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 EIGHT: Prudence in a Sin-Corrupted World / Respect Your Authorities
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRAYER CONCERNS
II. Read / Listen to Ecclesiastes 7:15-29
a. What are your initial impressions or questions? Notable translation differences?
III. Avoid Extremes (7:15-22)
a. (vs. 15) Can you relate to this verse? See Psalm 73.
b. (vv. 16-17) What does Solomon mean in these verses?
c. (vs. 18) What should we grasp and what should we not let go from our hand?
i. Matthew 6:33
d. (vv. 19-22) What is the wisdom in these verses? (Romans 3:23; Ephesians 4:32)
IV. From Solomon’s Perspective (7:23-29)
a. (vv. 23-24) Why does Solomon say wisdom is beyond reach?
b. (vs. 25) What did Solomon discover about wickedness and folly?
c. (vv. 26-29) What did Solomon discover about women and men?
V. Read / Listen to Ecclesiastes 8:1-17
a. What are your initial impressions or questions? Notable translation differences?
VI. Respect Your Authorities (8:1-6)
a. (vs. 1) How does wisdom change a person’s countenance?
b. (vv. 2-6) Why, and in what ways, should we show obedience to authority?
i. 1st Timothy 2:1-4
VII. Despite Outward Appearances, The Wicked Do Not Prosper (8:7-14)
a. (vv. 7-9) King or peasant, rich or poor, wicked or righteous – God has numbered our days and He will bring justice to all. (Job 14:5; Psalm 139:16)
b. (vv. 10-11) What injustice does Solomon describe?
c. (vv. 12-13) What is the difference between the wicked and God-fearing people?
d. (vs. 14) Can you relate to the futility described in this verse?
VIII. Be Content in Life. We can never Fully Know the Ways of God (8:15-17)
a. (vs. 15) What is Solomon’s recommendation and why?
b. (vv. 16-17) What does Solomon conclude about seeking wisdom and knowledge?
IX. Application
a. A wise person is aware of the limits of human knowledge and understanding. (Job 42:1-6)
b. In-so-far as we don’t disobey God or His truth in the process, it is prudent to submit to governing authorities. (Romans 13:1-5)
c. The wicked may prosper, and may even be remembered fondly at their funerals, but God’s justice will prevail. (Psalms 1:1-6; 73:27-28)
X. Final Comments, Questions. Close in Prayer
Next Week: Make the Best of this Life - Read Ecclesiastes 9:1-18 to prepare.
