Victory Fellowship Bible Study
273 23rd St. S.W., Barberton, OH 44203
Wednesdays at 7pm
Rev. Roderick D. Grabski (330) 858-0223
arod4God@neo.rr.com FACEBOOK: Roderick Grabski
CLASS THREE: The Vanity of Pleasure & Wealth
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRAYER CONCERNS
II. Read / Listen to Ecclesiastes 2:1-26
a. What are your initial impressions or questions? Notable translation differences?
III. The Emptiness of Seeking Pleasure Apart from God (vv. 1-3)
a. These verses summarize all of verses 1-11 in what Solomon set out to experience. What 4 things did he test and what was the result?
b. (vs. 3) Folly refers to parties, self-indulgence, and frivolities. What does the preacher mean when he says he let his body enjoy life but his mind still guided him with wisdom?
IV. The Emptiness of Acquiring Possessions (vv. 4-11)
a. (vv. 4-8) What all is listed here that Solomon acquired?
i. See 1 Kings 4:21-26; 10:23-27
b. Compare various translations of verse 8.What indulgences are mentioned?
c. (vs. 9) Why is it important that Solomon’s wisdom remained with him?
d. (vv. 10-11) What was Solomon’s reward for all his pleasure and struggles?
i. 1 Kings 14:25-26
V. The Relative Value of Wisdom (vv. 12-17)
a. (vs. 12) Compare various translations of this verse. The verse is literally translated, for what is the man who will come after the king they have already made. This might be a reflection of Genesis 1:26.
b. (vv. 13-17) According to the preacher what is better, wisdom or folly? What do they share in common?
VI. The Futility of Work (vv. 18-23)
a. (vv. 18-19) Why did Solomon hate all the work that he had done?
b. (vv. 20-23) What is it that causes him to despair over all his work?
VII. The Missing Ingredient (vv. 24-26)
a. (vv. 24-25) This is a warning against excess. How do we truly enjoy life?
b. (vs. 26) What is this verse suggesting?
i. See Proverbs 13:22 and Matthew 25:14-30
VIII. Application
a. God will use affliction to show us where the truly meaningful life is found. (James 1:1-4)
b. Various diversions in life such as hobbies, shopping, and sports are not wrong so long as they don’t keep us from reflecting on and nurturing our relationship with God. (Matthew 6:25, 33)
c. The greatest joy comes from knowing God and walking in faith. (Psalm 16:11)
IX. Final Comments, Questions. Close in Prayer
Next Week: A Prudent Attitude Toward Life
- Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 to prepare.
