Ecclesiastes – Eat, Drink and be Merry for Tomorrow

The world preaches that life is all about being happy and doing what you want to do. What does the bible say? Join us at 10:30am this Sunday as Pastor David continues through the challenging, yet interesting book of Ecclesiastes.

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-II Tim. 3:1-4, Ecclesiastes 2:10-11

For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.  (I Peter 4:3-5)   (also Isaiah 5:11-12b,  Genesis 6:5)

Q: Will another party/another partner satisfy my soul?

Q: Is keeping “me, myself and I” happy all the time what life is all about?

Q: Is there something out there that will give me the “ultimate high”?

1. GOD WANTS YOU TO ______________ (5:18-20)

-Genesis 2:15-17

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving… Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.(I Tim. 4:4; 6:17)

2.  IT IS A TRAGEDY TO __________ AND NOT ENJOY. (2: 24-25; 6:1-7)

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)   

3. PLEASURE HAS A SHORT __________- ________. (9:7-9; 11:9; 12:1)

4. PLEASURE MUST NEVER BE ALLOWED TO _____________ THE ULTIMATE ISSUES OF LIFE.  (7:1-4)

He (Moses) chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. (Hebrews 11:25-26)

When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, “At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger!  I will go home to my father and say, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’ So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.  (Luke 15:17-20)

You will make known to me the path of life. In Your presence is fullness of joy;      In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. (Psalm 16:11)

Digging Deeper

Q1: What examples of hedonism do you see in our society today?  Do you think things are worse than they were in the days of Noah?  Why or why not?

Q2: Study II Timothy 3:1-4.  What do these verses teach you about the love of pleasure?

Q3: What are some things you enjoy?  What is it about them that you like so much?

Does your relationship with the Lord intensify your enjoyment?  If so, how?

Q4: Read I John 2:15-17.  What reasons does John give to encourage us not invest in loving this world?

Q5: Have you seen examples of pleasure having a short shelf-life?  If so, explain.

Q6: List what you would you consider to be the top 3 or 4 ultimate issues of life?  Why did you put those items on your list?  

Q7: If you were to choose one or two passages of scripture to read to someone who was in the last stages of dying, what would you choose?  Why?

Q8: Re-read Hebrews 11:25-26.  What connection is there between Moses and Jesus?  Does this connection surprise you?  If so, how?