STUDY OF ECCLESIASTES

1. STUDY OF ECCLESIASTES PART 2 – Discovering the Meaning to Our Lives

2. Study of Ecclesiastes • Chasing after the Wind – Chapter 1: 1-18 • Let’s take a Look around • As we watch many of the lives around us via personally or news & cable we can see the monotonous drag of everyday life is an undeniable fact of reality. • There are not many people that we can name or list who genuinely love their job or anticipate each new coming week with delight. • Aside from a few exceptional people that we know (present company included ) most people, Christian people, merely exist with a quiet yet pervasive sense of desperation. • For many people, life is nothing more than futility and boredom!

3. Study of Ecclesiastes • For many, even the enjoyment brought on by leisurely vacations, extravagant possessions, sexual escapades, delicious food, or professional entertainment brings little satisfaction. • Now attempts like the ones mentioned and assessments have been made before by a person who began their life with an established relationship with God. • This opening section of Solomon’s Godly inspired journal, exposes the realities of life and tells the truth about existence apart from God, after having an established relationship with God!

4. Study of Ecclesiastes • Exposing Four Lies About Life • There are at least four falsehoods about life that are popularly accepted today as true. • Laugh and the world laughs with you; cry and you cry alone • There is a light at the end of every tunnel • Everyday our world is getting better and better • Things are never as bad as they seem, so dream, dream, dream

5. Study of Ecclesiastes • THE QUESTION IS! • Why is it that people embrace lies and encourage others to believe them as well? • People want to believe that there is purpose and happiness in this life if they only keep hoping. • Unfortunately the hope that many try to cling on to ignores the reality that the world is corrupt, work is unfulfilling, and people are selfish. • Living on planet earth is not a bowl of cherries, instead of enrichment and joy, many find emptiness and sorrow.

6. Study of Ecclesiastes • Telling the Truth about Life without God! • Unlike those who perpetuate delusions about life and offer us only a false hope, Solomon gives us the straight facts about human existence, regardless of hoe disturbing we may find them. • Solomon speaks as a man of experience: • His father David fought the battles that secured Israel’s security, and left a large estate that made Solomon wealthy. • Solomon accepted the reign of leadership and had the luxury of ruling a nation that was free from war for over forty years. • In addition to that Solomon had free reign to take the money that was slotted for Israel’s defense and spend it all on his personal pursuit of happiness apart form God!

7. Study of Eccesiastes • A Basic Premise – vv. 1 – 3 • Solomon’s ONE word assessment of Life is VANITY. • He speaks of the absence of “gain”, “profit”, or “advantage” after all has been done. – verse 3 • “Advantage” – (Translates in Hebrew) That which is left over after the transaction is complete. • This could be the end of the lesson, coming from the wisest man in the world, but it is only the beginning.

8. Study of Ecclesiastes • Examples of Futility – vv. 4 – 11 • What is the evidence that Solomon presents? • The Passing of generations – v. 4 • The cycles of nature – vv. 5-8a • The curiosity of Humanity – v. 8b • The absence of something new – vv. 9 - 11

9. Study of Ecclesiastes • The Searcher and his pursuits – vv . 12-18 • These are not the general observations of Solomon, these conclusions are based on his personal experiences.

10. Study of Ecclesiastes • Thinking Through the Personal Ramifications • If there is nothing but nothing “under the Sun” our only hope toward discovering meaning must be above it.