reflection and discussion questions: 

1. Review: Last week, we discussed being sent by Jesus (John 20:21).  We were encouraged to be praying for God's help as we walk this out, and to encourage one another. How did you see God move this past week?

2. Take a moment in prayer, welcoming the Spirit's presence. Then read Ecclesiastes 7:15-29, paying attention to any word or phrases that stand out to you. 

3. Phil made reference on Sunday that life can often be like the smoke of a campfire. Hard to control and hard to figure out. Bad things happen to good people, good things to bad people (v15). Can you recall a time when you've seen this sort of thing play out in/around your life? How did you respond?  

4. Phil said that he prefers for life to"add up." But it often doesn't. Why does this bother us so much? In what way(s) are we prone to solve the equation or fix the problem?

5. The Preacher warns against two extremes (vv 16-17): being overly righteous (that is proud or self-righteousness) and being overly wicked. What are the dangers and harms to these? Which of them are you more prone to? 

6. After stating the reality of v 20, the Preacher warns against the indulgence of folly (vv 25-29). It's helpful to have Proverbs 9 in mind here. Knowing the truth that all we confess is covered by the blood of Jesus (1Jn 1:9), in what way(s) have/can we be prone to folly? Which of the 2 extremes can we find ourselves going to? 

7. The Preacher's wisdom in the "campfire smoke" of life is to fear God (v18). To look up to Him Who is stronger than we (Ecc 6:10). Consider this quote from author Eugene Peterson: "It takes considerable humility to embrace this mystery, for in the presence of mystery we are not in a position to control anything, to predict or manage, to pose as authorities...But it does leave much room for worship.” How does turning our attention away from fixing the problem and toward the fear of the Lord, help us in our day to day lives? Where does it leave much room for worship?  

8. Phil recommended 3 practices to consider. How might God be calling you to respond this week? 

   1. Daily setting aside 2 minutes of quiet reflection upon the Lord. (Ps 46:10)​

   2. Practice praying the Lord's prayer. (Matthew 6)

   3. Practice Community. (LifeGroups, Sunday mornings, etc.)

helpful resources for ecclesiastes:

• Bible Project video on Ecclesiastes. 

• Gear Talk podcast on Ecclesiastes. (A Biblical Theology Podcast with Tom Kelby and Jason Derouchie)