Ecclesiastes - The Wisdom of Living with Limits

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)   Key Scripture:  Ecclesiastes 8: 1-17

1. Are you a person who prefers clearly defined boundaries, or someone who likes to explore beyond a limit that has been set by someone else?
2. In spite of known imperfections, why are we to submit to the limits set by our government?
3. Romans 13:1
4. Matthew 22: 21-22
5. How does the example of Daniel inform how we as Christians should set priorities as we engage in the process of politics?
6. As you read verses 6-8, discuss how to balance the making of plans without being driven by the “idol of control”.  Share an example from your life where you made a plan and it didn’t turn out how you had hoped.  How did you respond?
7. Read verses 16-17; how does coming to grips with our limited wisdom help us to plan diligently but with humility?
8. Verses 10-14 provide examples of injustice in the world that can cause us pain, disillusionment, and discouragement.  In spite of that, what does The Preacher conclude in verse 12?
9. How does the “greatest injustice of all time” ensure that God will ultimately make right every injustice?

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.