WHAT COMES AFTER SUNDAY?
Use the next steps, Bible plan, message recap, questions & resources below to go deeper.
this week's next steps
Ask God to help me see the world from His perspective
This Week's Message Recap:
As we begin our study through the book of Ecclesiastes, we are introduced to what is essentially King Solomon’s autobiography. Earlier this year, we studied Solomon’s life and saw both his incredible wisdom and his downfall. Solomon had everything the world says should bring fulfillment—wealth, power, pleasure, success, and influence—yet near the end of his life, he wrestled with one of humanity’s biggest questions, “What is the meaning of life?” Ecclesiastes 2:10 says, “I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure.” After pursuing everything the world had to offer, Solomon ultimately discovered that pleasure, possessions, prestige, and even wisdom itself could not provide lasting meaning. Life viewed only through a human perspective felt empty and meaningless. Like “chasing after the wind.”
But Ecclesiastes does not end in hopelessness! Solomon’s conclusion is that perspective changes everything. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart...” When life is viewed through the perspective of faith in God instead of solely through earthly success and temporary things, we are able to truly enjoy life as the gift it was meant to be. Solomon reminds us that God is in control through both the good and difficult seasons of life, and that lasting meaning is only found in Him.
This message also shapes the legacy we leave behind. The greatest gift we can give the next generation is not wealth, success, or status, but a life lived by serving Jesus. Instead of chasing control, self-glory, and temporary things that will not last, we are called to live God-centered lives and trust the One who holds eternity in His hands.
But Ecclesiastes does not end in hopelessness! Solomon’s conclusion is that perspective changes everything. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart...” When life is viewed through the perspective of faith in God instead of solely through earthly success and temporary things, we are able to truly enjoy life as the gift it was meant to be. Solomon reminds us that God is in control through both the good and difficult seasons of life, and that lasting meaning is only found in Him.
This message also shapes the legacy we leave behind. The greatest gift we can give the next generation is not wealth, success, or status, but a life lived by serving Jesus. Instead of chasing control, self-glory, and temporary things that will not last, we are called to live God-centered lives and trust the One who holds eternity in His hands.
Questions to Consider:
- When you think about Solomon’s life, what stands out most to you about his search for meaning and fulfillment?
- What does it practically look like to “enjoy life” as a gift from God instead of chasing temporary fulfillment?
- Ecclesiastes 3:11 says God has “set eternity in the human heart.” What do you think that means?
- What kind of legacy are you building for the people around you, especially the next generation?
- Are you currently viewing life more through a worldly perspective or through the perspective of faith in Jesus?
Resources for Study:
Recommended Reading:
King Solomon: Life Lessons by the Wisest Man who ever Lived by Bill Crowder
Living Life Backward: How Ecclesiastes Teaches us to Live in Light of the End by David Gibson
King Solomon's Empire: The Rise, Fall and Modern Day Influence of an Iron Age Ruler by Archie Roy & Margaret Roy
Ecclesiastes: Tyndale Old Testament Commentary by Michael Eaton
The Message of Ecclesiastes by Derek Kinder
Living Life Backward: How Ecclesiastes Teaches us to Live in Light of the End by David Gibson
King Solomon's Empire: The Rise, Fall and Modern Day Influence of an Iron Age Ruler by Archie Roy & Margaret Roy
Ecclesiastes: Tyndale Old Testament Commentary by Michael Eaton
The Message of Ecclesiastes by Derek Kinder


