Slideshow image

Sermon Title: "Just a Few Words"

Text: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
Preacher: Alex Hogendoorn
Date: October 27, 2024

Summary Tagline:
"Quiet hearts find peace in God’s presence, rooted in awe and gratitude."

Message Summary:
In Ecclesiastes 5:1-7, Solomon emphasizes the need for a quiet, reverent heart in approaching God. Alex opens with a humorous story about navigating the forest as a former forestry worker, drawing a connection to how easily we can lose our spiritual direction when we’re panicked or distracted. He reflects on Pascal’s words about humanity’s struggle to "sit quietly in a room alone," suggesting that our need for distractions and grand promises hides an inner turmoil.

Alex explains that our reverent quietness reflects trust in God's sovereignty and cautions against making hasty promises to God. Rather than rushing to speak, we are called to simply listen and come before God with humility. Drawing on Philippians 4:7 and Jesus' example of short, heartfelt prayers, Alex highlights that the quiet heart finds peace and contentment in God’s presence. Through Christ, we approach the throne with assurance, not because of our own words or promises, but because of Jesus’ faithfulness.

Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker Question:
What’s one place or activity that helps you find peace and quiet when life feels hectic?

“These next discussion questions are intended to give us each a chance to engage in the message personally and hear what Jesus is doing in each of our lives too. In this, we all become preachers to one another as we learn to follow Jesus together.”

Discussion Questions:

  1. Solomon warns against rushing into God’s presence with our own agendas. How does this idea challenge or resonate with the way you approach prayer?
  2. Pascal observed our struggle to "sit quietly in a room alone." Why do you think quietness is so difficult in today’s world, and how might this relate to our relationship with God?
  3. The passage mentions "sacrifices of fools." What are some examples of hasty promises or "sacrifices" we might make to God today, and why is it important to approach God with sincerity?
  4. Reflecting on Philippians 4:7, how have you experienced the "peace of God" in your life? What practical steps can you take to invite this peace through quietness and prayer?
  5. The sermon emphasized approaching God through Jesus’ faithfulness rather than our own words. How does this truth change the way you view your relationship with God?

For Further Study:

  1. Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 – Guarding our steps as we approach God.
  2. Philippians 4:6-7 – "Do not be anxious... and the peace of God will guard your hearts."
  3. Matthew 6:5-8 – Jesus teaches about sincere prayer.
  4. James 1:19 – "Be quick to hear, slow to speak..."
  5. Hebrews 10:19-23 – Entering God’s presence with confidence through Jesus.
  6. Psalm 46:10 – "Be still, and know that I am God."
  7. Isaiah 30:15 – "In quietness and trust shall be your strength."
  8. Proverbs 10:19 – "When words are many, transgression is not lacking."
  9. Psalm 131:2 – "I have calmed and quieted my soul."
  10. Matthew 11:28-30 – Jesus invites us to find rest in Him.

Gospel Connections

Let’s discuss how we can apply this message to our lives as we seek to make the following connections as we follow Jesus:

  1. Take some time this week to come before God and just listen. Who or what did he lay on your heart?
  2. In what ways can our church cultivate a culture of reverence and quietness in our worship and approach to God?
  3. How can our group encourage each other to find peace and contentment in God, especially when faced with life’s distractions?
  4. How can we extend the peace we find in God’s presence to others in our community, showing them a life of true rest and contentment?
Adults
Gospel Communities