Enjoying Life - Week 7

Ecclesiastes Rejoice. Remove. Remember                                               

Lesson 7

Connecting to one another

Brainstorm some seasons of uncertainty that we have experienced as a community since the oldest of you in the group has been alive. You can start with war in the Ukraine and work backwards in time.

As a community, what reality can we observe about uncertain times in our lifetime?

Understanding the Truth with one another 

Verse by Verse ~ Topic by Topic ~ Argument by Argument

Read Ecclesiastes 11:1-6.

1.  According to these verses how should we posture ourselves before God given that our life under the sun will certainly be lived during uncertain times?

Again, Ecclesiastes is wisdom literature, so an underlying current is to fear God and make wise choices. In this passage wise choices are characterized by both boldness and carefulness. Note where you see that in the passage.

2a. How do bold yet careful choices -- especially when the future under the sun is not clear --honor God?

2b. Is inactivity in the midst of uncertainty an option? Why not?

Read Ecclesiastes 11:7-10.

3. Given the certainty of death, what is the Preacher’s advice in verses 7-8?

4. Given the certainty of aging, what is the Preacher’s advice in verses 9-10? What caution does he add?

Living the Truth as we are sent out 

Choose one uncertainty our community (church, city, state, country, or globe) is currently living through. Then answer the questions below keeping that particular uncertainty in mind.

5. How can you REJOICE daily in God during this time? Consider His character and His faithfulness. 

6. Specifically, what is causing you frustration and anxiety about this situation? How can you REMOVE these frustrations and anxieties daily? 

For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14

7. We are called to make bold, yet careful choices while we REMEMBER God. Specifically, what can your group do during this uncertain time to obey that? Consider how and when you will do this (Question 8 may play into that, so read that question).

8. As an individual who could you disciple in these three R’s -- to Rejoice in God’s good gifts, to Remove all that causes anxiety, and to Remember God? (This week’s option for Personal Worship is to read the book of Esther. Her story might help you flesh out what that looks like.)

Praying Through the Truth for one another

Rejoice, remove, and remember as we boldly yet carefully act in the midst of uncertainty. 

Seek God for individual, community, and global needs for this time. Praise Him that He is our certain future. 

Daily Personal Worship                                                                                                               

At Grace we trust Christ to transform us as we abide in Him daily.

If you are not already engaged in a Bible reading plan, then below is an option for engaging in God’s Word this week – 

Read the book of Esther, which tells the story of how God positions a young woman to save her people. Note how Mordecai fears God and acts with boldness yet practicality. Note how he disciples Esther with this admonition when she feared man instead of God: “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). Note how Esther follows Mordecai’s advice and example. Finally, note how God is ever present to His people during this time.

You can pray through these passages for yourself and loved ones and for our church and community. 

God’s joy and strength to you!  

kpaulson@gracelaredo.org