Ecclesiastes - The Seasons of Life

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)

Sermon theme: Walking with Jesus through the seasons of life

Primary Scripture Passage:  Ecclesiastes 3: 1-15

1. Verse 1 introduces the poem found in verses 2-8 saying “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens”.  What is the significance of the phrase “under the heavens”?
2. The Hebrew word translated “season” – Zeman – is defined as an appointed time; how does it make you feel knowing that God has appointed a time for your birth; this current season for you to be alive, and a time that you will die?
3. Reflect on a season that you have walked through that has come to an end; how was that season marked by people in your life and your connection to them?
4. What is the invitation to redemption found in verse 11 after the perception in verses 9-10 that our life of toil under the sun is nothing but a futile burden?
5. Verse 11 opens and closes with thoughts that seem like a paradox.  When we consider the lack of choice and control we have over our current season (our inability to fathom what God has done from beginning to end); what encouragement do we also find at the beginning of the verse?
6. Have you ever been tempted to allow the heartaches of life to cast doubt on God’s love, goodness and presence with us?  Share an example of when you may have struggled, or a time when waiting on God led to Him displaying His faithfulness. 
7. Phil encouraged us not to “waste the season we are in” and gave two common examples of how we might be tempted to do that.  Do you find yourself daydreaming and fantasizing about being in a different season?  Or are you consumed with nostalgia, regret, and recalculating as you live in the past?  How can we remain steadfast to live fully in today’s moment?

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.