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 NINE: Make the Best of this Life
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRAYER CONCERNS
II. Read / Listen to Ecclesiastes 9:1-18
a. What are your initial impressions or questions? Notable translation differences?
III. Death Can Render Life Meaningless (vv. 1-6)
a. (vs. 1) Solomon declares that our circumstances are not an indicator of whether or not God loves us or accepts us. What do you think? (Matthew 5:43-45)
b. (vv. 2-3) Solomon declares that we all share the same fate – we will all die.
i. Hebrews 9:27
c. (vv. 4-6) What does Solomon mean by “a live dog is better than a dead lion?”
i. Rod’s Revised Version footnote: This verse proves that dogs are better than cats!
ii. Dogs in the Bible: 1 Samuel 17:43; 1 Kings 22:37-38; 2 Kings 9:30-37; Mark 7:27-28
iii. Lions in the Bible: Genesis 49:9; Deuteronomy 33:22; Numbers 23:24; 24:9; Revelation 5:5
IV. Death Can Render Life Meaningful (vv. 7-10a)
a. Our lives are a precious gift from God.
b. Seize the day! What and how should we enjoy in life?
V. The Limitations of Wisdom (vv. 10b-12)
a. (vs. 10b) Sheol refers to the grave. What does Solomon say about it?
b. (vv. 11-12) What are Solomon’s observations in these verses?
VI. Wisdom is Better than Strength (vv. 13-18)
a. (vv. 13-16) What is the scenario described here? Is there a modern comparison?
b. (vv. 17-18) What do we learn from these two proverbial bits of advice?
VII. Application
a. We should use our time wisely, and nurture our relationships with God and others while we are here and alive. (Psalms 39:4-5; 90:4)
b. It is foolish to live for worldly approval or for the applause of humans. (Romans 12:2; 1 John 2:15-17)
VIII. Final Comments, Questions. Close in Prayer
Next Week: Don’t Despise Little Duties - Read Ecclesiastes 10:1-20 to prepare.
