Session 9 The Big Picture In Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 the preacher shares a bit of his process for teaching and gaining knowledge and then segways to a single sentence summation of Ecclesiastes’ chief message. Breaking Things Apart Ecclesiastes 12:9–10 9 Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. 10 The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth. What do we learn about the preacher’s process here? How could you go about incorporating some of his practice into your own study of Scripture? Ecclesiastes 12:11–12 11 The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. 12 My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. In the ancient word, “goads” were staffs with sharp nails embedded in them that were used to keep animals on a straight path. How is the function of goads similar to words of wisdom? Have you ever experienced this when it comes to God’s Word? 2 Timothy 3:16–17 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, [sounds kind of goad-like to me] and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. Have you ever had to give goading wisdom to others? What challenges are there when speaking the “truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15)? Look again at 12:11, what is the source of all wisdom? What’s the significance of him being called the One Shepherd? Though the preacher has painted God as one who eludes our complete comprehension, he is equally a God who is with us as a shepherd to his sheep. John 10:14–15, 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep… Look once again at verse 12. What do you think the preacher is warning against here? “I would have been quite content to see my books, one and all, remain in obscurity and go by the board. Among other reasons, I shudder to think of the example I am giving, for I am well aware how little the church has been profited since they have begun to collect many books and large libraries, in addition to and besides the Holy Scriptures, and especially since they have stored up, without discrimination, all sorts of writings by the church fathers, the councils, and teachers. Not only has good time been wasted, and the study of the Scriptures neglected; but the pure understanding of the divine Word is lost, until at last the Bible has come to lie forgotten in the dust under the bench.” LW 34:283-284 Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. Here the preacher FINALLY comes to a simple summation of his argument! In your own words, what is the preacher’s conclusion, how does it fit into what he has said throughout his book? How might fearing God put us in our place? How might it put all other fears, hopes, pleasures, and admirations in their place? The preacher began his work by declaring all to be vanity. Now he says that to fear God and keep his commandments is the whole duty of man. Combining that with God bringing every deed into judgement, how does this show us that with God; nothing is truly in vain? “It kills complacency to know that nothing goes unnoticed and unassessed, not even the things that we disguise from ourselves. But at the same time it transforms life. If God cares as much as this, nothing can be pointless.” -Kidner 107 1 Corinthians 15:54, 58 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory…” Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. Application As you reflect upon our walk through Ecclesiastes as a whole, what implications do you see for your life? What have you learned from Ecclesiastes that might lead you to turn from “vanity” to trust in God and his loving care for you? How can the message of Ecclesiastes help you to properly enjoy life in the present?

A sermon on Matthew 21:1-11

Ecclesiastes: Session 8 The Big Picture In Ecclesiastes 9:13-12:17 the preacher paints a picture of wisdom’s actions and benefits in various circumstances. Breaking Things Apart 9:13-18: What do you think our preacher is talking about in these verses? How might these verses apply to human politics from the preacher’s day to our own? Ultimately, these verses are a call to wisdom in foolish times, even if it goes unnoticed. In times such as these, we must not count on public gratitude as it only takes one shouting fool (sinner vs. 18) to persuade the masses of the rightness of his/her cause and lead them to trust in his/her strength/weapons over wisdom. What are the challenges of trying to walk the path of wisdom when it is largely despised? 10:1-3: In your own words, summarize what the preacher is saying here? In this short section, the author is bearing witness to the frustrating reality that it takes far less to ruin something than create it. Where have you seen this truth play out in both the world and your own life? 10:4-20: How do these verses fit together? 11:1-6: What is meant by “cast your bread upon the waters”? What do you think is the central point of 11:1-6? What wisdom is suggested in verses 2 and 6? Here the preacher is encouraging us to a bold life despite our ignorance. Put simply, if there are risks in everything, it is better to fail in launching out than in keeping one’s resources to themselves. Where do you struggle to live like this? What Scriptural truths can help us push forward amid the uncertainty of the world? 11:7-10: What do you think the preacher is trying to say here? Given the fact that “God will bring you into judgement,” what is the proper rejoicing or enjoyment of youth? “Joy was created to dance with goodness, not alone.” Derek Kindner 12:1-8: At last, the author gets to the point: to look beyond earthly vanities to God, who has made us for himself. What do you think it means to “remember” your creator in the days of your youth? Why do you think the preacher is urging these things to the young? It is in youth, not old age, that the realities of Ecclesiastes are best confronted, when they can drive us into action and not despair and vain regrets. What are some earthly consequences of ignoring the preacher’s wisdom in your youth? In verses 2-7 the author presents a metaphorical description of the aging process and death. Which items seem to resemble specific aspects of aging? Have you experienced any of these? Application “The aches of old age make it difficult to envision anything hopeful and positive. Such bodily changes may overwhelm any joy we still have in life. Yet, the same God who consigned us to the grave because of sin has also promised us that we will be rescued from the grave and his eternal judgment. Through hearing the Word in our youth, he will prepare us for old age. His promises will stay with us.” LSB Considering the quote above, what are some ways you can prepare yourself for the challenges of old age while you still have your youth? “Lord, we thank you for all the opportunities you give us to learn out our life: where it is going, and what you have prepared for us. Teach us your Word early so that we may look forward to our end, not with fear or discouragement, but with hope and joy. Especially keep us ever mindful of what you have done for us in Your Son, Jesus Christ, who overcame death and the grave. Amen.” Ibid

A sermon on John 11:1-45

Ecclesiastes Session 7 The Big Picture In Ecclesiastes 8:10-9:10, the preacher dives deeper into his reflection that all humanity, both the righteous and the wicked, are subject to the same fate of decay and death. However, he does not leave us without hope. See if you can spot it as we work our way through. Breaking Things Apart 8:10-13 Does anything surprise you about this section? What do you think the author is trying to say? Here, the preacher bemoans the observable fact that people do not always get what they deserve in this life, both good and bad. What is his solution to the reality that sometimes evil seems to prevail and bad things happen to the righteous? How does he arrive at this solution? What is his (and our hope)? Note, though he doesn’t so much say it, he is affirming the judgement. In the end the right thing will be done in every case, therefore, “it will go well with those who fear God.” (See 2 Peter 3:8-13) 8:14-15 What do you think the author is saying here? Have you experienced this? Here we’re faced with the gut punching conundrum that there is no satisfying explanation for why righteous receive the treatment that should fall upon the wicked. Ultimately, it’s a mystery that can’t be unraveled. This said, how does the preacher’s solution of pursuing enjoyment relate to this? 8:16-9:1 What do you think the author is trying to say here? Does anything stick out or surprise you? How might accepting the limits of our ability to know relate to enjoying our short lives? 9:2-4 What reality is the preacher lamenting in this section? Have you ever thought these thoughts? How do they not lead to despair? 9:4-6 How do these verses offer a solution for the despair inducing one above? For the preacher, life; despite of all it’s injustices, is worth living. After all, even at its worst, or near it, it is better than nothing. In verses 7-10, the author shows us how to live considering this fact. 9:7-10 How might these verses be describing a life lived in faith? In faith we trust God’s promises that he’ll take care of us, even though we might not understand what is happening around or within us. This said, how might faith in Jesus’ victorious life, death, and resurrection lead us to live the life affirming picture that is painted in these verses? Through his life, death, resurrection, and ascension; death has been conquered and immortality has been brought to light (2 Tim. 1:10). Thus, in this in between time where sin, sickness, sorrow, confusion, and evil still seem to reign; our patient waiting bears the fruit of enjoying life’s simple pleasures because in Christ, victory is assured. Application Where do you struggle with this concept in everyday life? What are some things you can do keep these truths in the forefront of your mind? What life affirming thing from 9:7-10 can you undertake this week as a result of your faith in Christ? Pray: Father God, in light of Jesus’ victory on my behalf and your daily care, help me to live a life of patience that enjoys your blessing while it waits for you to accomplish your purposes

A sermon on John 9:1-41