reflection and discussion questions: 

1. Review: Last week we had been challenged to practice setting aside two minutes a day to look up. To set aside two minutes of silent reflection upon Who God is. How did that go? Any challenges? Any praises?  On Sunday, in light of the passage, Phil challenged us to keep going in this practice this week. How does this type of practice help us in this life here "under the sun"? 

2. Take a moment in prayer, welcoming the Spirit's presence. Then read Ecclesiastes 2:1-11.  Consider what stands out to you and why? 

3. Ecclesiastes reminds us that "there is nothing new under the sun" (1:9). Or as Phil said on Sunday, "people have been searching for the meaning of life in the pleasures of life for a LONG time." From food, to drink, to romance, to possessions, etc. It has been a struggle from the beginning.  Where has/is it been a struggle for you? 

4. Phil likened "The Preacher" of Ecclesiastes to that of a big brother.  Someone ahead of us in life, who has learned a thing or two, and who is now wanting to share what he learned.  In light of his pursuit of pleasure, what do you think his advice is to us in this passage? 

5. Read and compare Genesis 1:31 and Ecclesiastes 2:11.  In the end, what are the differing results when a person "lives for God, to enjoy God" vs "lives for himself, to enjoy himself"? 

6. In all this, what can we learn from our Big Brother, Jesus, and from how He lived His life? (Matthew 26:39) And, in the end, what were the results of His life? (Romans 8:28-30)

7. In Mark 1:15, Jesus says, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” How might God be calling you to repent?  And where might He be calling you to more fully embrace His gospel?  Pray and ask the Lord for mercy and help in walking forward. 

8. Two weeks ago, Phil mentioned a simple three word prayer he has been praying lately, "Into Your hands." This week he mentioned another, "Thee I adore." In your two minutes of silent reflection this week, consider beginning with this prayer, then delight in Him. (Psalm 37:4)

helpful resources for ecclesiastes: