Inspiration for Today's World

Category: Studies (Page 7 of 7)

Who was Jesus Really?

Jesus wept.

~John 11:35

Lesson4-image001Materials: None needed.

Notes to the Leader: This is a discussion study. Begin with questions and encourage the group to talk about what they are familiar with. Read Bible verses only after some discussion and then go back and ask the question again to see if the verse has given ideas to your group.

Introduction: Tear (tir) is a watery, slightly alkaline secretion that protects and lubricates the eyes. Tears contain salt and also an antibacterial enzyme (lysozyme) that prevents the eye from becoming infected. Tears are secreted by the lacrimal glands around the eyes. Lacrimal apparatus is the anatomical name for the structures in each eye that produce and drain tears. The lacrimal gland lies in a notch in the upper, outer corner of the bony eye socket. The tears it secretes are carried in 12 small ducts to the surface of the eyeball. They are washed across the eye by the action of blinking. Two ducts at the inner corner of the eye drain the tears into the lacrimal sac and then to the back of the nose.

What can we learn from observing our environment?

  • Read Romans 1:20

Who can doubt that man was created through the hand of God not by chance or freak of nature when you observe the human eye. It is through our sight that we know there is a God and by our eye that we can be assured that we are of His creation (Romans 1:19).

  • Read two definitions for the word weep. Select an old and new dictionary.

What is the difference between the definitions below?

  • To manifest grief or anguish by tears; shed tears, as from sorrow, unhappiness, or any overpowering emotion; cry: to weep for joy or rage. THE AMERICAN COLLEGE DICTIONARY, by Random House, 1948
  • To express deep sorrow by shedding tears. WEBSTER’S DICTIONARY, BY Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 1999

Our language has changed in the past 50 years. You or your parents and grandparents learned that we could weep for both sorrow and joy. Our society has changed and reduced the meaning to only include sorrow.

Why should you care that the “Dictionary” has changed in 50 years?

  • When you struggle to make children, parents, grandparents or any adult understand each other’s point of view, remember that the World and its “darkness” attacks peace many ways. There is no better way to disrupt human communication and understanding than to teach each generation an ever-changing language. Each of you must always seek your own truth and understanding. Don’t take what the world gives you without seeking God’s wisdom through the Bible.

Why do we cry?

  • Joy – an outpouring of positive emotion
  • Sorrow – an outpouring of negative emotion
  • Pain – a response to physical stimuli

Does crying and do tears have a purpose?

  • Psychological purposes – release of emotion, generates endorphins, generates responses from those around us
  • Physical purposes – reduces inflammation of the eyes, protects the eyes, we feel better

What can we tell about Jesus if he could cry?

  • He could feel emotions (joy, sorrow, pain)
  • He offered proof of his humanity (see the anatomical structure of the eye)
  • Jesus felt the emotions of friendship (Lazarus was His friend)

Why should this be important to any of us?

  • Jesus was demonstrating that He was not only God but He really was a real person (man) too. Jesus was a human being. Jesus can be a friend as well as a Savior.

So why should we care that Jesus was both God and a person like us?

  • We cannot see God, He is invisible.
  • We cannot comprehend God, He is omnipresent.
  • We cannot duplicate any of God’s actions such as to create life.
  • Bottom Line: We the human race need an intercessor to bridge between us and God. Jesus is visible, real, and capable of a personal relationship with each of us. Through His friendship, His caring nature, His saving act of mercy, each of us is given hope.

What is an intercessor?

  • Someone who functions an intermediary, a go between, a translator for two parties.

What makes a good intermediary?

  • Understands the position of both sides
  • Has a balanced point of view
  • Will be fair

If Jesus could not experience the emotions of tears and crying, would He make an effective intermediary?

  • Probably not. Because Jesus is human, He knows our pain, our joy, and our sorrow first hand. Because Jesus is God, He knows mercy, fairness and judgment. Jesus is the perfect intermediary for mankind.

If Jesus knew that He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead anyway, why should He bother to weep?

There were benefits to Jesus’ human side as well as those around Him.

What is accomplished when we share grief or joy with others?

  • We come to a common ground, an understanding of the other person’s emotions.

If you now believe that Jesus knows our joy, pain, and sorrow, how should that make you feel?

  • You can share common ground with Jesus (your joy, pain, and sorrow)
  • You can believe that Jesus knows your feelings.
  • You can know that Jesus will help you.
  • Note: The Bible (NIV) has the word cry – 217 times, cried – 94 times, weep – 48 times, weeping – 56 times, and wept – 53 times. That is a total of 468 times. The word “joy,” was used only 218 times, only half as much. God knows that life in the World is hard and He gave us an understanding Savior, Jesus, to help us every day of our lives.

Can you find the emotions being expressed in these Scripture verses?

  • Luke 7:37-38 = repentance
  • Acts 20:34-37 = joy/gratitude
  • John 20:11 = sadness
  • Luke 22:61-62 = sin/guilt
  • Hosea 12:2-6 = fear

Jesus wept elsewhere in Scripture. Read Luke 19:41 – 46.

How does Jesus’ tears for the city of Jerusalem and His actions differ from the example with Lazarus?

  • Jesus wept for the lost souls of the city but did not take sins of the city lightly. It is important to recognize that Jesus holds each of us accountable for our actions.

Bible Truth Being Taught

Jesus is as much a human as He is God. In this, each of us must take great comfort in the knowledge that Jesus is the only binding to God’s saving grace.

Our Life Response

To seek Jesus in all our joy, pain and sorrow. For He is our true friend as well as our savior.

Studies

The Bible Studies were developed for a discussion format.  No prior preparation of the group is required.  Each study includes relevant Scripture notations, discussion topics and some probable answers to aid the leader in preparation.  Use the links below to open the study.  Need some tips?  See the Leading Studies section. A few of these are especially suited for youth and you can find them here. To see them all, click here.

One must be careful when using God’s Word. Literal meanings are often misleading if not combined with a broader perspective. Solomon’s Ecclesiastes reflects an incorrect view of life. Yet when it is combined with the New Testament, adds clarity. The Bible Truth being shared is that life’s meaning cannot be found apart from a personal relationship with the Lord.

Prayer is one of those wonderful gifts given to mankind by God. This is both a lesson and a class project intended to build awareness of the power of prayer and create great habits that can last a lifetime.  The Bible Truth shared here is that prayer works.

The world is tough on Christians. This study looks at the safe places Christians can go to. The Bible Truth being shared is that we can find salvation, refuge and support within any community that is gathered in Jesus’ name and shares with each other.

Church life is filled with issues. That is nothing new. The Apostle Paul helps us focus on the real vision of Christ’s Church. The Bible Truth being shared is that Church of Christ is an inclusive worldwide fellowship of believers who praise their one God in every nation, in every language and with every race of people.

This study looks at several parables in Luke. The Bible Truth being shared is that God is in control and asks for persistent faith from each of us.

This study reviews the basic premise that people are inherently fearful and must rely on faith. The Bible Truth being shared is that each of us is separated from our God by our own sinful nature. It is the sacrifice of Jesus and our faith in Him that offers us eternal life.

This study begins with a review of the seven covenants made by God to mankind. It examines the lost art of walking your talk. The Bible Truth being shared is that spiritual joy is the blessing and the reward of the faithful who believe in their God. Worry and concern are the burden of those weak in their faith who do not know their God.

With literally millions of religions in the world, and all claiming to be the right one, it is not easy to understand nor believe that the only way one can be saved is through Christ. This study looks at the Christian belief that only faith in Christ and reliance on the Holy Spirit can enable a person to do what he or she knows is right.

By studying and comparing how Jesus interacts with Zaccheus, the tax collector, we can begin to understand how Jesus will interact with us.

The Antichrist will be a powerful, supernatural foe of all Christians. This study will look at how we must hold on to the teachings of the Word of God and that Christ will triumph over the Antichrist.

There is frequently a lot of discussion on spiritual gifts. The Apostle Paul establishes the logic in Romans. This study looks at the fact that we all are living sacrifices and our lives are offerings to God. It should be our goal to be part of a community of faith in which worship is expressed in the way we live together and serve each other, not just on Sunday.

There is often confusion between forgiveness and giving up sinful ways. If one is forgiven, do they have to be concerned with how they lead their lives? The Bible Truth being shared by the Apostle Paul is that, through faith, Christians enter a relationship with Christ, enabling them to break free of sin in their lives and to live consistent with the will of God.

One of the most confusing concepts to Christianity is repentance. It is not just saying we are sorry. Repentance requires both acknowledgement and redirection. The Bible Truth being shared is that as humans, we sin and fall short of God’s glory. Repentance and obedience must follow for God’s people to enjoy His blessing.

Is there any middle ground upon which a person can stand before Christ? It is not so obvious a question when we consider the Lukewarm lives filling the Christian world today. The Bible Truth shared by this study is to recognize that hypocrisy is abhorrent to the Lord and to avoid the pitfalls of empty religion. The Christian life is one that is constantly under construction, allowing God’s Sp

There is “Good News” and bad news.  Bad news first?  To be a Christian is not easy.  Good news, however, its worth the struggle.  The Bible Truth shared by this study is see that as we stand strong against the pressures of life, we learn obedience through God’s loving discipline.

Standing firm, being fearful, putting our trust into friends; these are some of the issues discussed in this study. The Bible Truth shared by this study is that God wants our relationship with Him to be based on faith, not fear.

There are times when society and all of its problems seem overwhelming. Politics as usual just wear away at our energy levels. So why try to change the inevitable? The study looks at the risks associated with following Christ.

Bible studies can become theoretical discussions on theology, history or about the other person down the street. This study brings focus to what is expected when we claim our faith in Christ. The Bible Truth shared by this study is that the grace of God and our justification by faith are not just for discussion or debate, but have practical implications for changing the lives of believers.

One of the principles established in the Reformation is that a person can not isolate themselves and Christian fellowship is a necessity. The Bible Truth shared by this study is that he Apostle Paul was not a “loaner,” but that he served the Lord in fellowship with other believers and, thereby, discovered a source of joy and strength.

Is there consequence for sin? Do we have accountable relationships to point out our failings? This study of David and Bathsheba looks at those topics and addresses the topic of discipline for our children. The Bible Truth shared by this study is that God is the only authority over discipline. It is our faith in His perfect will that the consequences of one’s actions are for His purpose of salvation.

After choosing Christ, What should the next decision be for every Christian? The Bible Truth shared by this study is that submission is the proper response to God’s Word, while selection (choosing only parts of God’s Word) is the outcome of sinfulness.

What does it mean to share the Gospel? The Bible Truth shared by this study is that God accepts anyone and everyone who responds to Him, without regard to race, national origin, or culture. Therefore, it is our responsibility to include everyone.

Is there such a thing as a politically correct Christian? The Bible Truth shared by this study is that Christ does not call us to seek common ground nor neutrality with regard to our faith. You are either with Him or against Him.

As Christians, we cannot isolate ourselves from the world that seems to be out to get us. This is not a new problem. The Bible Truth shared by this study is that sin can enter any Christian’s life but it is through God’s Word that we understand the sin and are moved to repentance.

Moses provides us his last view of the world and shares what is important.  The Bible Truth shared by this study is that mankind’s mortality comes from our sin.  Don’t fret, however.  We have a God that will listen to us and provide us ways to please Him so that our mortality is given purpose. 

Who helps you with Bible Study? Are you a Bible Study Leader? God is most concerned that those who lead do so correctly and those who learn are discerning. This is not a new problem. The Bible Truth in this study is to become aware of the deceptiveness of faulty teaching, and to learn to deal graciously with the difficult people in our lives, through prayer and faith in Jesus Christ.

To study the Old Testament is to learn from our ancestor’s mistakes. Time after time, God provides opportunities in spite of rejection. The Bible Truth in this study is that God can restore those who are spiritually dead. However, seizing the opportunity is our responsibility.

Sex is never an easy subject to talk about in public, especially in church. This study will explore the Biblical view of sex. The Bible Truth shared by this study is that romance between a husband and wife is a beautiful and holy thing in God’s eyes; it pictures the passionate relationship that exists between Himself and His ransomed people.

Courtship, marriage have times of insecurity. Again, Solomon leaves us his perspective on the proper relationship between man and woman. The Bible Truth shared by this study is that marriage partners can give one another a sense of security in their relationship by the practice of honest, thoughtful, deliberate praise.

Why does God allow so many trials in our lives? This study looks at the persecution of the early Christian church and its impact on spreading the Gospel’s message. The Bible Truth being shared is that God uses persecution and discomfort to release His people from being comfortable and to get them to work on His priorities.

The Apostle Paul’s view of the role of women in the Church is often misunderstood and taken out of context. This study looks at a very controversial Scripture verse and discusses various methods for improving study and understanding God’s Word. The Bible Truth being shared is that God created men and women to share His world and to share Christ’s work — Equally.

This is study that looks at the conflicts between the Christian and those who have authority over us. Is it ever OK to look the other way? The Bible Truth shared is that we honor our God through appropriate submission to authorities.

The Christian life can be described as a balancing act: faith, work and war. Called to be faithful, God’s kingdom is not advanced without the sweat of His followers nor does it survive without the blood of His people. The Bible Truth being shared is that by trusting in God and uniting together, people can overcome seemingly impossible obstacles.

Solomon was called the “widest man who ever lived” yet he struggled to understand his purpose in life. The Bible Truth being shared is that we are in God’s hands, and can be confident He will work in every experience to do good.

The Bible frequently groups somewhat diverse topics into compact Godly wisdom. As the Apostle Paul writes Timothy, he discusses the elderly, widows and choosing church officers. The Bible Truth being shared is that God sees the human heart without gender, color or age and that each of us is given the opportunity to grow in faith and trust.

In a world focused on self-interests and winning, humility is often hard to find. The Bible Truth being shared is that God never forgets His people. It is the humble and redemptive heart that can always find God. After a time of consequence for our sins, God renews His relationship of love with each of us.

This is a sample study that was created for a senior high youth group. It uses the lyrics from rock music to teach that in a world filled with “music,” it is best to listen with a discerning ear.

This study uses a very powerful visual demonstration to emphasize the importance of placing God in our life early. The Bible Truth being shared is that our God provides us with many choices that we can freely make but He expects to be the first choice we make each day.

To some, their conversion (acceptance of Jesus) was dramatic and, to others, just part of their life. With the Apostle Paul, his road to Damascus experience would become one of the most dramatic conversions of history. This study looks at what happens when a person really comes to see who Jesus is, how they begin to live a new life, and how they are likely to begin to tell others what they see, even though it may be costly to do so.

Topics like sex, marriage and divorce are complex. However, they are addressed in the Bible. This study looks at being members of Christ’s Church and its practical implications that affect a person’s sex life, marital choices, and personal relationship with the world.

The Apostle Stephen was the first Christian martyr. From Stephen’s defense, much can be learned about God’s expectations with respect to His Church. This study looks at how God meets His people anywhere. No human structure can contain Him. Yet people easily seem to turn sacred places and experiences with God into idols they worship instead of God.

The world’s view on sex and marriage is changing every day.  The media, peer pressure, music, books, all portray sex outside of marriage as a normal part of life.  Yet, this behavior cannot be supported Biblically.  This study looks at how God joins man and woman to serve each other with respect and honor.  This is gained by viewing sex as part of God’s plan for a man and woman after they have committed their relationship to God.  The Study uses Solomon’s Song of Songs.

Many people struggle with finding or even defining the behavior of the perfect “church.” Here we look at the Apostle Paul’s relationships with the early Christians in Rome. The Bible Truth taught in this study is that the body of Christ, the Church, defined as a longing to be with fellow members, praying for one another, serving one another’s needs, and maintaining personally connected to one another.

Much can be learned by studying the struggles of the first Christians as they established our Church. This study looks at the sovereign strategy of the Holy Spirit and the daring of a few pioneering Jewish believers, the Good News about the Lord Jesus spread to the Gentiles.

This study looks at Proverb 31, the last Proverb providing an excellent insight to the Biblical relationships and role of a woman in Old Testament times. The Bible Truth being shared is that the Bible acknowledges the worth and influence of godly women, and describes them as possessing a full complement of capabilities and gifts as persons created in the image of God.

This study looks at the book of Isaiah and discusses the proper Christian response for both good times and hard times. The Bible Truth being shared is that God wants us to respond to life’s hardships by remaining faithful to Him, rather than to act like foolish people, forgetting Him in good times and turning to Him in hard times.

In this study, we will see the softer, more compassionate side of Nehemiah. You will also cover the importance of mission and generosity. The study also looks at division among believers and the danger it represents. The Bible Truth being shared is that When God’s people become divided and harm one another, only their commitment to His Word can reunite them.

Satan is never a very popular subject but this study provides a real insight to his character and power. The Bible Truth being shared is that human trials are part of an invisible conflict in which God uses people to demonstrate His glory and goodness to the angelic world.

A study in Mark walks through family and wealth to understand the human side of our Savior. The Bible Truth being shared is that Jesus came as a servant of mankind, not a ruler.

Using the history of the compass, this study links the attributes of a navigation aid with Jesus, the perfect compass for guiding us to our gracious God.  The Bible Truth being shared is that Jesus gives us the only view earthly mankind will ever have of God. The only way to God is to trust that Jesus knows the way and to follow Him. 

Our God has made us promises. This study reviews His seven key covenants and then focuses on how God’s temple is really built in the world. The Bible Truth being shared is that we are called to build God’s Church, both physically with bricks and mortar; and with lives, focused on just behavior, mercy and humility.

A study based on the parable of the shrewd manager helps to draw the proper response to Christ’s call for each Christian to be a good steward of His resources. The Bible Truth being shared is that to walk with Christ requires self-motivation, self-denial and self-control.

This study weaves Old and New Testament views of death together into a hope-filled story by looking at the erroneous thinking of Solomon on death. The Bible Truth being shared is that death may be the destiny of the living, but it is not the end.

A study on the shortest verse in the Bible, John 11:35 “Jesus wept.”  This is a discussion proving that even the verse every child first learns can stimulate discussion and provoke thought today.  The study takes a close look at the human character of our Savior.  The Bible Truth being shared is that Jesus is as much a human as He is God. In this, each of us is to take great comfort in the knowledge that Jesus is the only binding to God’s saving grace.

The benefits of a Christian life are too often pushed out to the next world. Yet by looking at David and his walk with God, we can see that there are earthly benefits to trusting God. The study emphasizes that we must be in constant obedience to God and earnestly seek His will, building spiritual character in order that we may meet life’s stresses and find strength and confidence in the Lord.

The Gospel of John may be the perfect place for a beginning Bible student to start their amazing journey. John’s use of words to describe our Christ help us understand who Jesus is. The study takes a close look at the human character of our Savior and to see Him as both deity and man. Our life’s response to this lesson is to understand that every part of Scripture has been given to us so that we may come to have a personal relationship with Christ.

Mankind has always struggled with his own significance. This study looks at placing God higher than man. The Bible Truth being shared is that true wisdom is based on a humble attitude that acknowledges the limits of human knowledge, the greatness of God, and the reliability of God’s Word.

 

A Closer Look

Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun

~Ecclesiastes 4:1a

goldcoinsMaterials Needed: White board or easel.

Notes to the Leader: Ecclesiastes is a difficult book of the Old Testament to lead because you cannot take the verses literally. Solomon, of Ecclesiastes was documenting his methodical and logical assessment of life. However, Solomon was wrong about much of life. Therefore, the approach to study this Scripture is to search for the error in Solomon’s thought processes by comparing his logic to that found in the New Testament.

Introduction

How do you rationalized the constant wars, suffering and perversion within the world?

  • Losing hope is a terrible thing. In the next two Bible chapters, you will follow the thinking of Solomon to see how he came to accept that life is not fair and has no meaning at all.
  • What are some of the day to day things that seem so unfair to you?

This is a good place to use a whiteboard or easel and let your group make a list for you.

  • Picking the wrong line at the supermarket
  • Leaving my umbrella in the car on the day it rains
  • Having the wind blow down my fence
  • A leak in the plumbing just before company comes over

Please feel free to make your list as large as you wish
Solomon’s observations on life’s unfairness pushed him toward deeper despair. For us, his thoughts should make us aware of how empty life is apart from God.

Section One: The Oppression in Today’s Society

Have someone in your group read Ecclesiastes 4:1-3.

What do you see in Solomon’s observations of those oppressed?

  • Great sadness on Solomon’s part. He sees that no one is on the side of the oppressed. Solomon states that those who are dead are better off than the living.
  • Stop for a moment and reflect upon who Solomon was, the power he held, the wealth he had and the pleasures that were his only for the asking.

Are you surprised by the depth of Solomon’s despair?

If you are surprised, then

Why do you think that our society spends so much time and energy trying to get what Solomon had?

  • We are in a world that is Satan’s domain. There are many “great lies” that abound from the depths of sin. One of the greatest lies is that “just doing it” or “just having it” will be satisfying.

What makes up the components of Solomon’s great sadness?

  • The victims are truly helpless
  • No one seems to care

How did the Old Testament Law address these concerns for people?

It forbade the wealthy from taking advantage of the poor. Each person was duty bound to help relieve the suffering of those in need. (Lev. 19:15; 25:23-24, 35-37; Deut. 15:12-14)

What was Solomon concluding in this area?

The Law was ignored. God and man can legislate but human hearts are hard. Therefore, each is left to face this great unfairness alone.

  • How could those who exist in our world outside the great Church come to this same conclusion?

When the Church fails to demonstrate its obedience to God, its love and compassion for mankind, it is easy to draw the same conclusion that Solomon came to.
Now have someone read James 5:1-7.

How does James contrast Solomon’s conclusions?

  • James states that it is those with wealth, those who have oppressed that will be judged accordingly.

Section Two: The Motivation Behind Achievement

Have someone in your group read Ecclesiastes 4:4-6.

What are the interesting conclusions that you draw from these verses?

  • Hard work brings success.
  • Most who focus on achievement have, at best, mixed motives.
  • Society fosters this competitive spirit.
  • Achievement can only be measured in relation to the achievement of others, hence, the bad motives.

What are Solomon’s conclusions concerning achievements?

  • We find goals only through observation and, even when the motives are pure, all achievement is illusionary.

Is Solomon saying that it is better to settle for mediocrity than to chase for success and excellence?

  • Yes, he is. Remember, however, that Solomon viewed excellence, worth, and value in surpassing others as a deeply ingrained sinful human trait.
    Let us look to the New Testament to see with broader perspective this same issue.

What are the attributes of the way of life noted in these verses?

Romans 12:3 – Do not think of yourself too highly. Use your gifts in service to others.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:6 – Do not be prideful.
  • Philippians 2:3-4 – Maintain an attitude of unity and spirit. Do not be motivated with selfish ambition. Consider the interests of others.
  • Galatians 6:4 – Test our own actions. Beware of comparisons with others.

We are to strive to serve not surpass. Is this so different than the Old Testament?

  • No. However, we have Christ as our new model of service. Could the Old Testament model have worked without a Savior such as Christ to show us this new model of serving?
  • No. God, again, knew just what to do. He is the Master Builder.

Section Three: The Fate of Mankind

Have someone in your group read Ecclesiastes 4:7-12.

  • Solomon points out the isolation of the “man all alone.” Yet he also describes several benefits of community. Where has Solomon fallen short on his assessment of people working together?
  • Solomon points only to the external advantages of association. There was no inner bonding of the individuals, no real change in their isolation despite the agreement to work together.

Have someone in your group read Ecclesiastes 4:13:16.

Can you find the point of Solomon’s example here?

  • Isolation occurs regardless of one’s position in life, according to Solomon. There is no permanence in the social bonds created by status. Every king is displace by his successor. Every generation displaced by the next generation.

Have someone in your group read Ephesians 3:14-19.

What is the great gift of community that God has given us today?

  • Christ.

Are we as individuals ever alone as Solomon saw the human isolation?

  • Never, because we have Christ. We always must remember that Christ is alive and with us. He is not just a historical Savior.

Section Four: The Mystery Of God

Have someone in your group read Ecclesiastes 5:1-7.

Solomon stood in awe of God. He saw people making so many mistakes. What were those mistakes?

  • People rushed to sacrifice before God, unaware of their own sinfulness. (5.1)
  • Some hurry to make long prayers, unaware of the great gulf between God in heaven and man on earth. (5.2)
  • Solomon was critical of those making rash promises to God, only to later try to take them back. (5:4-6) Such action was disrespectful to a God who could wipe out everything. (5:6)
  • Keep your vows/promises to God. Before you make them, think carefully and then rush to fill them.

While Solomon’s observations and advice reflect his own uncertainty about God’s relationship with human beings, he did stand in awe of God. Where did Solomon go wrong?

  • He simply stood there, unwilling to chance any kind of approach to God.
  • Have someone in your group read Hebrews 4:15-16.

What type of confidence should we have in Christ and why?

  • He has been there and done that. Christ can relate to us. He has been granted the authority. We are to go with certainty.

Section Five: The Value Of Wealth

Have someone in your group read Ecclesiastes 5:8-17.

What does Solomon see wrong with wealth?

  • The workers earnings are appropriated by the government (vv. 8-9)
  • The love of riches can never be satisfied however much a person has (v. 10)
  • Expenses increase with income and consume accrued wealth (v. 11)
  • The wealthy have more to be anxious about than the ordinary man (v. 12)

Bible Truth Being Taught

The basic error was that Solomon believed through knowledge, observation or experimentation, all things in God’s world could be understood. When this logical strategy did not yield the answers and satisfaction he was searching for, Solomon became depressed and gave up hope.

Our Response

To understand that true joy comes only through a loving relationship with our God, not our knowledge of the world.

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