10 February 2019
CENTRAL TRUTH
A deep and growing relationship with God brings true meaning to life.
MEMORY VERSE: Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. Proverbs 8:34
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
That at the end of this Lesson the student would be able to:
1. Explain the source of true meaning of life.
2. Live meaningfully for God.
LESSON TEXT: Ecclesiastes 1:12-13, 17; 2:4, 10-11; 4:1-3; 5:1
Ecclesiastes 1: 12. I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13. I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind! 17. Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.
Ecclesiastes 2: 4. I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. 10. I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil. 11. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 4: 1. Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed— and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors— and they have no comforter. 2. And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive. 3. But better than both is the one who has never been born, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 5: 1. Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.
I. EMPTINESS OF HUMANISM
A. Worldly Wisdom Brings Sorrow
B. Human Effort Brings Disillusionment
II. EXPERIENCING DESPAIR
A. Oppressed and Helpless
B. Value of Tranquility
III. WORSHIP GOD RIGHTLY
Throughout the centuries, people have always sought in numerous ways to achieve a sense of meaning. For many people, this sense of meaning has proven elusive. While the human race has made tremendous strides technologically, it appears to have made little progress in its continuing search for the purpose for which it was created. In truth, people cannot find the true purpose for their existence apart from God. The Lord created man in his own image. Our purpose is to come into an eternal relationship with God that is both rich and meaningful. Sin has caused a breach between our Creator and us. But Jesus Christ died to make a relationship with God possible. Our study examines the futility of a person’s search for meaning apart from God. Additionally, it explores what the Word of God has to say about the true meaning of life. May this week’s study encourage you to live for Him!
Relationship with God brings true meaning to life
I. EMPTINESS OF HUMANISM
A. Worldly Wisdom Brings Sorrow – Ecclesiastes 1:12- 18 Tradition ascribes to Solomon authorship of the Book of Ecclesiastes. The book itself seems to bear out Solomon’s authorship (Ecclesiastes 1:1, 12). The content of Ecclesiastes is consistent with what is known about the latter part of Solomon’s life and reign over the kingdom of Israel. Solomon led Israel during a period of wealth and power. Additionally, Solomon pursued things that led him to forsake the Lord. It is possible that Ecclesiastes was written out of the perspective stemming from the futility that comes from life apart from God. The essence of secular humanism is the belief that there is no significant reality beyond man himself; it places humans at the centre of everything, leaving no place for God in human affairs. Yet in the Bible, God reveals His loving purpose in both the creation and redemption of humankind. It tells us that God created man in His own image (Genesis 1:26), and that He desires fellowship with humanity. Secular humanism denies any sense of this creative purpose. The king who wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes referred to himself simply as the Preacher (1:1, 12) or Teacher. This man devoted himself to the study and exploration of wisdom (verse 13).
What he discovered was the limitation of human wisdom and endeavour. He became discouraged with life, for he concluded that life was only a “sore travail” or “heavy burden”. He blamed God, accusing Him for being the cause of life’s problems (verse 13, 14). “Why can problems cause a believer to become discouraged with life?” Being a Christian is not a guarantee against the difficulties life can bring. Christians get sick, face financial struggles, wrestle with problems in the home, and wonder at the surprising upheavals that come with living in this world. But believers have a source of help during those difficult times. Discouragement can come when we lose sight of God’s purpose for our lives. Without the knowledge that God is at work in our lives, we can convince ourselves that nothing can be made right and that nothing good can result from trials (verse 15). Solomon spoke of the emptiness of any search for knowledge and wisdom that excludes God (verses 17, 18). Despite the fact that he exceeded everyone in wisdom and wealth, he felt his accomplishments were a “vexation of spirit” (verse 17).
Wisdom, the very thing that should have helped him cope with life, became burdensome. Human wisdom at its best is little more than “chasing after the wind” (verse 17). Life is seldom easy. But we must not focus on life’s problems. We must keep our focus on God, the solution of life’s problems. When we do this, we will not become discouraged but will realize that all things are working for our good, helping to conform us to Christ’s image (Romans 8:28, 29).
B. Human Effort Brings Disillusionment – Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
Following his disappointment with the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom apart from God, Solomon turned his attention to the folly of humanity’s pursuit of pleasure. He concluded that any striving for happiness or meaning out of the pursuit of pleasure alone could not bring satisfaction. External strivings cannot meet the yearnings of the human heart; they only bring disillusionment
(Ecclesiastes 2:1). The king’s pursuit of pleasure took many forms. He tried cheering himself with wine (verse 3). He looked for fulfilment by undertaking many building projects for both himself and his kingdom (verses 4-6). Finally, he sought fulfilment through material possessions, accumulating slaves, herds, gold, and a harem (a separate quarters for the king’s wives or concubines) of women (verses 7-9). None of these things brought him satisfaction.
Solomon declared that he had denied himself no pleasure. Anything his heart desired was his. Yet he was unfulfilled. The king concluded that everything was vanity or meaningless. Giving himself over to pleasure in all its forms, like the pursuit of human wisdom, was like chasing after the wind (verse 10, 11). It did not bring meaning to life. “Why does it seem that when you pursue pleasure, you never have enough?” Ecclesiastes reminds us of the truth that wealth, no matter how great, cannot bring real contentment to the human heart. The key to happiness is not having everything we want, but rather being content. The more we seek after the pleasures of this world the more likely we will become disappointed with life.
II. EXPERIENCING DESPAIR
A. Oppressed and Helpless. Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 Solomon’s experience led him to the conclusion that life apart from God was not only meaningless, it was also cruel. As he observed life “under the sun,” he saw only constant oppression (Ecclesiastes 4:1). He lamented that the oppressed of this world had no one to comfort them. Solomon further observed that power was on the side of the heathen despots of this world. Those who suffered at their hands were without help. Such oppression had been repeated many times throughout history. The Preacher’s conclusion is utterly negative. He declared that the dead are happier and more fortunate than the living. But even more fortunate was the one who had never been born (verse 2, 3). The injustice he observed led the Preacher to despair. Life’s lessons are undeniably hard. It is a human tendency to use power, might, and wealth to inflict harm on others. The state of the helpless is not only painful to observe, it also seems to have no solution. “What is the cause of injustice in the world?” The root cause of injustice is, of course, sin. James wrote that covetousness produces all sorts of sin (James 4:1-3).
Human beings are seldom satisfied with what they have and often use any means at their disposal to gain more. Much of this comes at the expense of the powerless. B. Value of Tranquility – Ecclesiastes 4:4-6 The Preacher saw envy as the root cause of the human pursuit of achievement and success (Ecclesiastes 4:4). Solomon saw that many hard-driving, competitive individuals did not make themselves happy by their accomplishments. This kind of striving is vain and meaningless. On the other end of the spectrum is the one Solomon called a fool (verse 5). He is lazy and may feel that the world owes him a living. His end is described in the colourful phrase “eateth his own flesh” (KJV). This simply means that such a person destroys himself. God intends for people to work and enjoy the fruit of their labour. Solomon declared that a handful with quietness (verse 6) or tranquility is better than two handfuls with unhappiness and frustration. The tranquil person is able to truly enjoy the fruit of his or her labours. Solomon wisely understood life’s many perils. He came to understand through personal experience that so much of what people pursue lead to bitterness and despair. The things most sought after by human beings ultimately leave them empty. Only God can bring us true peace, tranquility, and meaning (Philippians 4:10-13).
III. WORSHIP GOD RIGHTLY.
Ecclesiastes 5:1 A deep and growing relationship with God brings true meaning to life. This relationship pivots on true worship. True worship entails reverence. The Preacher (Teacher) warned against superficial religious expression. He understood the tendency of people to compromise sincere worship. “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God” (Ecclesiastes 5:1) was Solomon’s admonition. Here is a caution against participating in worship thoughtlessly or without adequate preparation of the heart. In Solomon’s day the temple was the focus of worship in Israel. It was easy to fall prey to going through the various temple rituals in a thoughtless manner. The Teacher or Preacher warned against offering what he called the “sacrifice of fools” (verse 1). A fool thinks that with his sacrifices he can bribe God. Foolish people believe that giving of their material wealth and doing good deeds will somehow pacify God.
They do not realize that God requires holy and righteous living. “Why do we sometimes treat the things of God as ordinary?” The longer we engage in anything, the more likely we are to take that thing for granted. This is especially dangerous when it comes to spiritual things. If we are not careful, we will find ourselves coming into the house of God without purpose, and think nothing of it. Before long, giving God the praise and worship due him gives way to other concerns. Our worship becomes dependent on whether we “feel like entering in” rather than our call to worship the Lord. Jesus declared that true worshippers would worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:23, 24). God desires such people to worship Him. We must search our hearts and ask the Lord to protect us against coming to Him in a slothful and pretentious manner. Such worship will never be acceptable in His sight.
We cannot comprehend life’s meaning without first understanding that God and only God can truly satisfy a person’s needs. When God is left out of the equation, emptiness and despair result. Your life can be full of God’s loving presence instead of the emptiness that comes with a purposeless existence. You need only to seek after Him. He will not hide himself from you. God wants you to grow daily in your knowledge of Him. He wants you to experience life in abundance. Because He dearly loves you, He longs for a deep and growing relationship with you. 1. In what ways has your knowledge of God given life meaning and purpose? 2. What keeps you from a deeper relationship with the Lord? 3. How can you share God’s promise to bring meaning to life with your unsaved friends and family?
DAILY BIBLE READING
Mon: God Provides Answer - Psalm 73:1-7
Tue: God’s Word Gives Understanding - Psalm 119:97-104
Wed: God’s Word Gives Light - Psalm 119:105-112
Thu: Trust in the Lord - Proverbs 3:1-6
Fri: Believe God’s Word - John 5:39-47
Sat: Proclaim the True God - Acts 17:22-30
________________________________________________________________________________
SOURCE: Assemblies of God Constitution Android App Tags agss
CENTRAL TRUTH
A deep and growing relationship with God brings true meaning to life.
MEMORY VERSE: Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. Proverbs 8:34
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
That at the end of this Lesson the student would be able to:
1. Explain the source of true meaning of life.
2. Live meaningfully for God.
LESSON TEXT: Ecclesiastes 1:12-13, 17; 2:4, 10-11; 4:1-3; 5:1
Ecclesiastes 1: 12. I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13. I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind! 17. Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.
Ecclesiastes 2: 4. I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. 10. I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil. 11. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 4: 1. Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed— and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors— and they have no comforter. 2. And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive. 3. But better than both is the one who has never been born, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 5: 1. Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.
LESSON OUTLINE
I. EMPTINESS OF HUMANISM
A. Worldly Wisdom Brings Sorrow
B. Human Effort Brings Disillusionment
II. EXPERIENCING DESPAIR
A. Oppressed and Helpless
B. Value of Tranquility
III. WORSHIP GOD RIGHTLY
BIBLE EXPOSITION
INTRODUCTION
Throughout the centuries, people have always sought in numerous ways to achieve a sense of meaning. For many people, this sense of meaning has proven elusive. While the human race has made tremendous strides technologically, it appears to have made little progress in its continuing search for the purpose for which it was created. In truth, people cannot find the true purpose for their existence apart from God. The Lord created man in his own image. Our purpose is to come into an eternal relationship with God that is both rich and meaningful. Sin has caused a breach between our Creator and us. But Jesus Christ died to make a relationship with God possible. Our study examines the futility of a person’s search for meaning apart from God. Additionally, it explores what the Word of God has to say about the true meaning of life. May this week’s study encourage you to live for Him!
Relationship with God brings true meaning to life
I. EMPTINESS OF HUMANISM
A. Worldly Wisdom Brings Sorrow – Ecclesiastes 1:12- 18 Tradition ascribes to Solomon authorship of the Book of Ecclesiastes. The book itself seems to bear out Solomon’s authorship (Ecclesiastes 1:1, 12). The content of Ecclesiastes is consistent with what is known about the latter part of Solomon’s life and reign over the kingdom of Israel. Solomon led Israel during a period of wealth and power. Additionally, Solomon pursued things that led him to forsake the Lord. It is possible that Ecclesiastes was written out of the perspective stemming from the futility that comes from life apart from God. The essence of secular humanism is the belief that there is no significant reality beyond man himself; it places humans at the centre of everything, leaving no place for God in human affairs. Yet in the Bible, God reveals His loving purpose in both the creation and redemption of humankind. It tells us that God created man in His own image (Genesis 1:26), and that He desires fellowship with humanity. Secular humanism denies any sense of this creative purpose. The king who wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes referred to himself simply as the Preacher (1:1, 12) or Teacher. This man devoted himself to the study and exploration of wisdom (verse 13).
What he discovered was the limitation of human wisdom and endeavour. He became discouraged with life, for he concluded that life was only a “sore travail” or “heavy burden”. He blamed God, accusing Him for being the cause of life’s problems (verse 13, 14). “Why can problems cause a believer to become discouraged with life?” Being a Christian is not a guarantee against the difficulties life can bring. Christians get sick, face financial struggles, wrestle with problems in the home, and wonder at the surprising upheavals that come with living in this world. But believers have a source of help during those difficult times. Discouragement can come when we lose sight of God’s purpose for our lives. Without the knowledge that God is at work in our lives, we can convince ourselves that nothing can be made right and that nothing good can result from trials (verse 15). Solomon spoke of the emptiness of any search for knowledge and wisdom that excludes God (verses 17, 18). Despite the fact that he exceeded everyone in wisdom and wealth, he felt his accomplishments were a “vexation of spirit” (verse 17).
Wisdom, the very thing that should have helped him cope with life, became burdensome. Human wisdom at its best is little more than “chasing after the wind” (verse 17). Life is seldom easy. But we must not focus on life’s problems. We must keep our focus on God, the solution of life’s problems. When we do this, we will not become discouraged but will realize that all things are working for our good, helping to conform us to Christ’s image (Romans 8:28, 29).
B. Human Effort Brings Disillusionment – Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
Following his disappointment with the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom apart from God, Solomon turned his attention to the folly of humanity’s pursuit of pleasure. He concluded that any striving for happiness or meaning out of the pursuit of pleasure alone could not bring satisfaction. External strivings cannot meet the yearnings of the human heart; they only bring disillusionment
(Ecclesiastes 2:1). The king’s pursuit of pleasure took many forms. He tried cheering himself with wine (verse 3). He looked for fulfilment by undertaking many building projects for both himself and his kingdom (verses 4-6). Finally, he sought fulfilment through material possessions, accumulating slaves, herds, gold, and a harem (a separate quarters for the king’s wives or concubines) of women (verses 7-9). None of these things brought him satisfaction.
Solomon declared that he had denied himself no pleasure. Anything his heart desired was his. Yet he was unfulfilled. The king concluded that everything was vanity or meaningless. Giving himself over to pleasure in all its forms, like the pursuit of human wisdom, was like chasing after the wind (verse 10, 11). It did not bring meaning to life. “Why does it seem that when you pursue pleasure, you never have enough?” Ecclesiastes reminds us of the truth that wealth, no matter how great, cannot bring real contentment to the human heart. The key to happiness is not having everything we want, but rather being content. The more we seek after the pleasures of this world the more likely we will become disappointed with life.
II. EXPERIENCING DESPAIR
A. Oppressed and Helpless. Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 Solomon’s experience led him to the conclusion that life apart from God was not only meaningless, it was also cruel. As he observed life “under the sun,” he saw only constant oppression (Ecclesiastes 4:1). He lamented that the oppressed of this world had no one to comfort them. Solomon further observed that power was on the side of the heathen despots of this world. Those who suffered at their hands were without help. Such oppression had been repeated many times throughout history. The Preacher’s conclusion is utterly negative. He declared that the dead are happier and more fortunate than the living. But even more fortunate was the one who had never been born (verse 2, 3). The injustice he observed led the Preacher to despair. Life’s lessons are undeniably hard. It is a human tendency to use power, might, and wealth to inflict harm on others. The state of the helpless is not only painful to observe, it also seems to have no solution. “What is the cause of injustice in the world?” The root cause of injustice is, of course, sin. James wrote that covetousness produces all sorts of sin (James 4:1-3).
Human beings are seldom satisfied with what they have and often use any means at their disposal to gain more. Much of this comes at the expense of the powerless. B. Value of Tranquility – Ecclesiastes 4:4-6 The Preacher saw envy as the root cause of the human pursuit of achievement and success (Ecclesiastes 4:4). Solomon saw that many hard-driving, competitive individuals did not make themselves happy by their accomplishments. This kind of striving is vain and meaningless. On the other end of the spectrum is the one Solomon called a fool (verse 5). He is lazy and may feel that the world owes him a living. His end is described in the colourful phrase “eateth his own flesh” (KJV). This simply means that such a person destroys himself. God intends for people to work and enjoy the fruit of their labour. Solomon declared that a handful with quietness (verse 6) or tranquility is better than two handfuls with unhappiness and frustration. The tranquil person is able to truly enjoy the fruit of his or her labours. Solomon wisely understood life’s many perils. He came to understand through personal experience that so much of what people pursue lead to bitterness and despair. The things most sought after by human beings ultimately leave them empty. Only God can bring us true peace, tranquility, and meaning (Philippians 4:10-13).
III. WORSHIP GOD RIGHTLY.
Ecclesiastes 5:1 A deep and growing relationship with God brings true meaning to life. This relationship pivots on true worship. True worship entails reverence. The Preacher (Teacher) warned against superficial religious expression. He understood the tendency of people to compromise sincere worship. “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God” (Ecclesiastes 5:1) was Solomon’s admonition. Here is a caution against participating in worship thoughtlessly or without adequate preparation of the heart. In Solomon’s day the temple was the focus of worship in Israel. It was easy to fall prey to going through the various temple rituals in a thoughtless manner. The Teacher or Preacher warned against offering what he called the “sacrifice of fools” (verse 1). A fool thinks that with his sacrifices he can bribe God. Foolish people believe that giving of their material wealth and doing good deeds will somehow pacify God.
They do not realize that God requires holy and righteous living. “Why do we sometimes treat the things of God as ordinary?” The longer we engage in anything, the more likely we are to take that thing for granted. This is especially dangerous when it comes to spiritual things. If we are not careful, we will find ourselves coming into the house of God without purpose, and think nothing of it. Before long, giving God the praise and worship due him gives way to other concerns. Our worship becomes dependent on whether we “feel like entering in” rather than our call to worship the Lord. Jesus declared that true worshippers would worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:23, 24). God desires such people to worship Him. We must search our hearts and ask the Lord to protect us against coming to Him in a slothful and pretentious manner. Such worship will never be acceptable in His sight.
LIFE APPLICATION
We cannot comprehend life’s meaning without first understanding that God and only God can truly satisfy a person’s needs. When God is left out of the equation, emptiness and despair result. Your life can be full of God’s loving presence instead of the emptiness that comes with a purposeless existence. You need only to seek after Him. He will not hide himself from you. God wants you to grow daily in your knowledge of Him. He wants you to experience life in abundance. Because He dearly loves you, He longs for a deep and growing relationship with you. 1. In what ways has your knowledge of God given life meaning and purpose? 2. What keeps you from a deeper relationship with the Lord? 3. How can you share God’s promise to bring meaning to life with your unsaved friends and family?
DAILY BIBLE READING
Mon: God Provides Answer - Psalm 73:1-7
Tue: God’s Word Gives Understanding - Psalm 119:97-104
Wed: God’s Word Gives Light - Psalm 119:105-112
Thu: Trust in the Lord - Proverbs 3:1-6
Fri: Believe God’s Word - John 5:39-47
Sat: Proclaim the True God - Acts 17:22-30
________________________________________________________________________________
SOURCE: Assemblies of God Constitution Android App Tags agss
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