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 SEVEN: Ambition & Desire Frustrated / Word to the Wise
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRAYER CONCERNS
II. Read / Listen to Ecclesiastes 6:1-12
a. What are your initial impressions or questions? Notable translation differences?
III. Without God, Life is Futile (6:1-6)
a. (vv. 1-2) How might a rich man not enjoy his riches?
b. (vv. 3-6) In biblical times it was a sign of God’s blessing to have many children (Psalm 127:3-5). Solomon suggests that if a person has everything but not God, it is better for them to not have been born. (Job 3:1-16; Matthew 26:24)
IV. Without God, Ambition is Frustrated (6:7-9)
a. Discuss the three proverbs listed here:
i. Appetite drives us but is never satisfied
ii. Wisdom cannot save us from our appetite or from poverty
iii. It is important to be satisfied with what we have.
V. Without God, the Future is Hopeless (6:10-12)
a. (vs. 10) This verse recalls the attempt of Adam and Eve to be as smart as God. (Genesis 3:4-6)
b. (vs. 11) We cannot change the fundamental truths of life so it is futile to babble on about supposed new insights. There is nothing new under the sun.
c. (vs. 12) Only God knows the future and it is better to trust Him. Turning away from God only leads to futility and destruction. (Matthew 7:13-14; Romans 1:18-32)
VI. Read / Listen to Ecclesiastes 7:1-14
a. What are your initial impressions or questions? Notable translation differences?
VII. Word to the Wise (7:1-10)
a. (vv. 1-4) Discuss in these four proverbs why it is wise to give attention to death.
b. (vv. 5-6) What is the “song of fools?” What is the smirking laughter of fools compared to?
c. (vv. 7-9) How do these 3 maxims help the wise person confront political reality?
d. (vs. 10) Why is it unwise to ask this question?
VIII. God is Sovereign (7:11-14)
a. (vv. 11-12) What do these verse say about wisdom and money?
b. (vv. 13-14) What do these verse say about God’s sovereignty?
IX. Application
a. Our confidence should not be in our riches, strength, or wisdom - but in our knowledge of, and trust in, God. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
b. Only God has control of the future. We are wise to trust it to Him. (Proverbs 3:5-8)
c. Some of the most painful experiences in life can provide great opportunities for gaining wisdom. (2 Corinthians 7:10)
X. Final Comments, Questions. Close in Prayer
Next Week: Prudence in a Sin-Corrupted World / Respect Your Authorities
- Read Ecclesiastes 7:15 – 8:17 to prepare.
