Ecclesiastes 12:1-14
Book Overview
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
The Teacher ends his wisdom by showing us the “undoing” of creation. In the end, “the dust returns to the earth as it once was” (he formed humanity from the dust), “and the spirit returns to God who gave it” (he breathed into humanity to give it life). All our lives are headed in that direction.
How has that trajectory affected you - either because you’ve personally felt that “undoing,” or because people in your life have?
Does that make you feel any sort of way?
Does that introduce any thoughts, for better or worse?
Read 1 Corinthians 3:10-15. Based on Paul’s words here, what would he say about The Teacher’s words that everything is fleeting?
What specific assurances does the gospel give us about…
…our biggest mistakes, worst sins, and squandered opportunities? (wood, straw, hay, etc.)
…whether the things we do for Jesus matter in the end? (gold, silver, jewels, etc.)
…ourselves - whether or not we make it, regardless of what we’ve done or not done?
The narrator returns! While The Teacher has most of the words in this book, the narrator has the controlling voice.
What does the narrator say about The Teacher? Anything surprising?
What does he say about the place that Solomon’s wisdom - and all the “wisdom” we hear from the world - should have in our lives?
Does it sound like good news to you that fear of the Lord, obedience to his commandments, and his final judgment are the controlling voices in our lives (…whether we like it or not!)?
It might sound simple, but in some ways, this reaffirms the proverb that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” How can fear, obedience, and living in light of judgment free us to live wisely in the world? …especially in light of Christ!
Overall thoughts / reflections on this book?
Where has God challenged you in Ecclesiastes?
Did you realize anything? Were you reminded of anything?
Why would you point someone to the book of Ecclesiastes? What place will it have in your ministry to others?