College Mission in May Use your Come & See Cards as a way to remind you!

6 Ecclesiastes - Tony Galea The Better Life!

“Better” is a key word in this chapter; Solomon used it at least eleven times. His listeners must have been shocked when they heard Solomon describe the “better things” that come to the life of the person who follows God’s wisdom. When you decide what is better, what are the value of your comparisons?

1. Sorrow is better than laughter 1-4 v2,3 In affect Solomon is saying it is better to go to funeral than a wedding. How can a funeral be more valuable spiritually ? v1 Solomon is not saying that death is better than life, but he is saying if a man has a good reputation his death will be a pleasant memory for all. How will you like to be remembered after you die? Discuss the example of Jesus & Judas.

2. Rebuke is better than Praise 5,6 What do we prefer & why? What is the difference between Flattery & Christian Encouragement? What is the difference between Negative Criticism & Christian Rebuke? * Read 2Timothy 3: 16,17 Matthew 18:15,16

3. Patience is better than Pride. 7-10 What are the advantages & disadvantages of Patience & Pride? * Read Galatians 5:22-26

4. Today is better than Yesterday 10 “The good old days are a combination of bad memory & good imagination” What’s wrong with reminiscing for the ‘good ole days’ all the time?

From a Christian point of view our faith springs from what Christ has done in the past, what he has promised in the future, & given us His Word & Spirit to live for the present.

5. Wisdom is better: v12 With regards to Money v13 With regards to Providence v14 With regards to Adversity v15-18 With regards to Righteousness & sin v19-29 Wisdom helps us face life stronger v28 Keep in mind that women in that day had neither the freedom nor the status that they have today, and it would be unusual for a woman to have learning equal to that of a man. – That's my best explanation!

* John 10:10 - Give thanks we have the very best life in Christ! Please Pray for a Non Christian friend that you could invite to the Moore College Mission in May Use your Come & See Cards as a way to remind you!

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Ecclesiastes 8 The Evil Life!

If we believe in a good and loving God, we must face the difficult question of why there is so much suffering in the world. Does God know about it and yet not care? Or does He know and care but lack the power to do anything about it?

During the darkest days of World War II, some- body asked a Christian, “Why doesn’t God stop the war?” The Christian wisely replied, “Because He didn’t start it in the first place.” Solomon would have agreed with that answer. The Preacher explored the problem of evil in the world by examining three key areas of life.

Authority 1-9 The general command is to obey our leaders. Why ? “Sometimes evil comes because people don’t obey their leaders. Sometimes evil comes because people do obey their leaders” Discuss

When do we obey & when do we disobey our leaders? * Read & Discuss Romans 13:3,4 Acts 5:29

Regarding Church leaders: * Read & Discuss Hebrew 13:7-17

Inequity 10-14 v8 is a good summary. We are reminded there will always be injustices in this life

8 There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth :righteous men who get what the wicked deserve, and wicked men who get what the righteous deserve. This too, I say, is meaningless.

How do we live in an unjust world? * Read & Discuss 2 Peter 3:1-12

Mystery 15-17 The person who has to know everything, or who thinks he knows everything, is destined for disappointment in this world. Through many difficult days and sleepless nights, the Preacher applied himself diligently to the mysteries of life. Instead of complaining about what we don’t have, we give thanks for what we do have and enjoy it. While wisdom can’t explain every mystery or solve every problem, it can help us exercise discernment in our decisions.

How do we explain this unjust world? * Read & Discuss John 7:17 1 Corinthians 8:2 1 Timothy 6:17

Please Pray for your leaders & your Non Christian friend that you could invite to the Moore College Mission in May. Use your Come & See Cards as a way to remind you!

8 Ecclesiastes - Tony Galea The Destiny of Life!

If you want to bring a dinner party to a screaming halt, ask the question: Have you thought about your death lately?

Why is death the taboo topic? People soften the idea of “death” with what?

1. Death is Unavoidable 1-10

Who is Lord over life & death & why?

If death is the destiny of all people, the good & the bad, why live a godly life?

* Read & Discuss Hebrew 9:27

People respond to death by the following: Comment on each of these: v3. Escape v4. Enduring v5. Enjoy

If we fear God and walk by faith we will not try to escape or merely endure life. We will enjoy life and receive it happily as a gift from the Lord.

2. Death is Unpredictable 11-18

How do you think you would like to die?

What do accidents & catastrophies tell you about life & death? What about chance or luck?

* Read & Discuss 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

If death is unavoidable & unpredictable what should that encourage us to do?

3. Death is the Door to Heaven

* Read & Discuss 1Peter 1:3-6 1Corinthians 15:57,58 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

According to these verse how should we respond to death & what should we do until our times’ up her on earth?

When you think about your unconverted family & friends – how does that make you feel? What can you do for them?

9 Ecclesiastes - Tony Galea Ecclesiastes 12 The Real Life!

What do you think most people in this world would say about the meaning of life? After your reading of Ecclesiastes what do you think the authors conclusion to that question is? Read through Ecclesiastes 12 What is the authors final summary of the meaning of life? Fear God, obey is commands, await Judgement.

Fear God What do you think it means to fear the Lord? How does the author reinforce this idea throughout chapters 11-12. Remember the Lord – Constant theme of the Lords presence and everlasting power.

* Read Matthew 10:26-31 how does fearing the Lord give us confidence to live in this world? How is that reflected at the beginning of chapter 11? If God is for us, who could be against us? – Chapter 11 reinforces the idea of living your life without worrying about the future.

How would fearing the Lord look like practically in today’s world?

Obey His Commands Why do you think the author has included obedience in his purpose of life? Gods work eternal, ours is limited and fleeting, obedience is our way of being involved in eternal work.

* Read John 14:23, how does Jesus reinforce the importance of obedience to God? If you love me, obey me

What does our obedience show to God? Obedience while working for eternity is also a way of showing our Love for God?

How can you show obedience to the Lord in your life tomorrow?

Await Judgement Look at 11:7-10, Why should we be concerned about Judgement? God will bring to the front everything we have ever done

* Read John 5:19-27, who will be the person judging us? Jesus will be the person passing judgement on the world, through the authority of God

Why according John 5 is God judgement ultimately a Good thing? Vs 24-27 – If we believe if Jesus we will avoid judgment. The judge will now no longer pass judgement on him. Jesus has died for our sins and judgement is no longer a fear.

Do you think you are ready for Gods judgement? How can you make sure you are ready for Gods Judgement? Give practical examples By making sure our relationship with Jesus is strong. Being part of Gods family, reading the bible, understanding that salvation has come

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