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Sermon Title: "Faithfulness in the Face of Frustrations"

Text: Ecclesiastes 7:1-13
Preacher: Alex Hogendoorn
Date: November 3, 2024

Summary Tagline:
"Faithfulness isn’t about escaping hardship—it’s about finding following Jesus through it."

Message Summary:
In Ecclesiastes 7:1-13, Solomon paints a portrait of a life of faithfulness (a "good name") in the face of hardship. Like running hurdles, we cannot attempt to run the race like a simple sprint––when life doesn’t go as planned, these frustrations test our endurance and focus and our commitment to a “good name”—a reputation built on character rather than comfort. The Preacher said that those who seek that good name:

  • keep their eyes on the finish line (vss 1-2)
  • are prepared for obstacles along the way (vss 3-4)
  • receive constructive criticism (vss 5-6)
  • are not easily frustrated (vss 7-9)
  • learn from the past and prepare for the future (vss 10-12)
  • follow the path God has set for them, no matter how curvy (vs 13)

But the gospel is more than just seeking a good name for ourselves. Jesus is the one who has been given the name above every other name and our hope is in his faithfulness above all. As we follow Jesus, this passage calls us to embrace life’s sorrows and challenges as part of taking up our cross, taking on hardship willingly. Through Jesus, we are not only shown the way of faithfulness but empowered to live it, carrying His name as a gift and responsibility. And in this we find joy.

"Unless we embrace the cross, the life of following Jesus will be filled with frustrations. But if we take up our cross and follow him, it's all joy."

Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker Question:
What’s something challenging in your life that, over time, has become a meaningful part of who you are?

Pray. Take a moment to read the passage as a group and then take any questions about the passage that come up.

Discussion Questions:

  1. The pursuit of a “good name” is more about faithfulness than impressing others. What does pursuing a “good name” mean to you, especially before God?
  2. The hurdles illustration pointed out how we sometimes approach challenges as interruptions. How might reframing life’s challenges as “part of the race” change how you respond to them?
  3. Verse 10 warns against longing for “the good old days.” How do you balance learning from the past without getting stuck in it? How can receiving wisdom from the past prepare you for the future?
  4. Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow Him. How does this command change the way you view life’s disappointments and frustrations?
  5. Through Christ, we carry His name, the “name above all names.” How does this reality encourage you to live faithfully, even in difficult times?

For Further Study:

  1. Philippians 2:8-11 – Jesus, who humbled Himself, is given the name above all names.
  2. James 1:2-4 – Finding joy in trials, knowing they produce steadfastness.
  3. Romans 5:3-5 – Suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope.
  4. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – Paul’s strength found in weakness.
  5. Psalm 90:12 – "Teach us to number our days."
  6. Hebrews 12:1-2 – Running the race with endurance, fixing our eyes on Jesus.
  7. Matthew 16:24-26 – Losing our life for Jesus’ sake.
  8. John 16:33 – Jesus overcame the world, giving us peace.

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. In what areas of my life am I holding back from trusting God fully, especially in the things I do not understand?
  2. How am I contributing to a community of faithfulness in our church, seeking to finish well together?
  3. Am I open to the wisdom and accountability offered by my group, even if it challenges me?
  4. How can I live out Jesus' steadfast faithfulness in the city?
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