A Life Well-Lived (Ecclesiastes 12:9-14; Genesis 4:1-12)

A Life Well-Lived

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

Genesis 4:1-12

A life well-lived in one lived in the fear of God, not death.

I. Frustrated by Brevity (vv. 9-10; cf. 1:1 - 2:26)

A. The Dream—Pleasure and Significance (vv. 9-10a)

B. The Reality—Futility and Despair (v. 10b)

II. Resigned to Brevity (vv. 11-13; cf. 3:1 - 7:29)

A. The Seasons of Life (Ecclesiastes 3:1 - 4:16)

B. The Fear of God (vv. 11-13; Ecclesiastes 5:1 - 8:17)

III. Comforted in Brevity (v. 14; cf. 8:1 - 12:8)

A. A Brother’s Perspective (v. 14; Ecclesiastes 6:3-6; Genesis 4:1-12)

B. The Peace of Perspective

C. An Inadequate Snack or Foretaste of Abundance

Discussion Starters

1. Monday—What does it mean to fight against the current? Why is it a hopeless pursuit?

2. Tuesday—Why do you think we pursue pleasure and recognition in this life? Why do we want to be important?

3. Wednesday—What does it mean to be resigned to the brevity/shortness of life? Why is it important to accept that life is short and the grave is guaranteed?

4. Thursday—What is the “fear of God”? Is it a good thing or a bad thing? What does it say about us when we fear other things more than God?

5. Friday—How can the shortness of life actually be a comfort when we see the world rightly?