Changing Seasons (Ecclesiastes 3:1-22; Luke 19:10)

CHANGING SEASONS (ECCLESIASTES 3:1-22 & LUKE 19:10)

God has ordained seasons of life to teach us our need for him and invites us learn to enjoy his blessings in the midst of them.

I. OUR FRUSTRATION WITH CHANGING SEASONS (VV. 1-11)

A. Shameless Hypocrisy (vv. 2-8)

B. The Real Issue of Eternity (vv. 1, 9-11)

II. JESUS’ SUBMISSION TO THE CHANGING SEASONS (VV. 2-8, 14-15))

A. God Alone Does Things the Last Forever (vv. 14-15; cf. Ezekiel 34:1-15)

B. Fullness of time Came into the world (vv. 2-8; Luke 19:10; cf. Galatians 4:4-6)

III. ENJOYING LIFE AMIDST THE CHANGING SEASONS (VV. 12-22)

A. Learning to Fear God (vv. 2-8, 14-21)

B. Denying Self v. Denying Life (vv. 12-13, 22)

Discussion Starters

Monday—How is what Solomon is wrestling with in chapter 3 the exact opposite of what he wrestled with in chapter 1? How is exactly the same? Are you ever guilty of such hypocrisy?

Tuesday—What do you think it means that God has put eternity in our hearts? Why do you think people would want to believe there is no eternity—no afterlife?

Wednesday—What does it mean that Jesus came “in the fullness of time” (Galatians 4:4)? In what way did Jesus submit to the seasons described in Ecclesiastes 3:2-8? Why did he do this?

Thursday—What does it mean to fear God (v. 14)? Why does the Bible say that the fear of God is a good thing?

Friday—What is the difference between denying yourself and denying life? Why is one an act of humility and the other an act of pride? What are some ways you can better enjoy God’s gifts?