THE FIRST TIME I READ ECCLESIASTES
I WAS PERPLEXED BY THE REFRAIN:
MEANINGLESS, MEANINGLESS
LIFE IS MEANINGLESS!
I felt that way before I knew Christ.
Then I had so many Ecclesiastes-like thoughts.
Life seemed so repetitive.
Round and Round.
Not only was nature repetitive,
but my life was repetitive.
I felt the Ecclesiastes-like despair voiced in 1:9
“What has been done will be done again”
For before Christ I thought:
Is life going to be simply a series of trivial maintenance duties
punctuated by a dinner out or a new chair?
Are moments like these really going to be the HIGH points in my life?
But now that I knew Christ, my life was filled with meaning…
So why was a book of such haunting emptiness in the Bible?
It will be helpful for you to think of Ecclesiastes as being like a “one man play.” The lead character, the “professor” plays two main roles. Often he takes the “under the sun” perspective where he puts on blinders and limits his view of life only to the visible, to the things he can see under the sun. This is the secular world view — all that exists is the visible.
When he has the “under the sun” perspective, “he can’t get no satisfaction.” Oh — he tries — in the 2nd chapter he plunges himself into wine, women, and song. He builds an amazing home with gardens. Anything his eye desires he takes. And yet, at the end of the day, he asks “What is my life really accomplishing? Meaningless, meaningless.”
Other times, he removes his blinders, and takes the perspective he actually has. He looks up to God and eternity and then sees things very differently. You see all the haunting questions of Ecclesiastes are answered in Christ. Ecclesiastes is the drumbeat leading the way to the mystery that was hidden — the mystery of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I think you will find this week’s Bible study fascinating, for Ecclesiastes is written, not just for unbelievers who try to find their meaning in life “under the sun,” apart from God and eternity, but also for believers who revert, when they face challenges, to their idols, to clinging to people or things “under the sun.” Then, the emptiness comes back. Their lives again, are filled with Ecclesiastes-like despair. And then, near the end of the study, I want you to look at a verse from Ecclesiastes that I find fascinating and I think it shows the way of the younger brother and the older brother — and tells us that the one who fears God “shall come out from both of them.” I can’t wait to get your take on it, so finish the study!
God gives us gifts like youth, friendship, food, children, sex, marriage…
all can bring joy to the heart.
But they are gifts, not gods.
If we make them gods,
we will feel Ecclesiastes-like despair,
for they will fail us.
But if we set our affections on things above,
and not on things under the sun
then we also might have some fleeting enjoyment
as we gratefully receive the things under the sun.
Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.
(Ecclesiastes 9:9)
But do not forget:
This sweet gift is not your life.
Set your affections on things above
not on things on earth
for you have died
and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ who is your life appears,
then you also will appear with him in glory.
(Colossians 3:2-4)
I have come to love the book of Ecclesiastes — so this may be my favorite Bible study during Lent!
Sunday/Monday: Icebreaker
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
2. During this Lent our quest is to set our affections on things above. What has been helpful to you and why? (This study, a book you are reading, something you are giving up to have time and energy for Him, a song you are learning…) Share the gold.
Monday-Thursday Bible Study and Midday Connection (Dee: “When the Earth Shakes”)
Sometimes this week listen to the last Midday Connection program on Idol Lies. It aired last week and is about suffering and is entitled, “When the Earth Shakes.” You can find it under past programs: Click Here
(Then share your thoughts under question 7.)
Diane asked me to elaborate on how the gospel is the solution to every problem. I’d love for you to find the answers for yourself. I am going to give you, first, a haunting question of Ecclesiastes. Then I’m going to give you the New Testament answer. Then I’m going to ask you: “What problem does the gospel address here and how could it help you?” Because this is challenging, go ahead and write your answers, and I, or one of your sisters can jump in if we think you need a little help. This is so important. I think about how easily we turn to our idols and feel discontented. I think of the grave injustices those of you like Chris and Krista have experienced. I think of the sorrow that comes when one we love, like Susan’s nephew or my husband, dies. Every problem has its solution in the gospel. I can only give you a few highlights here, but they are golden. You might want to take one or two a day.
3. The problem of meaninglessness: My life is meaningless!
A. This is the theme that permeates Ecclesiastes. Look at the following verses and then summarize (briefly please!) why the professor, when he has the “under the sun” view, finds life so frustratingly meaningless.
- Ecclesiastes 1:2-11
- Ecclesiastes 2:1-17
B. Read John 10:10-11 and explain how Jesus is the answer to meaninglessness. How is the gospel part of that answer?
C. Does your life ever feel meaningless? How might John 10:10-11 and Colossians 3:1-4 provide a solution?
4. The problem of discontentment: There is nothing new under the sun!
A. Another refrain in Ecclesiastes is “under the sun.”
- What famous quotation of discontentment can be found in Ecclesiastes 1:9?
- How do you see discontentment in Ecclesiastes 2:11?
B. God tells us that there is something new — but it is not “under the sun.”
- What is new in 2 Corinthians 5:17? Have you experienced this? Share some way you have been made new.
- What is coming according to Revelation 21:1-4? Do you believe this and hold it in your heart?
C. I LOVE THIS NEXT PART — DON’T MISS IT. Read Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 carefully.
- How, according to Ecclesiastes 2:24, are we to see the gifts under the sun? How thankful are you are throughout the day as you receive these fleeting gifts? Explain.
- In verse 24, there is a phrase: “This, also.” The also refers back to the preceding passage, where we see existential despair. How is existential despair (or a lack of satisfaction for things under the sun) a gift from God?
(Answer the above question before you read this from Eugene Peterson: “A person has to be thoroughly disgusted with the way things are to find the motivation to set out on the Christian way. As long as we think the next election might eliminate crime and establish justice…or another pay raise might push us over the edge of anxiety and into tranquility, we are not likely to risk the arduous uncertainties of the life of faith.” From A Long Obedience in the Same Direction)
- In verse 26, the professor talks about the one “who pleases God.” We know, from New Testament light, that the one who pleases Him is the one who is covered in the righteousness of Christ. When He made us His child, we are intertwined with Him. When He died, it is as if we died. When He was raised, it is as if we were raised. When our life is in Him, we will have “wisdom and knowledge and joy.” But if our life is not in Him, find our fate in verse 26.
- How is the gospel the solution to discontentment?
5. The problem of injustice: Moreover I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, there is wickedness.
My dear friend with whom I have the privilege to work in prison ministry tells me stories that make me weep. Racism is still rampant in Texas. Right now there is a mentally retarded black woman awaiting execution. Years ago, my friend nearly succeeded in stopping the execution of a young black woman that was unjustly accused of murdering her husband and little boys. (She came home after a Mafia murder and had her hands all over the bodies in a panic, trying to find signs of life. Her fingerprints were the only evidence Texas had.) The one who accosted Daniel, Chris’s late son, has not been brought to justice. My daughter lost an arm through abuse. There are smaller daily injustices too. People cheat us, unjustly accuse us — we did not get my husband’s life insurance as we should have, and I was too overcome with grief to fight it. But I can walk calmly, knowing God sees, cares, and will do all things right in His time. The professor is right — often there is not justice “under the sun.” Each of us has experienced injustice “under the sun.”
And each of us has committed acts of injustice to others. Last week at my retreat a missionary from Haiti talked about how she was asking a four-year-old if he knew why his blood pressure was so low. He said, “It’s just not my day.” At first she laughed — but then she realized, It wasn’t his day to eat. He only gets a meal every other day. When she said that I thought, I am God’s plan for bringing justice to those treated unjustly — and I fail because of my idol of comfort. I want to walk in repentance, but I am SO grateful for the mercy of the cross. If God gave us the justice we each deserve, there would be no one alive.
- In Ecclesiastes 3:16-17, the professor states both the “under the sun” problem and the eternal answer. Find them.
- What does Jesus tell us concerning injustice and suffering in John 16:33?
- How does the cross show us at once how terrible sin is, yet, how merciful God is?
- As you look at the injustice in your life “under the sun,” how is the gospel the solution? As you look at your own injustice to others, how is the gospel the solution?
6. The problem of death: Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth?
Old Testament saints lived in a shadowy world, before the cross. Job, Solomon, and David all had these moments of wondering what lay ahead. If we look only to the visible, it seems man is like the animal when he dies.
- What despair and questions do you find the professor asking in Ecclesiastes 3:19-22?
- What glorious promise does Jesus give in John 11:25-26?
- When you face the problem of your own death or the deaths of those you love, how is the gospel the solution.
7. We’ve been talking, during this series, about two ways of life that miss the gospel-centered life. There is the way of the younger brother, who rebels. We see this very clearly in the professor’s portrait of himself in chapter 2 — trying everything under the sun to try to be happy. But do we see the way of the older brother, who has so many rules, who is outwardly serving God but is doing it to get things from God, but who doesn’t love God? Do we see a picture of someone trusting in his righteousness — his religious ways in Ecclesiastes? I think so! I always feel more confident, with obscure verses, to find someone I respect affirm my finding — and I haven’t found that. So I am keenly interested in your thoughts, you women of depth, on Ecclesiastes 7:16-18. Here it is in the ESV:
Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? 17 Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time? 18 It is good that you should take hold of this, and from that withhold not your hand, for the one who fears God shall come out from both of them.
8. What thoughts do you have after listening to Midday Connection? (LINK)
Friday: Classic Keller. Christ Our Life: Link
This is a sermon many of you have already heard — but it is so classic that it won’t hurt you to listen again. I am summarizing it below, but have only caught the high points. Here is the link — and it’s free. I will also give you a second choice or additional option. The Professor’s Disillusionment. (It’s from Kellers Pointers to Christ series, a great series, and it is an overview of Ecclesiastes. Here is that link:
http://sermons.redeemer.com/
One of the many things I like about Tim Keller is his respect for women. He was led to the Lord by a woman, he has unusual respect for his wife, and he tells how it was a woman who helped him begin to understand that the gospel was not just the ABC’s of Christianity — but the A to Z. It happened in the 1970’s when he was twenty-five. He was making a pastoral visit to a woman in his congregation who had suffered much. She had been beaten many times, having been in a series of abusive relationships with men, and she bore the scars. She had become a Christian, had been seeing a counselor, and was coming to Keller’s church. Keller said, “I would visit her, like the good little pastor boy that I was, knowing almost nothing about the way that peoples’ hearts work.” He drove up the hill to her “trailer-like” house. What she told him that day penetrated his heart, and he went back and wrote down the “weird and amazing truths” that so mesmerized him.
Though this woman was a new Christian, she had a depth of understanding into the gospel that helped her sift her counselor’s advice, keeping the true, and letting the false fall to the ground. Keller transcribed her words into his own, but this is the gist of what she said:
My counselor says I have built my very significance and acceptability and identity on men. That’s why I’ve been defenseless with them. I simply have needed them too much… However my counselor doesn’t have a very good solution for me. She says what I should do instead is get myself an education and have a successful career. My counselor means well, and I absolutely need to do that, but…that would mean I would be switching from one kind of idol for another.
Keller said he’d never thought about this in his life, and asked, “What are you talking about?
For many years my heart has been looking at men and saying, “Unless I’m successful at love, I’m nothing.” But the therapist wants me to look at my career and say, “Unless I’m a successful independent businesswoman, in control of my own life, I’m nothing.” I don’t want to be enslaved to my work as I was to men. …I’m actually being asked to exchange a typical female idol for a typical male idol. I don’t want either.
When Keller asked her what she was now doing, she quoted Colossians 3:
“When Christ who is your life appears, you will appear with him in glory.” When I go to church and worship – when what Jesus did for me is so real and so wonderful, I think of the men in my life and I say in my heart, “I’m glad to know you and I certainly wouldn’t mind being married – but you are not my life. Christ is my life. I would love to have a man, but if I don’t, I’ve got Jesus and I set my mind on things above. You can’t give me any of the things that Jesus has given me.. …A career can’t die for me. If I fail in a career it will beat me up all my life for having been a failure. But if I fail Jesus, He died for me to forgive me.
9. What are your thoughts from the sermon? Can you see how idolatry is the opposite of living a gospel-centered life? Explain.
Saturday:
10. What is your take-a-way and why?
366 comments
3. The problem of meaninglessness: My life is meaningless!
A. This is the theme that permeates Ecclesiastes. Look at the following verses and then summarize (briefly please!) why the professor, when he has the “under the sun” view, finds life so frustratingly meaningless.
I think he is not looking high enough, he is looking at his own accomplishments, the thing he has done, the goals that he has attained, this is all about him. If the only thing you look at is your own accomplishments, it may seem meaningless as well. People will be looking for the next best thing, what could he do any better than he has already done. When he had nothing left to accomplish, he started looking in and started to think in reality he was no better off than the homeless guy, they would both end up in the same ground at some point. If the only thing one sees is humanity, they will be disappointed, however when they look higher, to God then things start to have meaning, they may not make any sense, but they do have meaning.
B. Read John 10:10-11 and explain how Jesus is the answer to meaninglessness. How is the gospel part of that answer?
He is everything. He is the shepherd who takes care of the sheep, the sheep can come running to Him and He will protect them, He will even lay down His life for them. This is the gospel, that Christ is the shepherd who laid down His life for us (the sheep) to protect us from the wolf (satan).
C. Does your life ever feel meaningless? How might John 10:10-11 and Colossians 3:1-4 provide a solution?
In all honesty, yes. One time was last fall when I was out of work for a few months, I started feeling that I had no value, the people that had been my colleagues and had said such positive and glowing things about me, turned away, perhaps they thought they might catch the unemployment flu if they got too close, but it made me realize that even if I dropped of the face of the earth, they would say oh that’s sad but in a little bit they would forget I was even there. That however didn’t last long thankfully, I turned my focus to the Lord and what He wanted and sought to see what He saw. I ran to the shepherd and He protected my heart. That was a time just to rest and seek the Lord, whom I know will never forget where I am or who I am.
I realize that even though the people I work with now, say all the same nice things, which are nice to hear, but those comments truly are meaningless. The times I feel that I do have meaning, is when I remember to look higher and that I have meaning to Christ, then I smile.
Love this Mary….” The times I feel that I do have meaning, is when I remember to look higher and that I have meaning to Christ, then I smile”….and he’s smiling down at you!
How is Glenn doing? I’ve been praying for him.
Phyllis, I’ve been praying for your niece, Megan…how she coping with the chemo? She’s only 23 and fighting for her life…cancer has spread everywhere. Everyone please pray for her.
Glenn is doing a bit better, he is still struggling. He feels one of the things God conveyed yesterday was that he should be more thankful, although something in what he said didn’t sit quite right (not sure what). He figures that he will be more successful on some days, but not all. When he came back from his walk tonight, he did say it wasn’t as helpful as yesterday and God was silent tonight, but he hasn’t given up on God and that is a good thing. He did smile when I told him I was worried about him, I got the impression that helped, but I have to be careful about saying anything that he might interpret as a lecture.
Thank you so much for praying for him, I suspect that even he thinks it’s helping.
Mary as I read your comments I was thinking about Solomon and his inter-personal relationships, having concubines and indulging his flesh suggests he was using other people instead of really valuing them.
How your opening your life and home up to your brother is the opposite of that, you honor God by honoring His image in your brother, that is truly meaningful!
Why thank you Chris for your kind words, I never thought about it as honoring God, I just thought I my brother needed help and I was in a position where I could help him. Thank you, you brought me a smile today 🙂
Your welcome…will keep praying!
4. A. Another refrain in Ecclesiastes is “under the sun.”
What famous quotation of discontentment can be found in Ecclesiastes 1:9?
“There is nothing new under the sun.”
How do you see discontentment in Ecclesiastes 2:11?
Usually when we aren’t content with what we have-we ramp up working harder to gain more and more and it is never enough to make us content and satisfied.
4 B. God tells us that there is something new — but it is not “under the sun.”
What is new in 2 Corinthians 5:17? Have you experienced this? Share some way you have been made new.
What is new is that I am His-I became His in 1988 and He put eternity in my heart and He is rescuing me from the power of sin! 🙂
I am being made new by Him breaking through the natural curvature of my soul-shaking me up to rescue me through trials.
A way I have been made new is that He is exposing my security idol and putting it up against HIs love-I am finding trials ratcheting up daily and many times I have failed to trust Him-even last night over something silly, yet I find at the same time I am lamenting more to Him instead of backing away and turning quicker in some instances than I had before when trials come up-so there is more struggling than a complacent despair like I let creep in a long time ago. I am allowing Him to walk with me through my worry and doubt. He has been taking away my anxieties and replacing it more and more with an eternal gaze.
When I look at life through the lens of Him, of the eternal reality of what He gladly did for me on the Cross so that I can be in his presence here and perfectly in the future-what on Earth can compare? What on Earth could sweep me away and matter more? Yet, many times it can! But He is slowly melting me more toward Him. Yet I know my heart is wicked, dark and deceptive-I am not sure how I will respond if trials get worse in my life- I want to not back away from Him..I want to cling to Him..I am becoming more grateful He is shaking my Earth to make me new..It is scary but at the same time I know He is good-He has me.
“I am not sure how I will respond if trials get worse in my life”
I imagine you will respond with faith if your trials increase, it is so clear that God has Rebecca in the hollow of His hand, He will not let you fall.
I had a mental picture of you yesterday as a bee entering the hive and doing that dance that tells the other bees where to find the pollen. Your enthusiasm for God so often overflows onto us, exciting to us to go and seek Him.
Praying right now for you Rebecca.
Well Chris when any huge waves of despair come-you know part of not backing away from God is also letting in His body and you would be one of the first I would run to for His Comfort. I have learned to be careful who I open up to in the body-that is sad but Jesus is our refuge-and there are those in His body who are radiant refuges of comfort He has provided for us. The only way I can put it is when I think of your journey after Daniel went to be with Him. How He has walked with you through the fire and how you are coming out SO SO SO SO sensitive and loving to others who are suffering and grieving-EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE STILL GRIEVING-for it is still fresh and i am learning from you and Dee it doesn’t stop being fresh! You are becoming so like Him- a refuge-and not a ‘fixer’. Your life inspires me. I am so thankful for you faithfulness to pray for me.
I agree with every word you said about Chris – it is wonderful that she also encourages you, Rebecca. I love this – “You (Chris) are becoming so like Him- a refuge and not a ‘fixer’.”
What is coming according to Revelation 21:1-4? Do you believe this and hold it in your heart?
I am growing in this but the shallow waters are a bit deeper than before….He is going to make things new..He will renew the heavens and Earth-the old order will be gone! I think of the reality of no more idolatry struggles-no more struggling to walk in faith- no more arrows from the evil one. No more tears-no more sin-no more death-my son will not have a struggle with autism, my brother’s burn scars all over his body will be gone. That sweet taste of intimacy we have with Him here will be in full and the longing for that sustained huge wave of his presence only few have experienced we will experience forever sustained. No more oppression of the weak, the poor, the babies and children. NO MORE PRIDE-PURE AND COMPLETE INTIMACY WITH GOD.
I think of Chris and Daniel, of Dee and Steve and the utter and ultimate unfathomable joy of reunion together in Him.
How, according to Ecclesiastes 2:24, are we to see the gifts under the sun? How thankful are you are throughout the day as you receive these fleeting gifts? Explain.
I have walked on both sides of this road.
I remembered the Woman of Moderation study, how much more enjoyable the food was when I began with thanksgiving to God, eating less, actually being really hungry at mealtimes, as opposed to eating to fill the void in my soul, constantly thinking about food, but never feeling real enjoyment or satisfaction from it. Rightly enjoying the gift with the gratitude to the Giver, as opposed to trying to squeeze soul satisfaction out of the gift.
I can also see where I have done this in my marriage, making both of us miserable at times by trying to squeeze my self worth out of my husband, as opposed to being grateful for the good and perfect gift he is to me (warts and all!).
Great examples Chris
Excellent real examples.
How is existential despair (or a lack of satisfaction for things under the sun) a gift from God?
That empty feeling at the end of the very best days life has to offer, that felling of…’this is it?’ that vague dissatisfaction points us to Heaven, to the joy that will be complete when we get home.
Exactly!
How, according to Ecclesiastes 2:24, are we to see the gifts under the sun?
It would seem that we should view them as “the gifts” they are — something to be thankful to God for, but not something to become an end unto themselves. How thankful am I throughout the day? Well, that varies. Some days I seem to be very aware and thankful, others not so much. If I haven’t paid attention when the gifts arrived, I still sometimes look back reflectively at the end of the day and make mention of them in my “goodnight prayers.”
How is existential despair a gift from God? When we despair,finding no worth in the visible things of the world/things under the sun, at first we are just upset and melancholy, but after a bit we seem to gravitate toward searching for God and true meaning.
I wonder if this is more true of “people of faith.” I can’t climb out of my own skin far enough to find that answer — I think I would be afraid of doing it, even if I could. I sometimes wonder how people without faith even survive one day. Of course, I believe that God is calling to all, wanting all of us to turn to Him for meaning.
Injustice is a huge problem, I think. As much as I have tried to rationalize its cause and potential solution, I often remain troubled by it. The only thing that gives me sanity is to rest in the assurance given in Ecclesiastes 3:17, that God in His own time will balance things out. John 16:33 is also a comfort, knowing Jesus has “overcome the world.”
I have not bothered my mind with questions like “Do animals and people go to the same place when they die?” Also I am only moderately interested in stories of near-death experiences — people “seeing a light at the end of a tunnel, etc.” I do take IMMENSE hope in promises
(like the one in John 11:25-26) made by Jesus that we will be resurrected to be with Him after we die. I don’t think it is meant for us to understand the mechanics of how all that will play out. I figure I will see when I get there!!
I so agree, Deanna about the near death experiences. I always loved the line from Sara Groves where she says “I don’t know about lights at the end of tunnels or the process of earning your wings, but I know to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, and from what I know of Him, that should be very good.”
Deanna–I too love and so resonate with your last paragraph. I even tend to steer away from those discussions–all I can fill my heart with is the idea of laying down at His feet, to behold Him, face to face. I have no questions to ask, I just want to lay at His feet.
3. Problem of meaninglessness
A. 1:2-11 – You can never do anything new, everything has been done. The world is spinning in a circle and will continue to do so forever.
2:1-17 – All of our possessions are just things with no eternal value.
B. He gives us life to the fullest by replacing all the meaninglessness that is “under the sun”
and replaces it with purpose: to be His sheep. It’s gospel because there is nothing we can do, nothing for which we can strive, to be in His flock. He died so we could live. We just have to let Him show us how.
C. Does my life ever feel meaningless? Actually…I’m struggling with that right now and have been for the past week and a half. I have lost all my motivation to do anything. Everything in my life is in upheaval right now and nothing solid. I’ve left my work family of a year and a half, my younger brother has recently admitted to my parents that he is both taking and selling narcotics, and a week ago Sunday my Uncle died of cancer. But, really, none of that matters. Because my identity is not wrapped up in my work or family. They are part of what I do on earth, but my identity is solid in Christ. I have let my eyes fall too heavily on the things of the world, I need to turn my eyes and mind back to Christ.
Liz,
I just read you post…you are right in that your identity is in Christ, yet it sounds like you have some very real grief going on in your life -things happening to people you love…I am sure your heart breaks for your brother being on drugs, and the death of your uncle, and leaving behind people you were close to at work. Praying for you.
4. C)
The gifts given here are from God and are to be received as a gift. A gift to be given again-back to Him. I remember an Oswald Chamber that said something along the lines of being thankful for all the things we tend to take for granted—realize He can choose to take them at any moment. I remember once getting annoyed when I let a driver in ahead of me and they didn’t wave “thank you”. I don’t thank Him for my healthy days, but when I’m sick, I’m frustrated. How many, many things go without thanksgiving in my life. I spend more time asking God to protect, shape, teach my children—than I do just thanking Him for the gift of them. Today I heard a preacher on the radio, I typically like him but today he said “life isn’t fair”. I knew what he meant, but it still bugged me a bit. I like how Keller says God is unfair—in our favor. I have been given more than I could ever deserve.
There’s a Nicole Nordeman song I love called “Gratitude”-the chorus is beautiful:
We’ll give thanks to You
With gratitude
For lessons learned in how to thirst for You
How to bless the very sun that warms our face
If You never send us rain
•How is the gospel the solution to discontentment?
My only hope of life is in Christ. If I lay down my life, as He did for me—lay down my self-seeking ways and desires. Lay down the dreams I have planned thinking I know what is best. When I lay it all down at the altar before Him, He gives me true life, abundant life, in return. But if I cling to my selfish wants, my urges to control my world so that I stay comfortable—if I cling to my life as I want it, I lose everything.
I HAVE A PRAYER REQUEST AND IT IS A DOOZY, SO IF YOU’RE BUSY FEEL FREE TO SKIP: ABOUT A YEAR AGO MY YOUNGER BROTHER, ANDY, CAME TO ME AND TOLD ME HE WAS SMOKING POT. SINCE THEN IT HAS ESCALATED. ON CHRISTMAS EVE MY PARENTS HAD TO KICK HIM OUT OF THEIR HOME BECAUSE THEY FOUND OUT HE WAS SELLING POT. ON CHRISTMAS DAY HE TOLD MY PARENTS, OLDER BROTHER, AND I THAT HE DIDN’T LOVE US. WE HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT HE IS BOTH TAKING AND SELLING NARCOTICS. LATELY HE HAS STARTED COMING AROUND AGAIN BUT HE HAS SAID HE WON’T GIVE UP DRUGS. SO, PLEASE PRAY FOR HIM THAT HE WOULD CHANGE HIS WAYS BEFORE HE RUINS HIS LIFE AND FOR ME THAT I WILL BE ABLE TO ACCEPT HIM AND LOVE HIM…HE HAS BROKEN MY HEART AND MADE MY PARENTS CRY. MY DAD IS NOT EMOTIONAL, SEEING HIM CRY IS SO PAINFUL. I HAVE NO MORE LOVE FOR ANDY AND NO MORE TEARS TO CRY…PLEASE PRAY FOR CHANGE OF HEARTS ON BOTH SIDES. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
Oh Liz–SO SORRY. Praying right now for Andy, you, your parents–so so hard.
Lord, we come before You and plead for Andy’s heart. We ask that You would break through to him, bring him to his knees, break his heart and draw it to You. Please heal the deep hurt in him, and his family. Thank you for Liz’ continual love–that she asks for prayer for him,thank You that we know You hear us and we trust You are working. In Your Name~
AMEN…and will continue to pray, Liz
Amen to Elizabeth’s prayer for Liz!! I will continue to pray.
This is so hard, Liz. Amen to elizabeth’s prayer.
Praying too Liz for all of your family, and I am so sorry about your uncle. Asking too that your new job soon feels more like where you belong.
Liz, amen to Elizabeth’s prayer. Sad for you about your uncle and your job, you have much upheaval in your life right now, will be praying for you as well.
Oh Liz — this is so hard. So hard to see your parents wounded. Your brother, like the younger son, “is out of his mind,” and I pray God will bring him to his senses and enable each of you to love with truth and mercy.
Liz, it does indeed sound, as Dee said, like your brother is living as “the younger son”…and I am sure his rejection of you and your parents was very painful.
I often think of the times when, in one way or another, I treat the Lord like that, saying, in effect, “I don’t love You”. How it hurts His heart. Yet, He keeps loving.
I will pray that God will help you to love your brother. I am sure there are some trust issues involved due to the drugs – you may not be able to trust him, but you can love and pray for him. I will be praying, too.
Just wanted to let you all know that we had a good afternoon with Krista’s boys and their cousins (my son’s boys from out of province). It almost didn’t happen (more drama that I won’t get into). Thanks so much for your prayers and concern. All went really well. A blessing from the Lord for sure.
Diane–praising Him with you for this good news amidst your storm
Yes, so thankful to know that this visit was a good day.
I was sooo thankful to have the boys for a few hours today! I enjoyed every second of it. 🙂 And I truly enjoyed the time with my oldest brother and his family as well. God is so good. 🙂
Thankful, Krista.
Yay!
This was answered prayer!
Yes, glad to hear it went well.
So thankful, Diane
C. Does your life ever feel meaningless? How might John 10:10-11 and Colossians 3:1-4 provide a solution?
Sometimes. Most the time I dont have time to think about it. I will admit though, I do sometimes wonder why I am “here” on earth. I am a child of God though, and this is good news! He has taken me under his wing (can’t help but think of Joyce’s (I think) picture of the cute little chick a dees (?) or some sort of cute birds, with the “mom’s” wing over the baby; protecting it. We need to remember that we are loved; that makes our lives important. Jesus will come for us; he came for us. He loves us that much! Praise the Lord!
What famous quotation of discontentment can be found in Ecclesiastes 1:9?
How do you see discontentment in Ecclesiastes 2:11?
I’m not sure about a famous quote, but I can sure see blah, blah, blah in that verse 🙁 it reeks of a boring life; same song, second verse.
The person is not satisfied at all. Nothing matters in his life. There is no meaning.
Laura, I’m not sure of the famous quote that Dee had in mind either, but I think just before the blah…would be, I did all this stuff and blah, blah, blah. I agree, it does reek of boredom, that there was nothing interesting at all.
Laura and Mary It’s “There is nothing new under the sun.”
Thank you Dee, I actually never would have got that on my own…and you even gave the answer just before the question. My brain fog appears to have resurfaced this week and have been feeling like its hard just to see the concepts never mind figure out answers.
What is new in 2 Corinthians 5:17? Have you experienced this? Share some way you have been made new.
When you have Christ in your heart you can no longer live the way you did before that time. This idea of being “made new” is hard for me. I don’t remember ever not having Christ in my heart. There was a time in college where I was lost, and I did not have peace in my life. There was always strife. Also, as a parent I worried and worried about my children. Once again, no peace, no joy. When I give my troubles to God I have peace. I am calm.
What is coming according to Revelation 21:1-4? Do you believe this and hold it in your heart?
It says there will be a new earth and the old will pass. God will live with us and there will be no death or pain. He will hold us. I have no reason to not believe this.
What famous quotation of discontentment can be found in Ecclesiastes 1:9?
So my brain was blah and I was reading the next verse when I was thinking of this question, no wonder it didn’t make sense to me. When I read 1:9 the verse looked familiar what has been before will be again, there is nothing new under the sun. Modern paraphrase is same old stuff, different day. Things don’t change, history repeats it self, there is nothing new to look forward to.
How do you see discontentment in Ecclesiastes 2:11?
He had done everything he could, worked really hard and in the end, it was really about him and pursuing things that were elusive, like the wind, couldn’t be caught, but they were all still under the sun. There was nothing more he could gain this side of eternity. He was only focused on the things under the sun, things of the world, when he could only see the things that were material he saw them all as meaningless.
3. A.
Ecclesiastes 1:2-11
Nothing changes…life is merely a continuing, repetitive sequence.
Ecclesiastes 2:1-17
Despite attaining all that the world considers success, a sense of futility remains…all will die regardless of possessions or station in this world.
B. Read John 10:10-11 and explain how Jesus is the answer to meaninglessness. How is the gospel part of that answer?
Jesus is vastly different from anything of “the world”…Jesus gave up His divinity to come to this sinful world, not to judge and condemn, but to redeem and save.
Truth: we are lost in sin and cannot free ourselves; Mercy: Jesus is the way, the truth, and the light…our savior and redeemer, offering grace as a gift to only be received.
C. How might John 10:10-11 and Colossians 3:1-4 provide a solution?
These texts tell us to look away from this world, only a temporary home mired with sin and evil, and to look to Jesus and our eternal home.
4. A.
What famous quotation of discontentment can be found in Ecclesiastes 1:9?
History repeats itself…nothing under the sun is truly new.
How do you see discontentment in Ecclesiastes 2:11?
Accomplishments are for nothing…there is nothing worthwhile anywhere.
B. What is new in 2 Corinthians 5:17? Have you experienced this? Share some way you have been made new.
“anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
How can I even begin to explain a drive to know and love the Lord more and better that I’m not sure I fully understand but am oh, SO grateful for. My heart is being transformed…love and trust are unfolding slowly (but surely)…forgiveness has taken root where bitterness and resentment once resided quite comfortably. As I mentioned previously, I can see transformation is taking (and has taken) place, but I am evermore aware of how far I yet need to be transformed in my mind and heart.
8. What thoughts do you have after listening to Midday Connection?
Acceptance of the mysterious…the reminder that we do not have the mind of God; we cannot comprehend God’s plan…we need to be like little Sadie who doesn’t understand what she perceives as discipline, but yet raises her arms in trust to the one that she knows loves and will comfort her. (Dee, this is just an excellent analogy; one that sticks in my mind…thank you.)
In times of hurt, despair, sorrow, etc., rather than turning away from God, if all I can do is ask God to help me, that is good enough.
Melinda sharing how she had decided early on in her marriage that she would handle any marital troubles/issues without God’s assistance (control idol) was really enlightening. How often do I turn to “self” (or another) rather than God?…and many times with it being second nature and not even conscious thought…”power through, Nanci” is often my self-talk, truth be known.
“All is Grace”…again brings up many thoughts to ponder… I love the idea that God has ordained all, to know that He is fully in control and nothing “slides through His fingers,” but then thoughts of the holocaust, genocides, child trafficking and abuse, etc. come to mind…I have trouble reconciling this evil and God in my mind. Reconciliation comes with my needing to accept the mysterious; I do not have the comprehension to know why or how things might occur in this world, I cannot fully comprehend the Lord’s will…what I need to remember is that the Lord IS good; He is a loving and merciful God.
WONDERFUL program…one I will save to re-listen to occasionally. Actually, I have saved all of the Idol Lies MDC podcasts for future reference…:)
Nanci — I think so similarly to you on suffering. It is a comfort to me to know God has not turned His face away. I don’t understand things like the holocaust, but like you, can trust, knowing He is good.
What does Jesus tell us concerning injustice and suffering in John 16:33?
To expect it, in this world we will have trouble, but that He has overcome it, this life will soon be over, because we have hope we can live above our circumstances.
How does the cross show us at once how terrible sin is, yet, how merciful God is?
That the plan of redemption was something we could never do on our own, that nothing less than God Very God had to come and bear the penalty for sin.
I remember my mother reading me a story about a whipping boy who took the punishment of the prince, my heart hurt for that boy & for the callousness of the prince in the story.
The cross is that story upside down, the Prince taking my punishment, a punishment that would have destroyed me, a debt I could never pay. To have us, to have the Church, God went to such extravagant lengths of mercy and grace, it staggers me, and yet so often we just go on about our ‘under the sun‘ lives without letting the cross infuse us with meaning, purpose and hope.
Love the upside down story, Chris. Seeing Him as our prince is a great visual.
Do you remember the title of that story about the boy being whipped instead of the prince, Chris? It is a poignant story. Your description of Jesus being the prince who was whipped for us is a beautiful picture. “God went to such extravagant lengths of mercy and grace, it staggers me”.
Thoughts for #7: As Dee said, the younger brother is so easy to spot in Ecclesiastes. Thank you, Dee for connecting this for us! I don’t think I would have on my own. As to the older brother, I’m not sure how he is there specifically, but what I remembered was the one thing that unified both brothers was their desire for the Father’s riches, His benefits, His gifts rather than for Himself. So the older brother was just as in love with the good things of the father’s as the younger brother, he just went about getting it in a different way. Maybe in Ecclesiastes it’s the pursuit of hard work, diligence, labor… I’m not sure, but one thing that is clear – the pursuit of God’s gifts (pleasure or labor, and both are gifts!) as a means of ultimate fulfillment is a vain pursuit.
I keep returning to that question, Do I desire God Himself? Do I really want Him, or am I wanting the blessings and gifts chasing them through independent rebellion (which for me might just look like spending too much time on facebook, or Pinterest), or thinking I am owed the blessing because of my hard work? One problem is, I feel my heart yearning for God as I read His Word and do this study. I long for Him while I listen to a sermon that is compelling. And then I get up and go about my ordinary life, and I forget it all. It’s so frustrating! Any suggestions?
Your comments here remind me of something I was taught as a young mom. Strong-willed children may be tough to deal with, but at least they wear their heart on their sleeve. As a parent it’s easy to see areas needed to address. But a compliant child is much harder to see this. They look, by their obedience, that they get your values, but perhaps in their heart they are rebelling inwardly. Only God sees their motives.
Never thought of this, Jean K.! good point. My youngest is the introvert in the family. Will be aware now 🙂
Laurie: On number 7, I found this phrase in this passage pregnant: the one who fears God shall come out from both of them. – That makes me think the “over-righteous” is the older brother — and the over-wise, which is an interesting phrase…
I identify with your closing paragraph. I think becoming gospel-transformed does happen, but it is gradual — I find myself thinking about it more and more during the day, asking how the gospel is the solution to a problem…my desires moving more toward Him. But then — I am also right with you!
thank you both for sharing!
Hi everyone!
I have been following but can not always comment for lack of time. I’m still in school & working.
Dee, listened to the Midday Connection link and it braught tears to my eyes as you mentioned about your daughter’s reaction to the loss of her father , Steve.
I thought of how she initially responded by anger and then exceptance.
It is very profound and in sightful to see how God can bring us seasons of trials and suffering just as seasons of blessings.
My daughter Angela was pregnant with second baby and we are finding out she has had a miscarriage. My heart is broken.
She was into her eighth week and started spotting. She went to the doctor Saturday for an ultrasound and they cannot find the embryo. Today we are waiting to find out her labs, if her hormone level is normal, she miscarried , if it up or above normal, the embryo is possibly in the Fallopian tube.
She is fine, no pain. But I know she will or is in a mourning process.
Ecclesiastes has come at a right time.
So much is happening around me. My office is relocating further from my house. Coworkers are discontent. No promise of advancement and I am questioning if taking this program which causing to take out a student loan is even worth it.
When I read the verses in chapter 1:9
That which has been is what will be.
That which is done is what will be done,
And there is nothing new under the sun.
I think of Shakephere and MacBeth:
“What is done is done”
People think Shakephere a genius, and he was. But I wonder if he was a fan of Solomon and Daivid.
I think he was.
My father is a very intelligent and educated man, who wrote poetry.
He knows who Jesus is on an intellectual basis, but not personally.
I want know Him as Paul wrote in Philippians 3:10 .
4. The problem of discontentment: There is nothing new under the sun!
I am seeing this so much on the job and in the tone of my coworkers .
And in my own self as well. Everything seems so meaningless.
What famous quotation of discontentment can be found in Ecclesiastes 1:9?
There is nothing new under the sun!
How do you see discontentment in Ecclesiastes 2:11?
That everything seems to be done in vain.
Nothing seems to last, all your efforts will be forgotten.
Our lives have no purpose if Christ is not the center of what we do.
We were created for Him
He wasn’t created for us.
Glad to hear from you, Laura Marie…I am so very sorry about your daughter Angela and her miscarriage; I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Laura Marie, I have been thinking of you. I am so sorry for this loss you and your daughter have experienced. I have felt that loss and know how deeply it hurts. Praying for His comfort to carry all of you through.
Glad your here with us as much as you can be.
We’ve been missing you Laura Marie but can see why you’ve been absent. Will pray for Angela and you — such heartbreak.
I am behind so wanted to attempt to catch up- Funny thing how God works – Ecclesiates despair is exactly what I have been going through the last week of so and now here it is – IN MY FACE…. Thank you Lord!
2. During this Lent our quest is to set our affections on things above. What has been helpful to you and why? (This study, a book you are reading, something you are giving up to have time and energy for Him, a song you are learning…) Share the gold.
I am working on this study and the Not a Fan study both work together beautifully and reveal to me my deep selfishness and of course my idol of control. I started to doubt, thinking all this is just me doing the positive talk thing to myself, like the world does. There is absolutely no reason for God to love me, to use me, to want ME. It is in the midst of these doubts and despair I find I must die to self continually, daily. What I think and feel is not what I beleive. It is also in the midst of waiting, resting that doubt comes and my response determines whether I am going to grow or give up. Character building is not what I signed up for …… DIE SELF, DIE SELF…….My best response is on my knees, humbled and weak. GRATEFULL that God remains my gentle leader through it all.
I have completed the book The Prodigal God (awesome) and passed it on. I am currently reading What’s So Amazing About Grace. Prayers and love to all who share here.
Glad you loved The Prodigal God and are reading What’s So Amazing About Grace. Both paradigm changers in my life.
3. The problem of meaninglessness: My life is meaningless!
A. This is the theme that permeates Ecclesiastes. Look at the following verses and then summarize why the professor, when he has the “under the sun” view, finds life so frustratingly meaningless.
Ecclesiastes 1:2-11 – Everything in life is meaningless. Leave God, the Creator, out of the picture, and you lose the awe, the wonder, the beauty of the natural world. It all becomes routine, dull, tiring. And when you die, you will be promptly forgotten.
Ecclesiastes 2:1-17 – I note that in everything he tried, Solomon “kept his head about him”, as if he was doing a great research project to find meaning in life. He kept track of his experiences, recorded his data/findings, and published the results. If all these things he tried are all you live for, your reward is only the brief and temporary delight you find in them. And no matter what you have or who you are, death is the great leveler.
B. Read John 10:10-11 and explain how Jesus is the answer to meaninglessness. How is the gospel part of that answer?
I’ve been pondering this for 2 days now, because I really want to know “the answer”. It is such a simple statement: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Putting my name in there, “I have come that Susan may have life, and have it to the full.”
My meditating on this has led me to believe that the word “life” can be interchanged with “Jesus”, because Jesus said elsewhere that He is “the life” – I AM the life. So, to have life is to have Jesus. A full life must therefore be being one with the God who made me, being loved by Him, fully known by Him; I was made for Him. The apostle Paul said that Christ was his life.
The gospel is part of this because Jesus came and died and rose again to give me Himself – the mystery of how Jesus lives, dwells, tabernacles, with me – His Spirit living inside of me; only when I have Him do I have life, because He is “the life”. For me to have life, there had to be a death: I see the two opposing statements: “I have come that they may have life”, and “I lay down my life for them.” My life comes through His death – His death opened the way for me to know God. This life has to be a “different life”, and invisible life, so to speak.
Now, after two days of pondering this, I thought I had a grasp of it, but as I type it, I feel like I still can’t quite grasp it – it is too profound.
C. Does your life ever feel meaningless? How might John 10:10-11 and Colossians 3:1-4 provide a solution?
When I was a young mom with young children, my life felt very full; I felt needed, loved, appreciated. With two sons reaching adulthood, and a daughter who I know, in a few years, will follow suit, I have struggled with that sense of meaninglessness. It struck me as I read the verse in John that no person in my life, not a child, husband, or parent, can say to me, “I am here to give you life.” When I expect that of them, that is where idolatry comes in. And while “getting a life” has value-as in developing other hobbies, interests, or the where can I serve at church – that’s only exchanging trying to find meaning from one thing to another!
But I’m still trying to get this mystery – it’s like I have a “dual existence” – I’m here, yet I am “raised with Christ…and my life is now hidden with Christ in God.” So while I can enjoy the things I have here, my mind and heart must be captured by what is where my Lord is-things above is where I have real treasure. God never intended for me to find meaning in life from people and things, but in Him. Okay – my mind and heart must be captured by HIM. This is really making my brain hurt!
Wow, Susan, you are singing my song. I’m right there with ya. I wonder if sometimes it’s the simplest concepts give us the most trouble grasping. I’m working thru so many of these same questions in my heart.
Susan, I think we are supposed to find meaning in raising our children — at that time! God entrusts us with these little souls to nourish and nurture. However, there comes a time when our task is tapered down (notice I didn’t actually say “finished”). We will always love them and be concerned for them. However, when that time comes to reduce our input in their lives, it is then time to move on to the next task the Lord has for us. There are passages in our lives, and I believe God wants us to move from one chapter to the next without getting all hung-up on it, feeling depressed and worthless. When we do get hung-up on it, of course, then we are making our family into idols.
I see now what is frustrating me – I am working this through intellectually, answering the question of how Jesus is the answer to the problem of meaninglessness – I see how He is but HOW DO I EXPERIENCE IT? Or am I trying too hard? According to the Bible, I already have this full life that He came to give, so how does it become real to me, especially on those days when I feel that life is meaningless?
Sermon notes…DO NOT MISS THIS SERMON, SISTERS!
Idolatry: Taking a good thing and making it a supreme thing. You will worship something, build your identity on something, making it your functional “savior”. Everybody worships something – religious and irreligious people both worship something.
Once you identify your idol then you can transform your heart by replacing your affection with a new affection (The gospel)
The gospel is not a list of do’s and dont’s, its about making God your Savior and Lord. It throws you life in a new relief, a new light.
Believe and have your heart riveted by the things in vs 1-4 of Coll 3.
Set your hearts and on things above.
Set your mind on things above.
When Christ who is your life appears you will be with Him in glory.
You died, you were raised so set your mind on the truth then set your heart on it which changes you!!! What makes you a christian is not that you do certain things. It is that you are IN Christ and He sees you as one with Him. You are free from the guilt of anything you’ve done wrong and He see’s you as if you had died. Raised means God has placed you in a place of honor seated with him. God delights in you as much as his own son and unless you know these things you are going to look for things because they will give you a sense of self worth. We don’t give God our perfect record like the pharasee’s, but God gives us His clean record. Set your heart on it!
Like an artist who threw himself in front of a bulldozer to save his sculpture, Jesus made us His life and threw His life down to save us. Wow! The generosity of Jesus Christ.
Considering a movie like Groundhog Day, Dr. Keller said, “Your life can become a ‘metaphysical second chance comedy’ because Jesus literally bend the laws of time and space to give us knowledge and power that would be utterly unavailable to us.”
Having written the above and believing all of it, I still struggle. I don’t see myself as clean. I am still stuck in that righteous works mode. Oh, how I long to grasp the gospel and stop striving. IF I could rest in His work and who I am in Him I could stop working. This sermon helped me. I think I grasped more of the concept of who I am in Christ than ever before.
Thank you to all of you who have prayed for me regarding headaches.
I finally obeyed God last week and asked the church elders to anoint me and pray for healing of my terrible daily/nightly headaches. The day after I made the call to the church the answer came. I realized getting out of my recliner is aggravating an old neck injury and if I stopped sitting there the headaches might go away. As a result of this revelation from the Lord, I have not had a night headache for a week! Praise Him! I am still going to follow through though as an act of obedience tonight and have them pray for me. I will ask them to pray for my neck as well.
That’s a wonderful simple answer!
Kim–love this–so thankful
Kim, I’m so glad you’re getting some relief from those headaches! Keep us posted…
Thank you sisters! I will keep you all posted.
That is awesome, Kim!!! PTL
Thank you, Joyce!
5.
•In Ecclesiastes 3:16-17, the professor states both the “under the sun” problem and the eternal answer. Find them.
v. 16, the “under the sun” problem—there is corruption among both the righteous and the unrighteous
v. 17, God will rightly judge both in His time
•What does Jesus tell us concerning injustice and suffering in John 16:33?
He tells that we will have trouble—but not to be discouraged by the trials and injustice of the world—because He has won the battle! I love that verse.
•How does the cross show us at once how terrible sin is, yet, how merciful God is?
We are so terrible, that our only hope is for Christ to be our Advocate, to take the death we deserve—and at the same time, to the same degree—we are so loved, that God sent Hi Son, Who chose to die in our place.
•As you look at the injustice in your life “under the sun,” how is the gospel the solution? As you look at your own injustice to others, how is the gospel the solution?
I deserve much worse than the injustices I have. I don’t always act like I consciously know this, I need it to sink deeper in so that it is always in my thought process. Yet by God’s kindness, He promises to be with me in my injustice, and He assures me He has already gone before me, and won the battle.
6.
•What despair and questions do you find the professor asking in Ecclesiastes 3:19-22?
Our life is no more significant than an animals—we live, we die. Who knows what the final outcome is?
•What glorious promise does Jesus give in John 11:25-26?
I have eternal life because I believe in Christ—I will share eternity with Him.
•When you face the problem of your own death or the deaths of those you love, how is the gospel the solution.
For believers, we do not have any reason to fear death. We are promised an inheritance with Christ—He has conquered death!
7. I do see the younger, rebellious type –but much more so, the older self-righteous one. He talks about indulging in all worldy pleasures (without satisfaction—as with the younger), but by his very argument he is being self-righteous—acting as though he deserves better from life.
7. Looking at Ecclesiastes 7:16-18.
It appears to me that these verses are depicting opposite extremes. Do not be overly righteous (in other words, being older-brotherish). On the other hand, don’t be overly wicked (you never want just to throw caution to the wind). Don’t be overly wise (you are likely to get the big-head). On the other hand, don’t be a fool — you do still need to use your brain that God gave you. In the NIV, the last line of verse 18 reads, “The man who fears God will avoid all extremes.” All in all, I’m hearing a call for balance!
9. What are your thoughts from the sermon? Can you see how idolatry is the opposite of living a gospel-centered life? Explain.
I can’t hear this sermon often enough. As I listened this time, God showed me new things, things I had missed before, that needed His refining fire. I thought about my “epi-desires” and the things that I feel I cannot live without. The first thoughts were things like losing my husband, my kids, my health—but then I felt convicted not to borrow that fear, as it is not something I can imagine, want to imagine, or feel right imagining. So I asked Him to show me what in my life today creates a sense that I am out of control—of fear, of dread. We have an ongoing parenting struggle, and I realized that what I most fear is a prodigal child—and the ickiest part is that I not only fear it for my child, but, if I’m honest, for what it says about me. I’m ashamed to even share that. So I have confessed it to Him, and I say to Him—I long for my children to grow up and love Him, to follow the path He has for them—but, their future, is not my life. That’s hard to say. But my life, the only One I truly need for my every breath, is Christ.
Yes, I too needed to hear this sermon again. I gleaned much from it and am thankful Diane was honest enough to ask for help.
. The problem of meaninglessness: My life is meaningless!
A. This is the theme that permeates Ecclesiastes. Look at the following verses and then summarize (briefly please!) why the professor, when he has the “under the sun” view, finds life so frustratingly meaningless.
• Ecclesiastes 1:2-11
REPONSE: He is completely focused on the natural world, trying to find truth and lasting sustenance in the creation rather than the creator.
• Ecclesiastes 2:1-17
RESPONSE: My attention was drawn to how many times he said “I” in stating his many accomplishments. It was as if he was searching, almost got it then digressed. Hence verse 13 “But I saw that wisdom has an advantage over foolishness as light has an advantage over darkness.” The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and Jesus is the light of the world.
B. Read John 10:10-11 and explain how Jesus is the answer to meaninglessness. How is the gospel part of that answer?
RESPONSE: Hearing His voice as you walk out your faith, responding in obedience, carrying the cross daily and dying to self. I know that every detail of my life is orchestrated by the Lord and so no detail is meaningless, however small it may seem to the world or self. Seeking him, finding Him as He promised and knowing He gave His BEST for me and everyday He is there and gives 100% to me, nothing less.
C. Does your life ever feel meaningless? How might John 10:10-11 and Colossians 3:1-4 provide a solution?
RESPONSE: Key word “feel”…. what I think and feel are not truth. If I truly believe God and that His word is truth, the only truth. Then I believe this life is a temporary state and if I believe the truth of the gospel, being saved by grace then I know Heaven is my real home, eternal life my destination. “Christ is my life….. Colossians 3:4a
4. The problem of discontentment: There is nothing new under the sun!
A. Another refrain in Ecclesiastes is “under the sun.”
• What famous quotation of discontentment can be found in Ecclesiastes 1:9?
RESPONSE: It’s all been done before
• How do you see discontentment in Ecclesiastes 2:11?
RESPONSE: Based on what I am able to do in my own strength, my hard work and natural ability. Discontent because it doesn’t matter to anyone in the natural world and gets me nowhere, we all die the same. Even if briefly acknowledged, it all will end and then there is nothing.
B. God tells us that there is something new — but it is not “under the sun.”
• What is new in 2 Corinthians 5:17? Have you experienced this? Share some way you have been made new.
RESPONSE: I am a new creation in Christ. I have experienced this transformation, still am being made Holy, daily sanctified. This is evidenced by the way I live my life, not better than anyone else, for I am not, just different than I was before I wanted to know Him. Rather than “doing” for God (like He needs my help) instead of lying to myself I recognize more fully my deepest need is for the Lord, to know Him. I understand more about my idols, my selfishness and when I start striving it is because of sin. I want my way… Your will, my way. The most remarkable change is now my desire is for Your will, Your way Lord, no matter what people think or say, no matter about appearances, just Jesus. I have become a Christ-lover
What is coming according to Revelation 21:1-4? Do you believe this and hold it in your heart?
RESPONSE: We get to live with God forever. Yes I do – it is the hope that will carry me home to Heaven.
This is good: “What I think and feel are not truth”.
C. Read Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 carefully.
How, according to Ecclesiastes 2:24, are we to see the gifts under the sun? How thankful are you are throughout the day as you receive these fleeting gifts? Explain.
That they are from God-even the momentary satisfaction they bring are from God. My boys are such a gift. This may sound weird but many times I adore God to the sky as I gaze at His handiwork in my children!
In verse 24, there is a phrase: “This, also.” The also refers back to the preceding passage, where we see existential despair. How is existential despair (or a lack of satisfaction for things under the sun) a gift from God?
Dissatisfaction is a gift because it shows me nothing on this Earth truly satisfies-only temporarily. Dissatisfaction turns my face to thirst for Him instead and as He quenches my thirst I want more of Him.
How is the gospel the solution to discontentment?
He is my life-the old has gone the new is come so when I am discontent it is because I am not remembering my identity-Who I am-I am one with Him-I died with Him, was raised with Him and my life is in Him. This is the life giving, thirst quenching mountainous truth that turns discontentment into lifeless sand dunes. 🙂
5. What does Jesus tell us concerning injustice and suffering in John 16:33?
We will have trouble in this world, but take heart-HE has overcome the world!
How does the cross show us at once how terrible sin is, yet, how merciful God is?
Sin is so terrible it separates us from God-that means complete utter hopelessness-it means hell. Yet God took on our hell on the cross by being seperated from God WHILE WE WERE STILL IN OUR SIN so that we could be brought to Him because He wants us-and to free us from the power of sin too!! I just meditated on this by answering this but it humbles me and melts me every time-like it is a new refreshing glass of water again.
As you look at the injustice in your life “under the sun,” how is the gospel the solution?
Do I really believe as Jesus hung on the cross and rose from the dead that He overcame the world? Yes, but there are times I don’t when I worry while experiencing an injustice toward anyone in my family. I experience it mostly through my boys at school, yet Jesus said in this world we will have trouble BUT TAKE HEART HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD.
As you look at your own injustice to others, how is the gospel the solution?
This is a GREAT question-Oh i have to shift my thinking here wow..okay..the truth is that I died with Him, rose with Him and I am in HIM. When I give injustice to others-I forget! I have forgotten what He gladly gave so that He could be my life. Jesus took on my injustice as I pounded the nails in His wrists and that means even if I am unjust toward others I am still His and there is mercy. This melts me and gives me the humility and confidence to go to HIM and repent and turn and then to the other person and admit my sin against them and ask for forgiveness.
(Okay, so this is now becoming radioactive-Not sure I have hit the mark on answering this question yet but God wants me to meditate on this more-my injustice toward others and the Gospel solution-oh my..another layer I haven’t contemplated before! There are so many areas-like just even having a critical spirit toward others..gossip, etc.. wow..ouch!! But how freeing to see it and to get to soak in more the Gospel solution!)
Okay, so I had to add to my answer that it isn’t just about me either-He died for those I am unjust toward and when I hurt them, I hurt Him-the One who let us drive the nails in so He could have me AND the people I hurt.
6. What despair and questions do you find the professor asking in Ecclesiastes 3:19-22?
That our fate is the same as the animals-we live and die-return to dust-everything is meaningless.
What glorious promise does Jesus give in John 11:25-26?
That life in Him is glorious-He is our meaning in a meaningless world- for to live is Christ, to die is gain!
When you face the problem of your own death or the deaths of those you love, how is the gospel the solution?
This life is but a vapor-we are here so fast and gone so fast on this Earth compared to eternity. I am starting to see more and more the reason I am here is to be readied to meet with Him face to face-because my real home is with Him face to face forever-yes I am in Him now but I WILL die and be with Him face to face and He is preparing me-His bride. 🙂
7. Yes, I see it. Wow..
Here is my initial thought-When I am self righteous wisdom and truth can become an idol and a weapon I use against let’s say the younger brothers-anger comes in and can turn to bitterness and destroy me..when i am a fool being the younger brother I can destroy myself with stress or whatever and die before my time. Either way my eyes are on me me me and my idol and not on HIM.
8. What thoughts do you have after listening to Midday Connection?
I listened to it twice a while ago after it aired..I have to say the biggest impact AGAIN was Annies testimony-it just was-it is so simple yet so profound. DON’T BACK AWAY FROM GOD-RUN TO HIM EVEN IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO SAY..JUST ASK FOR HELP. Really this is key-and God has brought her words to mind in the moments when trials come and I am tempted to back away-there have been times God has used this to begin a dialogue and times I don’t hear Him but can just rest in reassurance in Him like sensing His presence when I don’t-hard to explain!
Snow day today! Hope my midwestern sisters have made it through their week(s) of snowy mess 🙂 I LOVE SNOW, being from Florida of course! I know many see it as a curse though…..speaking of God, it is beautiful outside with all the white, crisp air, and fluffy stuff about. It provides the precious water that we need each year too. Isn’t God amazing in that He created this planet so “independent?” Earth takes care of herself; so “Ecclesiastes” of herself! The water cycle, the tides, the long term cold spells and then the long term hot spells. The ocean oscillations that occur every so many years; some are 10 year cycles, some are longer or shorter cycles. God made it all! He purposely had Earth take care of herself! He made this dynamic planet 🙂 thank you Lord for giving us such an amazing place.
How, according to Ecclesiastes 2:24, are we to see the gifts under the sun? How thankful are you are throughout the day as you receive these fleeting gifts? Explain.
We need to find satisfaction in our “toil.” see above, but also, as I lie here in my bed wondering how much snow I will need to shovel today, I can’t feel very excited about grading papers and planning for my boss to observe me next week. It’s a depressing thought. The amount of work I have to do to “justify” myself as a teacher is ridiculous! I never had to do that as a geologist. Every three years (another cycle) is the “big” one. I have to create a portfolio, I have to write a formal lesson plan, I have to prepare my hours and hours (400+ this cycle) This doesn’t include the “regular” stuff I have to do to (oh yeah) teach everyday. It all is SOOOO meaningless.
I suppose I could pray for each student as I grade, and the thought of “being ahead” is kinda nice, but it would be more fun to crochet or clean (?) did I just say clean???? We are renovating a bathroom and I need to paint it also……that would be “fun” I guess. Once I make the choice then it isn’t so hard to get into the task and be satisfied in the work. Believe it or not, I think He wants us to enjoy it all, even the grading papers :(.
When I am in the midst of all the work, sometimes I look up and notice a natural phenomenon and it makes me smile. God visiting me during the toil of the day 🙂
In verse 24, there is a phrase: “This, also.” The also refers back to the preceding passage, where we see existential despair. How is existential despair (or a lack of satisfaction for things under the sun) a gift from God?
It is realized that God provides a better life, one where the work is meaningful. This reminds me of being a dancer for 44 years or so. I have danced every form, ballet, tap, jazz, modern, belly dance, square dance, ballroom, etc. I met someone who showed me that we could dance in church to honor God about 15 years ago. I spent the last 15 years of my life dancing to someone who reads scripture (Pentecost is one of my favorites) or to a hymn (Amazing Grace comes to mind). My dance became more meaningful when it was meant for God; not just “flitting” about a stage looking pretty. I am blessed because I serve Him.
Laura,
I like how you appreciate God through all that you know about science-geology, stuff like that!
You made me smile with your opening glee — Snow Day!
I’m not sure I am totally understanding this study. If I am going to be here (under the sun) shouldn’t I make the best of the world I live in? Even the mundane things?
In Ecclesiastes 3:16-17, the professor states both the “under the sun” problem and the eternal answer. Find them.
Judgment and justice.
Judgment and justice will occur when the time is right and by God’s hand.
What does Jesus tell us concerning injustice and suffering in John 16:33?
We can find peace in Him. This world brings us trouble. We know that evil will be taken care of eventually.
How does the cross show us at once how terrible sin is, yet, how merciful God is?
Yes — you absolutely should make the best of this life. But when you forget God, it becomes meaningless.
4. The problem of discontentment: There is nothing new under the sun!
A. Another refrain in Ecclesiastes is “under the sun”.
*What famous quotation of discontentment can be found in Ecclesiastes 1:9? – “There is nothing new under the sun.” My husband likes to say, “Same old, same old….”
*How do you see discontentment in Ecclesiastes 2:11? – As Solomon reflects on all his experiences and the work he has done, he says it was all meaningless; he gained nothing from it. Contentment and satisfaction is still eluding him.
B. God tells us that there is something new – but it is not “under the sun”.
*What is new in 2 Corinthians 5:17? Have you experienced this? Share some ways you have been made new. – According to this verse, I AM NEW! When I received Jesus as my Savior, The Bible says that the old Susan died. I think of how I used to live-conforming myself to this world, selfish, proud, self-centered, God was not someone I thought much about. Yet He knew what I so desperately needed to know, but never even considered-that He loved me.
My desire now is to want to know Him better and to not live for myself-I can still so easily revert back to a “me-centered” way of thinking, esp. having a pity-party for myself, but thankfully I am convicted of it when I do.
*What is coming according to Revelation 21:1-4? Do you believe this and hold it in your heart? – A new heaven, a new earth, a new city, and most of all, God living with us.
I believe this, but I don’t spend nearly enough time thinking about it or hoping in it.
C. I LOVE THIS NEXT PART – DON’T MISS IT. Read Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 carefully.
*How, according to Ecclesiastes 2:24, are we to see the gifts under the sun? How thankful are you throughout the day as you receive these fleeting gifts? Explain.
Solomon says that without God, who can eat or find enjoyment? We are to see what we have to enjoy in life-food, family, friends, job, material comforts, as coming from the hand of God. We find the satisfaction and meaning in what we have by exalting God, not the gifts; making Him the object of our affection and thanks, not the things themselves.
There are days I am thankful for the birds that come to my feeder b/c I enjoy watching them; I am thankful for hot, hot summer days when I sit and warm myself in the sun; I am thankful for my daughter who still lets me hold her and cuddle her, for the warmth of human love and companionship. God wants me to look up to Him, and be thankful for these things.
*In verse 24, there is a phrase, “This, also”. The also refers back to the preceding passage, where we see existential despair. How is existential despair (or a lack of satisfaction for things under the sun) a gift from God?
Coming to the end of your rope, the end of yourself, may cause one to start seeking for the real meaning of life, and is a way that God can draw someone to Himself. God usually lets us try life on our own, lets us try to find love and meaning in all the wrong places; He doesn’t force us to come to Him. Yet what a gift to feel the misery that leads you to Him.
I forgot to answer the last question.
The cross is awful. It is the place where God gave His Son for us. It was bloody, it was painful, it was torturous and lasted a long time. All that pain. All those horrible people! How could they do that?
At the same time, we know it was done so we have a relationship with God. Because of Jesus, we get God. So good. Jesus asked His Father to forgive the people. He knew they were wrong but He knew what could be for them. Peace. Joy. Love. NOT under the sun, but under the SON.
*In verse 26, the professor talks about the “one who pleases God”. We know, from New Testament light, that the one who pleases Him is the one who is covered in the righteousness of Christ. When He made us His child, we are intertwined with Him. When He died, it is as if we died. When He was raised, it is as if we were raised. When our life is in Him, we will have “wisdom and knowledge and joy”. But if our life is not in Him, find our fate in verse 26.
It seems to say that the man without God will work hard and may have wealth, but he has no everlasting inheritance; what he has stored up will go into someone else’s account – the man in right standing with God. Okay – Since God owns everything, it’s like all we do here on earth, all that we have, reverts back to Him in the end, and if we are His children, then we are His heirs; but the one who is not His child has no part of the inheritance.
*How is the gospel the solution to discontentment?
When I am discontent with myself, with others, with life in general, the problem is that I am focused on myself – I think I am being my own “god”, and therefore, I am displeased when everything isn’t going my way. I am forgetting about Jesus who died for me. The solution is to start thinking about the love that God had for me from eternity past, that He sent Jesus – that Jesus had me in His mind when He came and went to the Cross. Do I think that Jesus was feeling contentment when He hung on that Cross, in physical and spiritual agony? No-but He did it for me. He did it for the joy that was to come when He accomplished it. I don’t think I have to go through anything as bad as what Jesus went through. The gospel is that I am so bad, yet so loved, and everything I truly need, want, and desire I have been given – in Him. This should dispel being ungrateful, which I think is at the root of discontent.
C. Despair can be a gift if we receive it as a doorway to a deeper intimcay with God. We don’t linger in doorways (or shouldn’t block them, anyway!); they are a part of the journey not the destination. Despair is part o fthe joureny, but not our destination. God is our destination…and Jesus the door to eternal life.
God is the source of true contentment – not the false contentment born of laziness or apathy, but the true contentment born of trust and assuarnce in God, resting in His goodness, strength, faithfulness and love.
5. How true this rings in our time and place – there is evil in the courtroom – the very human place devised to confront, reveal and take action against evil. The eternal answer is that ultimate jutice comes not from our human legal system, but from the only truly good and wise judge – the Lord God, Holy and Wise.
John 16: 33 – our peace is in Jesus Christ – who HAS (noted the tense again today) overcome the world, this world with its many trials and sorrows. We take heart in Him because of this….not lose heart because of the trials and sorrows around us.
The cross shows both the very depths of human sin, and the very heights of God’s sacrifical love. The cross is the doorway to the grave which is the doorway to the resurrection – because on the cross Christ has overcome the world, has defeated sin, has destroyed death’s power. Christ is alive! That is my greatest hope and deepest truth!
Injustice and the gospel GOD is in control – not human idols. God will see to it that wrongs are righted and wounds are healed. The gospel solution for the injustices I commit is this, too – and that the gospel gives me a standard by which to live and hope when I fail and fall.
When the question is asked about “who can prove?” – the answer is the gospel – that Jesus Christ can prove it, does prove it, did prove it and is still proving it – by His resurrection power. Jesus Christ has the last word…IS the last Word.
Being “too good” and “too wise” so often comes out as arrogance, superiority and the first of the deadly sins – pride. It makes oneself an idol, setting the self against God, trying to be God. That truly leads to despair – as in Jalvert in Les Miserables. The other extreme of being “too wicked” is the flip side of the same coin – because it is also about setting the self against and over God. I found the New Living Translation of verse 18 helpful: “Pay attention to these instructions, for anyone who fears God will avoid both extremes” I can’t truly “fear God’ and be enraptured with an idol at the same time.
After listening again to Midday Connection, I too was touched by Annie’s deep faith and humility…and the wisdom of running to God, not backing away from Him when we are hurt and shaken and bereft. Her simple “Just ask for help” is so profund – and how often the last thing we do – I do – seeking help instead at the idols of our hearts, who cannot help. In the video for this chapter/session, I thought Dee’s statement that Satan (and our idols are his tool) wants to create “attachment disorder” in us, to keep us FROM God was so accurate.
Many profound things here – that touch me deeply. In my life, I have been shaken by an unwanted divorce, the betrayal of my then husband; of a daughter who has many issues, is dearly loved yet has torn me to the very depths of my heart and mind and soul; of holding my stillborn granddaughter a year and a half ago, and committing her to God, then doing her funeral; of being with my brother in his struggles with early onset Parkinson’s Disease and his diagnosis of stage four cancer (that he is alive and cancer free 6 years later is truly a miracle) and in the course of pastoring, been with people in so much pain, loss, abuse…so much has happened “under this sun”….I have not always been faithful to seek Jesus Christ and trust Him first and foremost in all the struggles….I have been many things…but praise Him, I have never been unloved (as MIchael W. Smith says in his great song.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spr9aCNdRbU
Christine — you really have had some tough circumstances in your life. How wonderful that He has seen you through it all, and you still have something left to give to others. Thanks so much for the link to the song. I was touched by it, and have already shared it with some other people, including my pastor. Sometimes she uses a Youtube clip right before her sermon on Sunday.
I see so much depth in you, and suspect much was borne out of suffering. I’m sure the Lord is using that to comfort others. Love having you here, Christine.
I’m beginning to sound like a stuck record, raving each time about how wonderful Keller’s sermons are. I think Dee has already listed much of the gold from todays sermon. I would only lift up a couple of additional nuggets.
He says you will never understand yourself until you identify what your idols are. What things — if you lost them — you wouldn’t even want to live. The very religious say I believe in God…but there is something that is your “functional savior.”
The irreligious say “I don’t believe,” but yes, you do worship something. Everyone does. You need to follow the “epi-desire” back to its source. A lost desire may make you sad or angry, but a lost “ultimate desire” can make you want to throw youself off of a bridge.
Now what do you do? Believe – Replace the idol — Set your mind on things above.
God delights in you as if you have done all the things Jesus has done (die on the cross and be raised from the dead).
The real solution is always worship.
Keller points out that in 2 Corinthians 8, Paul doesn’t tell the Corinthians to “be generous.” He tells them, “You know the generosity of Jesus on the cross.”
Don’t feel bad Deanna (about being the stuck record), we have all been there! He IS an amazing speaker. I don’t live too far from NYC, and have been tempted to go to Redeemer and hear him in person. The problem is that they won’t tell you when he will be there preaching. I guess they want all the pastors at the church to have a chance. I learn so much on this blog. It’s a great place to be 🙂
Dee,
This is a question about the book (Idol Lies) study. My friend and are studying together a chapter or so a week. I orginally followed it on your blog and then read the book myself then found a friend to process it with. I still follow your blog and study even though I don’t comment. Question: In chapter 6 you mention a couple, Ed and Christina, who found themselves stripped of everything they knew and how they found new meaning as they clung to Jesus. You called it Severe Mercy. We are wondering what they are doing now? Are there more insights from their journey you might share. This strikes us as a different kind of struggle/trial. One that would be quite unexpected and possibly without sympathizers or supporters. Thanks in advance for your response. Lee Ann
Hi Lee Ann —
Ed is pastoring again and Cynthia is teaching again — so after a long more than two year drought in which they truly trusted God, they are both ministering in their gifts again.
I think so many pastors and pastor’s wives face similar tests — and you are right, not a lot of sympathizers or supporters.
Dee, Thanks for the update on Ed and Cynthia. And thanks for the question, Lee Ann. As a pastor’s wife, I can keenly sympathize with this story. It was encouraging to go back and reread their story and see how they pressed deeper into Jesus in the midst of their “severe mercy”. What I am experiencing now is also a “severe mercy”. I hope I can truly come out of it holier and purified by the blast furnace of His love.
Thank you for sharing their story…and for Ed and Cynthia’s courage in allowing their story to be shared. So blessed to hear what God is continuing to do in their lives.