Verses Used:

• Ecclesiastes 9:7-10
• Ecclesiastes 2:24-25
• Ecclesiastes 3:13
• Ecclesiastes 5:19-20
• Ephesians 5:18
• 1 Corinthians 10:31
• John 6
• Matthew 22:24-30
• 1 Corinthians 15:58

Takeaways:

Enjoy Simple Gifts

• Enjoy the simple gifts in life that God has given to us with a joyful heart.
• Solomon encourages his readers to enjoy food, drink, clothing, and oil.
• However difficult it can be, this life is also a gift.
• Gifts of God can become sinful things when the heart longs for them.
• Gluttony - Self indulgence, lack of self-control, and misplaced satisfaction.
• Jesus’ point is that our souls are really longing for him. He is true food and drink.
• Jesus says He is the source of that joy.
• Key thought - God gives us permission to enjoy life, even in a broken world.

Cherish Those You Love

• Life is short. It’s a mist, a vapor. So don’t waste your relationships.
• Enjoy your marriage. Call your friends. Hug your kids. Forgive often. Say, “I love you” more, because we’re not guaranteed tomorrow.
• Life isn’t just about what we can get out of it, but it’s about sharing life deeply with others.
• Love people well - it’s one of the greatest ways we honor God in our time on Earth.

Work with Heart

• God reveals himself by the works of his hands.
• Solomon was living before Jesus, we live after Jesus. Even so, we can still learn from Solomon’s reminder that life is short. Life ends.
• So no matter what you do in life, do it with passion. The work you are doing now serves other people, and the purposes God has for you. Your work is bigger than just your paycheck.

Discussion Questions:

• God gives his people simple gifts to enjoy. How does this show us what God is like?
• What are some practical ways to make life count with your loved ones?
• Why do you think so many people struggle to enjoy their work?
• How does reflecting on the brevity of life help us live wisely?

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