Step 1: Opening and Introduction to the lesson – Personal Testimonies from last week’s study and Reflection: Who was the first bully you stood up against? With what results? When you hear the phrase, the good die young, whom do you think of? At such times, are you sorrowful, angry, disgusted, disillusioned?
Step 2: Hear – Read: Obey The King. Ecclesiastes 8:2 –8:17.
Step 3: Explore – Discover the Passage
- What reasons are given for obedience in verses 2-5? How will the wise heart know the proper time and procedure (vv. 5-6; see 3:1-15)? Who would you substitute for no man is verses 7-8? In every sentence?
- Who seems to be the subject in verses 9-10? How does the lording it over in verse 9 contrast to having power over in verse 8?
- What is the problem in verse 11, and who is to blame for it? In verses 12-13, what injustice does the Teacher see? In what ways will it go better for the God fearer (vv. 12-13)? Why?
- How is the injustice depicted in verse 14 meaningless? How does verse 15 strike you: Realistic? Sarcastic? Cop-out? Joyful? What is the link between verse 15 and 14?
- What is the difference between seeing all that God has done and grasping what goes on (v. 17)? What advice is implied in the Teacher’s realization (vv. 16-17)?
Step 4: Connect – Apply the Passage:
- What sort of injustices (personal, family, global) are most likely to arouse you to act? Where do you draw the line (To here and no further)?
- How does your search for answers to life’s problems affect your relationship with God? How easy is it for you to trust Him when the answers are unattainable? What can be done to develop such trust?
Step 5: Reflect: So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.
