The Gift of Life

November 20, 2016 Speaker: Joel Sutton Series: Chasing after Meaning

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 11:7– 12:14

The Gift of Life

Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:14



God’s Text Messages to us:

Text #1: Rejoice in your life now. 11:7-10

Text #2: Remember that God is the giver of life . 12:1

Text #3: Reflect on the brevity of life. 12:1-8

Text #4: Recognize the certainty of judgment. 12:13-14

Punchline: Fear God and keep his commandments.

Take Home Idea: Your life is a gift from God, so use it wisely.

 

 

 

"The Gift of Life" Small Group Questions

Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:14

 

Opening:

As you grow older, which do you want to hold on to most: a) youthful body? b) youthful mind? c) youthful heart?

Review Pastor Joel's sermon and Take Home Idea. What struck you about the sermon?

What do you have questions about?

Dig:

What are the contrasts the Preacher makes in 11:7-10? How do they balance each other?

Two times the writer encourages us to “enjoy life” (11:8,9). What qualifies that joy we are to experience?

What does the Preacher mean when he says, “Remember your Creator” in 12:1? Why should we remember our Creator?

What picture does the Preacher paint in 12:1-7? Can you identify the different images he uses? Is this picture positive, negative or neutral?

How is the Preacher described in 12:9-10?

What is the purpose of this book of Ecclesiastes according to 12:11-12?

What is the punchline of the whole book (12:13-14)? What does it mean to “fear God” (cf: Prov. 1:9; Luke 12:4-5; 23:39-40)?

Reflect:

How does fearing God provide meaning and significance to one’s life?

How much does the truth of eternal consequences affect your daily life?

How can you “Remember your Creator”? How can you help your children do so?

Close this time sharing and praying together as a group.

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