HOLY SPIRIT (Part- 24)
– Chasing the wind.
Question:
Why is self-control so important for Christians?
– Solomon gives us a good overview.
Question:
Who is Solomon?
– Solomon:
– Had it all.
– Inherited the largest and most powerful
kingdom in his region of the world.
– Commanded the strongest army on earth.
– Controlled the trade routes of many kingdoms.
– Had an income (excluding trade revenue and taxes)
that amounted to 25 tons of gold.
– Had a palace that was incomparable in its magnificence.
– Had a reputation that was larger than life.
– (Ecclesiastes 1:1-11)
As one who had it all, Solomon realized it was all meaningless.
– Everything God has created remains throughout all generations.
– (Verse 8)
As hard as we try, we can never
satisfy ourselves with what the world has to offer.
– (Verse 11)
No matter what legacy we try to leave,
we will soon be forgotten.
– (Ecclesiastes 1:12-18)
Trying to find identity through wisdom and
knowledge is futile (it even brings us more sorrow and grief).
Question:
What type of wisdom do you think Solomon is referring to?
– Worldly?
Question:
Why do you think he said an increase
in knowledge and wisdom causes grief and sorrow?
– We become more focused on a world that does not bring happiness?
– It causes us to patronize others, which could destroy friendships?
– The more we know, the more we want to know,
and we become enslaved to our efforts
(possibly to the point of isolation)?
– We become frustrated because there is always more to learn?
– (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11)
He tried different types of pleasure;
some that brought laughter; some influenced by wine.
– (Verse 3)
Solomon realized our days on earth are few when compared to eternity.
– (Verses 4-6)
He tried to find fulfillment through being involved in projects.
Note:
He probably hoped for fulfillment internally
(through pride in his accomplishments),
and externally (through the admiration of others).
– (Verses 7-8)
He looked for satisfaction through the accumulation of great wealth.
– (Verse 9)
He developed a great reputation.
Question:
His reputation was based on what?
– Worldly possessions?
– (Verse 10)
He tried every pleasure imaginable.
– (Verse 11)
All of his worldly efforts still left him unfulfilled.
– (Ecclesiastes 2:12-16)
– (Verse 12)
It sounds like he was involved in worldly perversions;
his goal was to do more than anyone coming after him
could ever surpass.
– (Verse 16)
He realizes that whether smart or dumb by worldly standards,
both would face the same ultimate end, and both would soon
be forgotten.
– (Ecclesiastes 2:17-23)
Look at Solomon’s frustration at all he had learned.
– He used his worldly wisdom and worked to gain wealth,
but would have to turn it over to someone at his death
(someone who may not have worldly wisdom required to
gain wealth, or even be a good caretaker of his inheritance).
– Not only does he leave his wealth to someone else,
his efforts to amass his wealth did not bring him
happiness, and caused him to be restless
(to the point of missing out on a good night’s sleep).
– (Ecclesiastes 2:24-25)
He realized that we cannot enjoy anything in the world without God.
When we exclude Him, we can’t enjoy our achievements.
– (Ecclesiastes 2:26)
God gives to those who please Him;
no matter what we have while passing through,
if our focus is on the world and not God,
He may give it all to those who please Him.
– (Ecclesiastes 5:10-20)
More observations by Solomon:
– (Verse 10)
Love of money and wealth does not bring satisfaction.
– (Verse 11)
When we attain more than we need,
what can we do with the surplus other than just look at it?
– (Verse 12)
The love of wealth can rob us of a peaceful, restful sleep.
– (Verses 13-14)
We could lose our wealth at any moment.
– (Verses 15-16)
We cannot take our wealth with us when we die.
– (Verse 17)
The love of wealth leads to frustration, anger, and health problems.
Question:
What do you think he means by “darkness”?
– Without a relationship with the Lord?
– (Verses 18-19)
Again, he surmises that we can enjoy
wealth and accomplishments when we:
(1) realize God provides everything, and
(2) we have our focus on the Lord
and have a personal relationship with Him.
– (Verse 20)
When we have a relationship with the Lord,
we are pre-occupied with the happiness He provides
and do not waste time admiring ourselves,
or all that we have gained, or accomplished.
Question:
What impact could happiness have on wealth?
– A desire to share with others?
– (Ecclesiastes 12:9-14)
Look at Solomon’s final conclusion (especially Verse 13).
– (Matthew 6:24)
Jesus says that love of God and love of money are mutually exclusive.
– (Proverbs 23:5)
Supports Solomon’s observations – we could lose wealth quickly.
– (Proverbs 15:16)
Even if we have wealth, if we do not have a
personal relationship with the Lord, we will live a life of turmoil.
– (Haggai 1:5-6)
Without God, we can never find satisfaction.
– (1 Timothy 6:3-10)
Question:
What is great gain?
– Godliness with contentment.
Question:
What does that mean to you? how would you paraphrase it?
Question:
What should we be content with?
– Food and clothing.
Question:
Why?
– (Verses 9-10)
Look at the dangers of having a desire for wealth:
– Give in to temptations.
– Participate in foolish and harmful desires that lead to destruction.
– Loss of a personal relationship with the Lord.
– All kinds of problems.
– (Proverbs 30:7-9)
The scriptures give us guidelines for our focus.
– (Matthew 6:32-34)
Jesus gives us our priorities.
– Controlling our eyes:
(Psalm 25:15; Psalm 101:3; Psalm 119:37).
– Controlling our mind:
(Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 10:5).
– Controlling our mouth:
(James 3:1-12; Ephesians 4:29).
– (1 Timothy 4:11-12)
(1 Timothy 3:11)
Question:
What is this verse talking about?
– Gossip.
– (2 Peter 1:3-11)
Peter gives us advice as we struggle
to make choices in favor of self-control.
Note:
(Verses 5-6)
We are given the knowledge; it’s our choice to add self-control.
BREAD FOR BELIEVERS 
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