Ecclesiastes: Two Ways of Living

Conclusion

Pastor Dan Cox — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Life under the sun is vain, but true wisdom comes from God and instructs us to fear Him and keep His commandments knowing that He will judge everyone and everything. In part 11 of Ecclesiastes: Two Ways of Living, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Ecclesiastes 12:8-14.

Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible Church

Contact Wonder Lake Bible Church

Study Notes

Conclusion

Apart from God, everything in life is vain (Ecclesiastes 12:8)
God’s truth hurts… but is helpful (Ecclesiastes 12:9-11)
Meaning is not found in endless study (Ecclesiastes 12:12)
Fear God and obey His commands (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
God will judge everyone and everything (Ecclesiastes 12:14)

Applying the Text

Will God say to you, “Well done good and faithful servant”?

Contentment

Pastor Dan Cox — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 05:00:00 +0000

The young should pursue vigorous activity free from anxiety while recognizing that youth is fleeting and God will judge all. In part 10 of Ecclesiastes: Two Ways of Living, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Ecclesiastes 9, 11-12.

Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible Church

Contact Wonder Lake Bible Church

Study Notes

Contentment

We can’t know our life circumstances (Ecclesiastes 9:1)
We all share the same fate: death (Ecclesiastes 9:2-6)
Enjoy God’s good gifts (Ecclesiastes 9:7-9)
Do your work well (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
The old should rejoice in each new day, while accepting the dark days (Ecclesiastes 11:7-8)
The young should enjoy their youth (Ecclesiastes 11:9a)
The young should pursue their desires (Ecclesiastes 11:9b)
The young must remember they are accountable to God for all they do (Ecclesiastes 11:9c)
The young should shun worry and keep themselves healthy (Ecclesiastes 11:10a)
The young should remember that youth is vain and fleeting (Ecclesiastes 11:10b)
The young should honor their Creator in their youth (Ecclesiastes 12:1)

Applying the Text

Do you enjoy God’s gifts and make the most of your life now?
Do you honor your Creator?
Have you learned the secret of contentment?

Evil

Pastor Dan Cox — Sun, 29 May 2016 05:00:00 +0000

While both the good and the bad suffer the same fate under the sun, God knows the end from the beginning and will set all things right. In part 9 of Ecclesiastes: Two Ways of Living, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Ecclesiastes Chs. 8 and 9.

Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible Church

Contact Wonder Lake Bible Church

Study Notes

Evil under the Sun

People have power to hurt one another (Ecclesiastes 8:9)
Wicked people are sometimes honored (Ecclesiastes 8:10)
Good people are sometimes treated as wicked and the wicked as good (Ecclesiastes 8:14)
Even good people don’t know what will happen to them (Ecclesiastes 9:1-2)
Good and wicked alike suffer the same fate: death (Ecclesiastes 9:3-6)
Life isn’t always fair ( Ecclesiastes 9:11)
We cannot know when hard times and tragedy might strike (Ecclesiastes 9:12)

Evil in Fear of the Lord

Those who fear God will be better off than the wicked (Ecclesiastes 8:11-13)
We must accept that it is impossible to understand all God is doing (Ecclesiastes 8:16-17)
Enjoy God’s good gifts and do your work well (Ecclesiastes 9:7-10)

Applying the Text

Have you accepted your finite limitations?
Are you enjoying God’s good gifts now?
Are you living in fear of the Lord, trusting Him to set all things right?

Religion

Pastor Dan Cox — Sun, 22 May 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Human ability to understand and please God is limited, so we must depend on God’s grace and mercy. In part 8 of Ecclesiastes: Two Ways of Living, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Ecclesiastes 5:1-7.

Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible Church

Contact Wonder Lake Bible Church

Study Notes

Religion under the Sun

Fools approach God carelessly (Ecclesiastes 5:1)
Fools pray flippantly (Ecclesiastes 5:2-3)
Fools vow rashly (Ecclesiastes 5:4-6)
Fools worship vainly (Ecclesiastes 5:7)

Religion in Fear of the Lord

Approach God reverently (Ecclesiastes 5:1)
Pray submissively (Ecclesiastes 5:2-3)
Vow carefully (Ecclesiastes 5:4-6)
Worship fearfully (Ecclesiastes 5:7)

Foolish Religion

Careless
Presumptuous
Manipulative
Human-Centric

Reverent Religion

Serious
Submissive
Dependent on God’s Mercy & Grace
God-Centric

Applying the Text

Is your religion reverent?

Friendship

Pastor Dan Cox — Sun, 15 May 2016 05:00:00 +0000

A good friend is a comfort in need and a help in trouble. In part 7 of Ecclesiastes: Two Ways of Living, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.

Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible Church

Contact Wonder Lake Bible Church

Study Notes

Friendship under the Sun

Friends help us achieve (Ecclesiastes 4:9)
Friends help us in trouble (Ecclesiastes 4:10)
Friends help us in practical need (Ecclesiastes 4:11)
Friends help protect us (Ecclesiastes 4:12a)
Friends are a strong cord (Ecclesiastes 4:12b)

Friendship in Fear of the LORD….

Friends help us achieve (Ecclesiastes 4:9)
Friends help us in trouble (Ecclesiastes 4:10)
Friends help us in practical need (Ecclesiastes 4:11)
Friends help protect us (Ecclesiastes 4:12a)
Friends are a strong cord (Ecclesiastes 4:12b)

Applying the Text

Do you have a good friend?

Death

Pastor Dan Cox — Sun, 08 May 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Human beings have no power in and of themselves to escape death. In part 6 of Ecclesiastes: Two Ways of Living, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Ecclesiastes 3, 8-9.

Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible Church

Contact Wonder Lake Bible Church

Study Notes

Death under the Sun

Like animals, humans are also subject to death (Ecclesiastes 3:18-20)
Death is inescapably mysterious (Ecclesiastes 3:21)
No one can escape death (Ecclesiastes 8:8)
No matter how we have lived, we all must die (Ecclesiastes 9:1-3)
The dead can no longer enjoy the good things of life (Ecclesiastes 9:4-6)

Death in Fear of the LORD….

In light of the certainty and mystery of death, enjoy all God’s good gifts now (Ecclesiastes 3:22; 9:7-9)
Whatever you do, do well while you still can (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

Applying the Text

Do you have the hope of eternal life in Christ?
Are you resolved to live in light of the certainty of YOUR death?

Politics

Pastor Dan Cox — Sun, 01 May 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Political power is short lived and corruption is rampant, but God will have the final word. In part 5 of Ecclesiastes: Two Ways of Living, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Ecclesiastes 3-5, 7-10.

Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible Church

Contact Wonder Lake Bible Church

Study Notes

Politics under the Sun

The human justice system is not always just (Ecclesiastes 3:16)
Powerful oppressors crush helpless victims (Ecclesiastes 4:1-3; 5:8-9)
Political power is fleeting (Ecclesiastes 4:13-16)
Extortion and bribery perverts justice and corrupts hearts (Ecclesiastes 7:7)
Wicked people are sometimes honored and praised (Ecclesiastes 8:9-10)
Unpunished crime fosters more crime (Ecclesiastes 8:11)
Good people are sometimes treated as evil, and wicked people as good (Ecclesiastes 8:14)
Sometimes the wrong people are in places of authority (Ecclesiastes 10:5-7)
Bad leaders destroy a nation, but good leaders build it up (Ecclesiastes 10:16-17)

Politics in Fear of the LORD

God will ultimately judge every person for their deeds (Ecclesiastes 3:17)
While we must obey bad rulers, we should seek to influence them for good (Ecclesiastes 8:2-6)
Those who fear the Lord will ultimately be better off than the wicked (Ecclesiastes 8:12-13)

Applying the Text

Are you seeking salvation in politics or in the Lord?
Do you pray for our leaders?

Time

Pastor Dan Cox — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Everything in life has its own proper time, and we, as creatures of time, must accept the limitations that are built into the cycle of life. In part 4 of Ecclesiastes: Two Ways of Living, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Ecclesiastes Chs. 3, 11-12.

Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible Church

Contact Wonder Lake Bible Church

Study Notes

ECCLESIASTES: TWO WAYS OF LIVING

Under the Sun
In Fear of the LORD

Time under the Sun

There is a time for every activity (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
Life under the sun is burdensome (Ecclesiastes 3:9-10)

Time in Fear of the LORD

God has made everything beautiful for its own time (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
God has planted eternity in the human heart Ecclesiastes (3:11)
We cannot see the whole scope of God’s work (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
We should enjoy the good gifts of God (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13)

Time under the Sun

While it is good to live long, there will be many dark days (Ecclesiastes 11:7-8)
While it is good to be young, life under the sun is meaningless (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10)
As you age… (Ecclesiastes 12:1-7)
- Your body will break down
- You will become more vulnerable
- You will inevitably die

Time in Fear of the LORD

Young people… (Ecclesiastes 11:9 – 12:7)
- Enjoy your life!
- Do what you want to do, but remember you must give an account to God for everything you do
- Refuse to worry
- Keep your body healthy
- Remember and honor your Creator

Applying the Text

Do you trust God through all the times of life?
Do you enjoy the good gifts of God?
Do you have the hope of the resurrection?
Do you seek to please Christ knowing He will judge you?

Wealth

Pastor Dan Cox — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Since the pursuit of wealth is vain, it is best to work diligently, invest wisely and entrust everything to God. In part 3 of Ecclesiastes: Two Ways of Living, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Ecclesiastes 2, 4-7, 10-11.

Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible Church

Contact Wonder Lake Bible Church

Study Notes

ECCLESIASTES: TWO WAYS OF LIVING

Under the Sun
In Fear of the LORD

Wealth Under the Sun

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, 18-23; 5:10-17; 6:1-9

Pleasure is vain
Achievement is vain
Wealth is vain

Six Reasons Not to Pursue Wealth Under the Sun

It is never enough.
It attracts users.
It keeps you awake at night.
You can lose it all quickly in a bad investment.
You can’t take it with you.
It is a hard and bitter quest.

Wealth in Fear of the LORD

Ecclesiastes 2:24-26; 4:4-8; 5:18-20; 7:11-14; 10:18-20; 11:1-6

God gives joy
God gives wisdom
Wisdom in Toil
Work diligently
Invest wisely
Entrust everything to God

Applying the Text

Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19

Are you pursuing vain wealth or lasting treasure?

Wisdom

Pastor Dan Cox — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 05:00:00 +0000

While all must accept the reality of death, it is better to go through life with wisdom than in folly. In part 2 of Ecclesiastes: Two Ways of Living, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Ecclesiastes 1:1-11.

Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible Church

Contact Wonder Lake Bible Church

Study Notes

ECCLESIASTES: TWO WAYS OF LIVING

There are two ways of living: “under the sun” or in the fear of the Lord. Life under the sun is ultimately meaningless. Although human beings can accumulate many things, experience great pleasure, accomplish much, and achieve great wisdom, these are without profit and are ultimately pointless unless one has lived in reverence and obedience to God.

Wisdom Under the Sun

The pursuit of wisdom is an unhappy business (Ecclesiastes 1:12-13)
Answers to all life’s mysteries cannot be found (Ecclesiastes 1:14-15)
Greater knowledge brings greater sorrow (Ecclesiastes 1:16-18)
It is better to be wise, but both the wise and the foolish will die (Ecclesiastes 2:12-17)
You cannot argue with God and win (Ecclesiastes 6:10-12)
The reality of death should prompt us to live wisely (Ecclesiastes 7:1-6)
Wisdom and money are advantageous, but nothing in life is certain (Ecclesiastes 7:11-14)
Both legalistic righteousness and wickedness are to be rejected (Ecclesiastes 7:15-18)
Wisdom cannot defeat human sinfulness (Ecclesiastes 7:19-22)
Wisdom is ultimately elusive (Ecclesiastes 7:23-24)
Immoral relationships lead to a bitter end (Ecclesiastes 7:25-26)
Men and women will never truly understand one another (Ecclesiastes 7:27-28)
Human beings are sinful rebels (Ecclesiastes 7:29)

Wisdom in the Fear of the Lord

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
There is joy in godly wisdom
The follower of Christ will never truly die

God uses life’s pain to work for ultimate good in the life of the believer

Christ is the light that shines in the darkness of life under the sun

Applying the Text

Are you pursuing true wisdom in the fear of the Lord?
Are you entrusting yourself to the Sovereign Lord through all life’s questions and pain?

Meaningless!

Pastor Dan Cox — Sun, 03 Apr 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Life lived apart from reverence and obedience to God is ultimately meaningless. In part 1 of Ecclesiastes: Two Ways of Living, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Ecclesiastes 1:1-11.

Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible Church

Contact Wonder Lake Bible Church

Study Notes

Ecclesiastes: Two Ways of Living

A Brief Introduction to Ecclesiastes

Author: The Preacher (Likely Solomon)

Date: Around 935 BC

Recipients: Israel

A Brief Introduction to Ecclesiastes: Purpose

Ecclesiastes answers the question, “What is the meaning of life?” It shows us that a life lived apart from God (life “under the sun”) is ultimately meaningless. Wealth, possessions, achievements, physical pleasures, knowledge and wisdom under the sun fail to satisfy and are ultimately futile from the perspective of eternity. The meaning of life cannot be discovered by man — it has been revealed by God. God has revealed that the
meaning of life is to know Him. We must fear God and keep His commandments since He will judge everyone and everything.

Understanding the Text

All is vanity (Ecclesiastes 1:1-2)
We are here today and gone tomorrow (Ecclesiastes 1:3-7)
There is no meaning or satisfaction in creation itself (Ecclesiastes 1:8)
There is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10)
Fame and glory are fleeting (Ecclesiastes 1:11)

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Applying the Text

Are you living life under the sun, or in fear of the Lord?