Ecclesiastes 1-3

Ecclesiastes 1

What is the meaning of life? What gives life purpose?

English Standard Version Introduction

Introduction

Ecclesiastes contains reflections of an old man, the “Preacher,” as he considered the question of meaning in life. He looked back and saw the futility (“vanity”) of chasing after even the good things this life can offer, including wisdom, work, pleasure, and wealth. Even if such things are satisfying for a time, death is certain to end this satisfaction. In fact, God’s judgment on Adam for his sin (Gen. 3:17–19) echoes throughout the book (especially 12:7). Yet the person who lives in the fear of the Lord can enjoy God’s good gifts. Young people, especially, should remember their Creator while they still have their whole lives before them (12:1). Traditionally interpreters of Ecclesiastes have identified the “Preacher,” who is also called “the son of David, king in Jerusalem” (1:1), as Solomon (tenth century B.C.).

What does vanity Mean? because through our study you will see the word mentioned 34 times.

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (Eleventh Edition) Vanity

1: something that is vain, empty, or valueless

Keep in mind while we are reading all this the author is a king. he is writing on vanity and he had every resource available in his time

All is vanity

Their is no job , hobby, career path that is not full of vanity.

Verse 3

When you get to the end of your life and look back what will your toil amount to?

Verse 4

Since Adam and Eve you are looking at 100-150 or so generation s between us and Adam

Small part to a big picture

Verse 5

Time keeps moving forward.

What are you doing with the time given to you?

Verse 7

Spend your whole life pouring into something but will never be full. Their will always be more you can do.

Verse 8

We seem to always want more. we keep chasing things.

Verse 9

No idea is original, no sin we struggle with today is new. It is all stuff that has been struggled with through time.

Look to people and history for wisdom

Verse 11

Your earthly accomplishments will not be remembered in the future.

Discuss verses 17-18

Ecclesiastes 2

Solomon really had no limits on what pleasures he could pursue.

We think a life full of pleasure is a life well lived but Solomon reveals otherwise.

Our life is brief. The earth has been here just over 2,000,000 days and if you lie to 70 you will have lived only 25,000. So on the current earths timeline that is only 1.25% You are a penny out of a dollar.

Verse 4-8 Solomon summarizes the various pleasures he pursued.

Verse 11. A life spent pursuing earthly pleasures is a vain life

Verse 13

Aim to grow in wisdom

Walk in light not darkness

Verse 16 discuss

But who makes the most of their life?

Verse 20

we all struggle with despair at times

Verse 23

work is a vexation

was this the original design?

Verse 24

enjoy God’s creation for his glory

Ecclesiastes 3

“Everything there is a season”

everything you have come your way does not take God by surprise. The next 6 verses list all sort of life circumstances

God is in control of every moment

Discuss verse 4 and 7

What should we hate?

Verse 11

“put eternity into mans heart” break it down

Verse 12-13

discuss

Verse 17

focus on Gospel