The Answer to Our World's Trouble

Ecclesiastes 4:1-12

Three Problems in the World:

Problem of Injustice: No Comfort vv. 1-3

Problem of Purposelessness: No Point vv. 4-6

Problem of Isolation: No Companion vv 7-8

Power of Community vv. 9-12

God’s Answer: The Church

Take Home Idea: When filled with God’s Spirit, the church is the answer to many of the problems of life in a fallen, broken world.

"The Answer to Our World's Trouble" Small Group Questions

Ecclesiastes 4:1-12

Opening:

When in life were you most in need of a friend? Did one come?

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

What do you have questions about?

Dig:

Name the three problems Solomon sees as he looks around (vv. 1-3; 4-6; 7-8. Pastor Joel identified them in his sermon.)? How would you title each of the three sections?

Who are the “oppressed” in vs. 1? Who are the “oppressors”?

Why does the Preacher say that the dead are happier than the living?

What does he say is the primary motivation for mankind (vs. 4)?

What is the contrast in vs. 4 & vs. 5? What insight does Solomon give us in vs. 6?

How materially success if this man in vs. 8? At what cost?  What is he questioning?

What are the benefits of community in vv. 9-12?  How is community a counter-weight to the problems Solomon lists in vv. 1-8?

Reflect:

How can the church be the answer for the need for community? Where have you found community in a church?

Where would you be spiritually if it were not for other’s help?

How can you be part of a three-fold cord, strengthening others?

Close this time sharing and praying together as a group.