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Wind Chasers Beware- Ecclesiastes 1
Wind Chasers Beware Eccleiase 1 Wisdom Literature While other civilizations shared in wisdom literature, the major difference is the Hebrew wisdom writings acknowledged one God, denying materialism and [the worship of many gods.] 2 Types of Wisdom Literature: Didactic (Practical/ Teaching) and Philosophical/Pessimistic (Critical/ Reflective/Questioning). The goal of wisdom is a proper relationship with YAHWEH. Wisdom Focus Didactic wisdom literature advocates the development of prudential habits, skills, and virtues. The aim is to develop moral character, personal success and happiness, safety, and well-being. Proverbs is an example of this type. Philosophical/Pessimistic wisdom literature delves deeper into issues facing mankind. It portrays the emptiness and folly of the search for insight and understanding apart from God. Job and Ecclesiastes are examples of this type. The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Ecclesiastes 1:1 Consider the Source Advice is only as good as the one giving it. Only 2 ways of learning something: Personal experience or 2nd hand. Solomon was the wisest man that ever lived. (See 1 Kings 3:11-14) Solomon saw one of Israel's wealthier periods. Ecclesiastes 1:2-6 “ Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” What advantage does man have in all his work which he does under the sun? A generation goes and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. Also, the sun rises and the sun sets; and hastening to its place it rises there again. Blowing toward the south, then turning toward the north, the wind continues swirling along; and on its circular courses the wind returns. -
Is Emptiness Apart From
ALL IS EMPTINESS APART FROM GOD (ECCLESIASTES 1 - 12) MEMORY VERSE: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all.” ECCLESIASTES 12:13 TRUE OR FALSE: 1. “The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.” ECCLESIASTES 1:1 TRUE OR FALSE 2. “Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher; "Vanity of vanities, nothing is vanity." ECCLESIASTES 1:2 TRUE OR FALSE CIRCLE THE CORRECT WORDS: 3. “That which has been is what (WILL, WON’T) be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the (LIGHT, SUN)." ECCLESIASTES 1:9 4. "To everything there is a season, a (THEME, TIME) for every purpose under heaven:" ECCLESIASTES 3:1 5. " He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their (HATS, HEARTS) ...” ECCLESIASTES 3:11 TRUE OR FALSE: 6. “I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him.” ECCLESIASTES 3:14 TRUE OR FALSE 7. One is better than two, because one has a good reward for his labor. ECCLESIASTES 4:9 TRUE OR FALSE CIRCLE THE CORRECT WORDS: 8. " Do not be (RASH, REAL) with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your (WORKS, WORDS) be few." ECCLESIASTES 5:2 9. " As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and (REJOICE, REST) in his labor-this is the gift of God." ECCLESIASTES 5:19 10. -
Ecclesiastes Core Group Study
Ecclesiastes Core Group Study “Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly meaningless!” The book of Ecclesiastes begins with this bleak exclamation of futility. Scholars generally attribute the authorship of Ecclesiastes to King Solomon, son of David, who was once one of the wealthiest men on the earth. Jewish tradition holds that Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes towards the end of his life. While Solomon’s authorship is not commonly disputed, it is possible that a third party gathered together this collection of his philosophical musings into a single work. But why might someone so successful by human standards write something so full of despair? King Solomon began his career as the wisest man in existence. His kingdom grew and flourished under God’s blessing. However, Solomon’s weakness for foreign women caused him to fall deep into idolatry, and had devastating effects on the kingdom of Israel for generations far into the future. In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon provides a discourse on the futility of earthly pursuits, and the inevitable end all creatures will face: death and judgment before God. He exhorts younger generations to take joy in honest work and simple pleasures, to enjoy their youth, and to ultimately fear God and keep his commandments. This study will provide an overview of Ecclesiastes. Each week will examine a different passage and a main theme based on that passage. In addition, each week of the study will include one or more passages from the New Testament to show the hope, purpose, and meaning that are redeemed through Jesus. Contents Week One: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 2 Week Two: Ecclesiastes 2:17-26 4 Week Three: Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 6 Week Four: Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 8 Week Five: Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 10 Week Six: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 12 Week Seven: Ecclesiastes 5:8-20 14 Week Eight: Ecclesiastes 9:1-10 16 Week Nine: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 18 Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship Page 1 of 19 Week One: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 Worship Idea: Open in prayer, then sing some worship songs Opening Questions: 1. -
Ecclesiastes “Life Under the Sun”
Ecclesiastes “Life Under the Sun” I. Introduction to Ecclesiastes A. Ecclesiastes is the 21st book of the Old Testament. It contains 12 chapters, 222 verses, and 5,584 words. B. Ecclesiastes gets its title from the opening verse where the author calls himself ‘the Preacher”. 1. The Septuagint (the translation of the Hebrew into the common language of the day, Greek) translated this word, Preacher, as Ecclesiastes and thus e titled the book. a. Ecclesiastes means Preacher; the Hebrew word “Koheleth” carries the menaing of preacher, teacher, or debater. b. The idea is that the message of Ecclesiastes is to be heralded throughout the world today. C. Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon. 1. Jewish tradition states Solomon wrote three books of the Bible: a. Song of Solomon, in his youth b. Proverbs, in his middle age years c. Ecclesiastes, when he was old 2. Solomon’s authorship had been accepted as authentic, until, in the past few hundred years, the “higher critics” have attempted to place the book much later and attribute it to someone pretending to be Solomon. a. Their reasoning has to do with a few words they believe to be of a much later usage than Solomon’s time. b. The internal evidence, however, strongly supports Solomon as the author. i. Ecc. 1:1 He calls himself the son of David and King of Jerusalem ii. Ecc. 1:12 Claims to be King over Israel in Jerusalem” iii. Only Solomon ruled over all Israel from Jerusalem; after his reign, civil war split the nation. Those in Jerusalem ruled over Judah. -
Ecclesiastes 1
International King James Version Old Testament 1 Ecclesiastes 1 ECCLESIASTES Chapter 1 before us. All is Vanity 11 There is kno remembrance of 1 ¶ The words of the Teacher, the former things, neither will there be son of David, aking in Jerusalem. any remembrance of things that are 2 bVanity of vanities, says the Teacher, to come with those that will come vanity of vanities. cAll is vanity. after. 3 dWhat profit does a man have in all his work that he does under the Wisdom is Vanity sun? 12 ¶ I the Teacher was king over Is- 4 One generation passes away and rael in Jerusalem. another generation comes, but ethe 13 And I gave my heart to seek and earth abides forever. lsearch out by wisdom concerning all 5 fThe sun also rises and the sun goes things that are done under heaven. down, and hastens to its place where This mburdensome task God has it rose. given to the sons of men by which to 6 gThe wind goes toward the south be busy. and turns around to the north. It 14 I have seen all the works that are whirls around continually, and the done under the sun. And behold, all wind returns again according to its is vanity and vexation of spirit. circuits. 15 nThat which is crooked cannot 7 hAll the rivers run into the sea, yet be made straight. And that which is the sea is not full. To the place from lacking cannot be counted. where the rivers come, there they re- 16 ¶ I communed with my own heart, turn again. -
The Futility of Life Ecclesiastes 1:1-11
Ecclesiastes: The Futility of Life Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 February 21, 2016 Steve DeWitt We are beginning a new teaching series this weekend on the most intriguing book of the Bible. It’s not often preached through and I’ll bet few here have gone through a teaching series in it. So this will likely be brand new for most of us. That adds some excitement, doesn’t it? Today we begin Ecclesiastes. It’s found in the Old Testament, right after Proverbs and right before Song of Solomon. Right between wisdom and love. That’s appropriate given the questions Ecclesiastes raises about the meaning of life. If we were to take a tour of the Bible, when we arrived at Job our tour guide would say, “And now we’re entering the Wisdom literature.” This literary designation includes Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. These books are some of the most beautifully written in all of Scripture. They deal with life as it actually is. Job loses everything except his faith. Psalms sings through life’s ups and downs. Proverbs urges us away from folly and toward a practical life of wisdom. Then we get to Ecclesiastes. This book is enigmatic. It is embraced by philosophers and artists because of its gritty approach to the brevity of life. To give you an idea, here is a compiled list of the most used words in the book (Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Ecclesiastes: Reformed Expository Commentary, p. 10): Vanity (38) Wisdom (53) God (40) Toil (33) Death (21) Under the Sun (33) Joy (17) On the surface, its tone and questions seem rather gloomy. -
Ecclesiastes – “It’S ______About _____”
“DISCOVERING THE UNREAD BESTSELLER” Week 18: Sunday, March 25, 2012 ECCLESIASTES – “IT’S ______ ABOUT _____” BACKGROUND & TITLE The Hebrew title, “___________” is a rare word found only in the Book of Ecclesiastes. It comes from a word meaning - “____________”; in fact, it’s talking about a “_________” or “_________”. The Septuagint used the Greek word “__________” as its title for the Book. Derived from the word “ekklesia” (meaning “assembly, congregation or church”) the title again (in the Greek) can simply be taken to mean - “_________/_________”. AUTHORSHIP It is commonly believed and accepted that _________authored this Book. Within the Book, the author refers to himself as “the son of ______” (Ecclesiastes 1:1) and then later on (in Ecclesiastes 1:12) as “____ over _____ in Jerusalem”. Solomon’s extensive wisdom; his accomplishments, and his immense wealth (all of which were God-given) give further credence to his work. Outside the Book, _______ tradition also points to Solomon as author, but it also suggests that the text may have undergone some later editing by _______ or possibly ____. SNAPSHOT OF THE BOOK The Book of Ecclesiastes describes Solomon’s ______ for meaning, purpose and satisfaction in life. The Book divides into three different sections - (1) the _____ that _______ is ___________ - (Ecclesiastes 1:1-11); (2) the ______ that everything is meaningless (Ecclesiastes 1:12-6:12); and, (3) the ______ or direction on how we should be living in a world filled with ______ pursuits and meaninglessness (Ecclesiastes 7:1-12:14). That last section is important because the Preacher/Teacher ultimately sees the emptiness and futility of all the stuff people typically strive for _____ from God – p______ – p_______ – p________ - and p________. -
Ecclesiastes a Resource Booklet on the Overview of Ecclesiastes As Well As Daily BRD Reflections on the Book
Ecclesiastes A Resource Booklet on the Overview of Ecclesiastes as well as daily BRD Reflections on the Book. Join us for the church’s 13-part Sermon Series on Ecclesiastes from 11 July to 3 October 2021. Together, let us explore issues on the meaning and purpose of life in the context of work, possessions and pleasure. Let us also seek God’s wisdom for this unprecedented season we are in. wesleymc.org/ecclesiastes BIBLE READING DRIVE 2021 | Daily Reflections 1 contents LETTER FROM PASTOR-IN-CHARGE P3 ECCLESIASTES/OVERVIEW By Rev Raymond Fong, Pastor-in-Charge P4 SCHEDULE OF SERMONS ON ECCLESIASTES P15 Traditional and Prayer & Praise Services BIBLE READING DRIVE 2021 Daily Reflections on the Book of Ecclesiastes P16 Day 1 • Friday, 2 July P1 7 Day 2 • Saturday, 3 July P20 Day 3 • Sunday, 4 July P23 Day 4 • Monday, 5 July P26 Day 5 • Tuesday, 6 July P29 Day 6 • Wednesday, 7 July P32 Day 7 • Thursday, 8 July P34 Day 8 • Friday, 9 July P37 Day 9 • Saturday, 10 July P40 Day 10 • Sunday, 11 July P43 Day 11 • Monday, 12 July P46 Day 12 • Tuesday, 13 July P48 2 BIBLE READING DRIVE 2021 | Daily Reflections LETTER FROM PASTOR-IN-CHARGE My dear Wesleyan and friend I pray for the peace and protection of God to be with you in these trying times. You are dearly remembered in our prayers. I miss seeing you in person but I know God is watching over you as you continue to stay faithful to Him. We have begun a three-month sermon series on Ecclesiastes and we hope to glean godly wisdom with regard to the meaning and purpose of life, especially so in these uncertain times. -
Solomon Thought About Life
Lessons // Videos // 2-Month Roster // Leader Contact Info // Leader FB Group // Old Lessons Unit 12 Session 1 – Solomon Thought About Life BIBLE PASSAGE: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 MAIN POINT: Life has purpose only with God. KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 100:5 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why can we trust God? Everything God does is for His glory and our good. PREPARING FOR THE LESSON 1) PRAY. 2) READ THE VERSES: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 Psalm 100:5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever his faithfulness continues through all generations. Jesus said, “A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance” (John 10:10). Ultimately, purpose and hope is found in Jesus, who died for our sins and rose again. The reality of the gospel makes life worthwhile. It answers the foundational questions about life. In Jesus, we find purpose in this life and look forward to eternal life with Him. 3) WATCH THE VIDEO Bible story video: https://vimeo.com/297628695 Discussion Starter Video: https://vimeo.com/297628815 Optional Songs: https://vimeo.com/297629451 “Firm Foundation” https://vimeo.com/297629694 “Yaweh is Good” 4) READ/FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE OPENING ACTIVITY Please do both opening activities ACTIVITY 1 of 2: Compassion Child Support Reminder • Offering has fallen by the wayside in the primary classes. Let’s start the class off today by reminding the kids that we do support TWO Compassion kids (who are pretty grown up at this point but still need our help). -
Ecclesiastes: Koheleth's Quest for Life's Meaning
ECCLESIASTES: KOHELETH'S QUEST FOR LIFE'S MEANING by Weston W. Fields Submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Theology in Grace Theological Seminary May 1975 Digitized by Ted Hildebrandt and Dr. Perry Phillips, Gordon College, 2007. PREFACE It was during a series of lectures given in Grace Theological Seminary by Professor Thomas V. Taylor on the book of Ecclesiastes that the writer's own interest in the book was first stirred. The words of Koheleth are remark- ably suited to the solution of questions and problems which arise for the Christian in the twentieth century. Indeed, the message of the book is so appropriate for the contem- porary world, and the book so cogently analyzes the purpose and value of life, that he who reads it wants to study it; and he who studies it finds himself thoroughly attached to it: one cannot come away from the book unchanged. For the completion of this study the writer is greatly indebted to his advisors, Dr. John C. Whitcomb, Jr. and Professor James R. Battenfield, without whose patient help and valuable suggestions this thesis would have been considerably impoverished. To my wife Beverly, who has once again patiently and graciously endured a writing project, I say thank you. TABLE OF CONTENTS GRADE PAGE iii PREFACE iv TABLE OF CONTENTS v Chapter I. INTRODUCTION AND STATEMENT OF PURPOSE 1 II. THE TITLE 5 Translation 5 Meaning of tl,h,qo 6 Zimmermann's Interpretation 7 Historical Interpretations 9 Linguistic Analysis 9 What did Solomon collect? 12 Why does Solomon bear this name? 12 The feminine gender 13 Conclusion 15 III. -
The Vanity of Self-Indulgence Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
The Vanity of Self-indulgence Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 March 13, 2016 Steve DeWitt Imagine if you could sit at a table with Bill Gates, Robin Williams, Hugh Hefner, Michelangelo, and Frank Lloyd Wright. They represent the pinnacle of wealth, comedy, hedonism, art, and design. That would be an interesting conversation. Now imagine you took all their gifts and experiences and put them into one guy. That was Solomon. What if that one guy shared his pursuit of meaning in life? Would you listen to him? We get to through Ecclesiastes. Our text is 2:1-11. We will take it in parts. “I said in my heart, ‘Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.’ But behold, this also was vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 2:1) This verse is a summary of verses 1-11. He starts with his conclusion. Pleasure? This also is vanity. Remember, vanity means vapor. Vapor has an appearance of substance but it’s so quickly gone that it doesn’t amount to anything. Futility. Meaningless. In case you are new today, we’ve emphasized that Ecclesiastes is written describing man’s search for meaning apart from God. We were made for God but sin destroyed that relationship. Mankind is left to derive meaning from what this world has to offer. How does that go? How do we experience our godless existence? He says that it feels like nothing really matters. It feels like everything’s vapor, hollow, empty. In Solomon’s case, this was not for a lack of trying. God gave Solomon an incredible intellect matched with wisdom about life. -
Shepherding Wind and One Wise Shepherd: Grasping for Breath in Ecclesiastes Jason S
Shepherding Wind and One Wise Shepherd: Grasping for Breath in Ecclesiastes Jason S. DeRouchie INTRODUCTION Hebrew name for the writer of Ecclesiastes) is f the book of Ecclesiastes, James L. Crenshaw a skeptic, fatalist, and agnostic, who questions Oonce wrote: the benefits of wisdom and the meaningfulness of life.5 For example, the conservative Tremper Life is profitless, totally absurd. This oppressive Longman III affirms that Qoheleth’s message is message lies at the heart of the Bible’s strang- wholly pessimistic and stands in contrast to the Jason S. DeRouchie is Associate est book. Enjoy life if you can, orthodox wisdom teaching of the rest of the Old Professor of Old Testament at advises the author, for old age will Testament.6 For Longman, the book includes Bethlehem College and Seminary in soon overtake you. And even as two disparate voices, the main voice of Qoheleth Minneapolis, Minnesota. you enjoy, know that the world is providing a literary foil or contrast to the true Prior to this he served as Assistant meaningless. Virtue does not bring message preserved in the epilogue’s call to fear Professor of Old Testament and reward. The deity stands distant, God and keep his commandments (Eccl 12:13- Hebrew at Northwestern College abandoning humanity to chance 14): “Just as in the book of Job, most of the book in St. Paul, Minnesota. Dr. DeRouchie received his Ph.D. from and death. These views contrast of Ecclesiastes is composed of the nonorthodox The Southern Baptist Theological radically with earlier teachings speeches of the human participants of the book, Seminary.