We Need Each Other

Sermon Discussion Questions: May 17, 2026 We Need Each Other Beyond Vanity: Finding a Solid Purpose in Life (series) Call to Worship: Hebrews 10:23-25 1. A radio preacher predicted that the world would end in 2011, and that the “church age” was already over – thus people should stop attending church. How might this passage have been used to refute that teaching? 2. How does the joy and optimism expressed in this verse relate to the dark themes of Ecclesiastes 4? Sermon: Ecclesiastes 4 I. The Oppressed Need Comfort – Verses 1-3 1. On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. History is replete with examples of those in power using their power unfairly. a. Give a notable Biblical example of someone not abusing his/her power. b. Give a notable historical example, or one from personal experience, of someone not abusing his/her power. 2. Changes to laws can help make societies more fair. And Christians often participate in those changes. However, what did Pastor Paul say should be the Christians' fundamental message to the: a. Oppressor? b. Oppressed? 3. There is a plethora of ungodly strategies for coping with pain. What godly strategy was presented in the sermon? 4. Share a time you coped, or are now coping, with pain in a Godly way. “Pain” can include emotional, physical, or economic. II. When Competition Kills – Verses 4-6 5. State a godly and ungodly motivation for working hard. 6. Little kids playing baseball: Good. Parents beating up the umpire: Bad. Give an example of healthy competition from sports, the workplace, or education. What Biblical principles keep the competition healthy, and how do we implement them? 7. Verses 4 & 5 present two extreme attitudes toward work; both are foolish. If you feel you have a pretty good balance of work, worship, service, and recreation, share how you achieved it. 8. Share a verse that describes a godly approach to work or competition. III. Community Over Money – Verses 7-8 9. Some might view this chapter as endorsing Marxism. That view has been expressed about the description of the church in Acts. Explain why you agree or disagree. 10. AI Question 🤖: How does the portrayal of the lonely individual in verses 7-8 resonate with modern society's focus on individual achievements? IV. The Power of Another – Verses 9-12 11. A person may “fall” through backsliding, a broken relationship, or bad circumstances (accidents, illnesses, debt). Assuming we can't undo the adversity, what can we do for fallen friends? V. Fame Isn’t Friendship – Verses 13-16 12. These verses remind us that even the best of people are usually soon forgotten. If we cannot live on in people's memories, how can we live on? Prayer Points: • Ask that God would use you as His hands and feet to break the isolation and reflect His heart of justice. • Is your work fueled by the joy of the Lord or the “envy of your neighbor”? Ask God for the “handful of quietness” this week. • Thank God for the gift of one another, and pray that God would be the “Third Strand” in our friendships and marriages, binding us together with a strength that cannot be broken by the trials of this world.