A Grand Illusion

Ecclesiastes 5:10-20

Limitations of Money:

1.  Money doesn’t satisfy. vs. 10
2.  Money doesn’t come alone. vs. 11
3.  Money makes a poor pillow. vs.12
4.  Money brings no guarantees. vv. 13-14
5.  Money can’t go with you. vv. 15-17
   
   

Two Questions:

What is the benefit? vs. 11

What gain is there? vs. 16

Conclusion: Focus on God and His Grace. vv. 18-20

Take Home Idea: Instead of focusing on money, focus yourself on God and his grace.

"A Grand Illusion" Small Group Questions

Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:6

Opening:

What fun activity in life do you not get enough time for?

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

What do you have questions about?

Dig:

What were the five observations about the limitations of money that Solomon makes in this passage? (vs. 10, 11, 12, 13-14, 15-17). Do you agree with these observations or not?

What were the two questions he asks? (vs. 11, 16). What is the point of each question?

What is the “grievous evil” of vv. 13-15? Or of vv. 16-17?

In 5:18-20, what does the Preacher conclude is “good and proper”?

When the Preacher brings God into the discussion, how does that change his perspective?

Reflect:

What priority does the pursuit of wealth and work have in your life? What are you expecting that your life’s work will give you in the end?

Which of the five observations is the one that you need to keep most in mind?

How much “gladness of heart” do you presently experience in your “labor under the sun”?

How can you focus on God, His gracious gifts, and His righteousness?

Close this time sharing and praying together as a group.