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?

https://missio.life/home

Verses Used:

• Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
• Ecclesiastes 12:13
• Proverbs 9:10
• 1 John 4:18

Takeaways:

Seasons of Life

• Solomon says “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”
• All the things happening on earth (under heaven) there is a season, a time, a reason, even though we don’t always understand it.
• We, like Solomon, may ask: why are things in life not better than they are? If I am a follower of God, why do I have to go through winter? Why doesn’t God treat me better, why all this pain in life?
• Life is filled with contrasts. Different seasons. A time to prune and a time to flourish.
• God is the God of seasons. Whatever season you find yourself in, he sees you, and he loves you.
• Spring is a season of new beginnings. Summer is a season of lighthearted enjoyment. Fall is a season of change again, but you sense it might get worse. Winter is a season waiting and a test of your faith.

Eternity is Hardwired

• Josh points out how some say, ‘How could a loving God send people to hell?’ Josh in return asks, 'how could any person turn down God’s invitation to eternal life?'
• Relationships, pain, this life are not the way it is supposed to be. That is why people struggle so much with death.
• We long to live forever, we were not built to live with pain and death.

Fear God

• The fear of God is a deep respect and awe for who God is; holy, sovereign, just, and powerful.
• Recognize He is God and we are not.
• Proper fear brings humility: “I don’t run the universe - He does.”
• Proper fear produces worship, surrender, and obedience.
• In the end you will either face the wrath of God or the grace of God.

Discussion Questions:

• Why is it both encouraging and discouraging that we live life in seasons? What kind of season are you currently in?
• How does understanding we are hardwired for eternity give you perspective about your life now?
• How does understanding God’s character impact how you live on a daily basis?
• How have you seen parents, pastors, or teachers misrepresent God’s nature?

https://missio.life/home

Verses Used:

• Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
• 1 Kings 3:16-28
• 1 Kings 11:1-3
• John 6:35
• Matthew 22:37-39
• Psalm 16:11

Takeaways:

Limits of Pleasure

• Pleasure is a gift from God, but pleasure itself makes a lousy God.
• Solomon was distracted by pleasures that offered momentary distraction, but not lasting fulfillment
• People all around us and maybe even ourselves, run after pleasure to escape emptiness - but it never fully satisfies.

Limit of Accomplishments

• Solomon’s accomplishments didn’t answer the deeper questions of purpose.
• Accomplishments in life are like pleasure; they distract but do not truly satisfy.

True Satisfaction

• Looking for meaning and purpose in this life is hopeless - apart from Jesus.
• The invitation from Jesus is to do life with him. To walk in his ways, enjoying life but with true meaning.

Discussion Questions:

• What are some of the things God has given to us to enjoy in this life?
• Why does pleasure fall short of satisfying the deep longing of our hearts?
• What kinds of accomplishments do you see people chase? Why do they disappoint?
• Why do you think it’s hard to believe that Jesus offers true satisfaction?

https://missio.life/home