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 FIVE: The Disappointment of Earthly Life
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRAYER CONCERNS
II. Read / Listen to Ecclesiastes 4:1-16
a. What are your initial impressions or questions? Notable translation differences?
III. The Hopelessness of Oppression (vv. 1-3)
a. Oppression does not allow common folk to enjoy their days under the sun.
b. These verses are hyperbole – exaggeration meant to show the disparity of oppression.
IV. Keeping Up with the Joneses (vv. 4-6)
a. (vs. 4) According to Solomon’s observation, what motivates a person’s labor?
b. (vv. 5-6) What examples of work ethic are given in these verses?
c. Is a strong work ethic wrong? Why or why not?
V. The Advantages of Companionship (vv. 7-12)
a. Friendship is the theme of these verses, not just marriage and family. (Genesis 2:18)
b. (vv. 7-8) What is the futility describe in these verses?
c. (vv. 9-12) A Cord of Three Strands:
i. (vv. 9-10) The Cord of Accountability. Galatians 6:1-2; James 5:19-20
ii. (vs. 11) The Cord of Unity. (This not a sexual reference) Psalm 133:1-3
iii. (vs. 12) The Cord of Resistance. Ephesians 6:10-13; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9
VI. The Futility of Political Power (vv. 13-16)
a. (vs. 13) How is this a reversal of the norm?
b. (vv. 14-16) How many kings are described here and what is the people’s reaction?
VII. Application
a. Our hearts cry out for the oppressed and we have righteous disdain for the oppressor. Corruption will not cease until Jesus brings an end to it. (Matthew 10:34; Revelation 19:15)
b. In our fallen world, friendships are a God-given means of support and encouragement – the most important being our friendship with Jesus. (John 15:14-15)
c. Lord Acton’s (1834-1902) well known phrase, “power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” is as true today as it was 100 years ago. In our world, politics are a major source of corruption. Jesus will judge the wicked. (Revelation 22:11-12)
VIII. Final Comments, Questions. Close in Prayer
Next Week: Ash Wednesday – No Class
In Two Weeks: Futility of a Self-Seeking Life
- Read Ecclesiastes 5:1-20 to prepare.
