Ecclesiastes 2:1 -11
ECCLESIASTES STUDY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What empty treasure(s) does the Professor hold up for us to examine this week in Ecclesiastes 2:1-11? What context must we once again remember in order to understand what the professor is talking about (cg. Ecc 2:11)?
Why do you think we are so tempted to find meaning in pleasure, success, possessions, and relationships? What does amusement (another word for laughter in vs. 2) do for us?
What are the chief differences between the Garden of Eden and the Professor’s garden (cf Ecc 2:4-8)? What does this teach us about life without God?
The Professor methodically experimented with pleasure, giving his heart whatever it wanted (Ecc 2:10). What dangers exist in allowing our hearts and desires to be king?
Unlike the professor, what must we in Christ do on an ongoing basis (cf. Rom 6:11, Gal 5:24-25, 2 Cor 10:5, and Col 3:5 & 12)?
Though the Professor’s possessions and building projects “surpassed all,” what is his final analysis according to Ecclesiastes 2:11? If he can’t find meaning in life through amassing possessions and pleasures, then who can?
In contrast to earthly pleasures, what are we offered in God according to Psalm 128:1 and 16:11? How do the words “fullness” and “forevermore” contrast with the Professor’s analysis of earthly treasures and pleasures in Ecclesiastes 2:11?
What does God invite us to enjoy in Isaiah 55:1-3? How do we begin to experience the overflowing fullness of God according to Isaiah 55:6-7? What will be ours in Christ according to Isaiah 51:11?
How does Jesus fulfill and surpass all that we seek in earthly pleasure (cf. Eph 1:3, 2:7, 3:8, and John 15:11)? How does that affect your heart and your hope?
If Jesus offers fullness of joy, why are we who are redeemed still tempted to hunt for joy in lesser things? How can we combat the temptation of the world, our desires, and the enemy to find our joy in lesser things (cf. Gal 3:3, 5:16 & 25, Rom 8:13, 2 Tim 2:1, Titus 2:11-12, Col 3:5 & 12, Rom 6:2 & 11)?
How does understanding the message of Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 help us live more meaningful lives here and now? What will you take away and apply this week from our study?
