Ecclesiastes Bible Study 3: Meaningful Conclusion

Solomon teaches that success lies only in the hands of God.  We are given to do our work in the present, but we cannot control the future.  He tells us that we should receive a quiet and peaceful heart and commit everything to God.  Some fools respond by saying, “Then let us do no work.”  When Solomon teaches us to reject our counsels and anxieties, but to do the work, then fools either fall into despair or become prideful.  When their plans are thwarted they despair.  When their plans succeed they become presumptuous.

Similarly, the Gospel teaches an alien righteousness earned by the merit of Jesus Christ and freely received by faith.  The fool responds, “Then let us not do any good works.  If faith is sufficient, let us sin.”  When we teach about the fruits of faith and true good works, the fool trusts in them for salvation.

Solomon attempts to teach about the meaningful life of the Christian, who gives thanks for the gift of salvation.  He is not concerned about the future, but is content with his present vocation.  The grace of God provides an abundance of gifts, including daily provisions and satisfaction in the work of his daily vocation(Eccl 2:24-25).

 

Ecclesiastes Bible Study 1: Introduction

For the month of May, we are going to give a cursory look at the book of Ecclesiastes.  Ecclesiastes teaches us about the vanity of man’s heart which is not content with his present vocation but always desires future honor and wealth and fame.  “What does the worker gain from his toil?”  Whatever man seeks apart from God is a vain striving and accomplishes nothing.  It is the gift of God for man to enjoy his work.  The Christian is content to live the good life of thanksgiving for forgiveness before God and the world.

Handouts: The Three Books of SolomonLuther’s Prefaces to the Book of Ecclesiastes
Overheads: Overheads Lesson 1 May 8 2016