Ecclesiastes - Solitude, Silence and Listen

Follow Along with the Message

1. Doing Life

As a church family, we care about each other’s lives: what we’re celebrating, what we’re mourning, what decisions we are praying through, and everything in between 

(1 Thessalonians 2:8, Romans 12:10, 15). Suggested time: 10-20 minutes 

• How are you doing? 
• What can you thank God for this week?
• When were you most aware of Jesus’ presence this week? When were you least aware of Jesus’ presence this week?
• Do you have any practical needs?

2. Jesus Centered

God uses His Word to reveal Himself to us, equip us to live the good life He’s designed for us, show us our sin, and strengthen us as we follow Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Colossians 1:9-12, and James 1:22-25). Suggested Time: 20-40 minutes 

(Sermon Discussion Questions)

Ecclesiastes 4:6; Ecclesiastes 5:1-3; Deuteronomy 6:4-9

How Talking Less Will Get You More | Time

Dan Lyons author of The Power to Keep Your Mouth Shut in an Endlessly Noisy World

Note: The article, from Time magazine, was mentioned in Sunday’s message. It provides an interesting contrast. Laine Provan,“ A heart attentive to God multiplies neither toil nor words.”

1. Which of the verses used as the bases for Sunday’s message resonates with you the most? Why?
2. The worship songs are used to draw out and provide a spiritual connection to the message. Skim and scan the lyrics to the songs used for worship on Sunday. Click here for lyrics.
3. Which words or phrases jump out at you with regard to your need to listen to God?
4. Why should we develop a practice of solitude and silence before God?
5. What are the personal challenges you experience with solitude and silence?
6. What must we do with our time to practice solitude and silence?
7. Discuss strategies members of your group use to listen to God.

3. Engaging the Heart

Jesus calls us to walk in the light, confessing our sins to God and each other. God’s Spirit works through confession and community to lead us to repentance. (Romans 3:23-24, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:5-10) Suggested Time: 10-20 minutes 

• How are you doing abiding with Jesus this week in Scripture and prayer? 
• What sin do you need to confess to God? What are you struggling to trust Jesus with this week? How can you give Him control of it? (As people confess sin, make sure to remind one another of the good news Jesus offers.)

4. Expanding the Kingdom

Just like God the Father sent Jesus on a mission of reconciliation for us, Jesus sends us out as ambassadors of His reconciliation. We are called to make disciples wherever we go. (John 20:21 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20) Suggested time: 10-20 minutes

• People: Who in your life can you be building with right now? What does that look like during this season? 
• Plan: Are there any rhythms planned (virtual or in-person) that we can invite these friends into? What spiritual conversations do you want to initiate with them soon? 
• Pray: Let’s pray for our people by name; pray for their needs, opportunities to connect, and opportunities to have spiritual conversations that help them take next steps toward Jesus.