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Sermon Title: "Living in Light of Eternity"

Text: Ecclesiastes 9:1-10
Preacher: Alex Hogendoorn
Date: November 10, 2024

Summary Tagline:
"Because of Christ, we live fully even in the face of death."

Message Summary:
In Ecclesiastes 9:1-10, Solomon reflects on life’s brevity and the certainty of death. While he began with faith that we are in God's hands, the world around us offers no proof as to how things will go for us. So while we are alive, he urges us to live for God. The sudden change in the passage (from the tough questions to the command to enjoy life) reflected the gift of joy and meaning in life that God gives when we trust him.

vs. 1a - But one thing I know... (we're in God's hands)
vs. 1b-2 - ...even though there is no proof of this in the world...
vs. 3 - ...and it might feel really unfair.
vs. 4 - But we have hope because we are still alive...
vs. 5-6 - so we have time to prepare to meet God.

In Jesus, we have the full solution to Solomon’s struggle. Jesus, the resurrection and the life, (John 11:25) assures us that death is not the end. This assurance allows us to live fully even in the face of death ("though he should die, yet shall he live!") The message concludes with a call to celebrate life and love, to cherish relationships, and to work with purpose. Our lives can have eternal significance when we live them in response to Jesus, who transforms even the fog of life into something beautiful and everlasting.

Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker Question: (Choose one)

  • What’s one thing you would do if you knew you only had a week to live?
  • Can you think of a time when an unexpected event helped you appreciate life more?
  • What’s a simple pleasure that always brightens your day, no matter what’s going on around you?

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. Solomon began with a statement of faith: "The righteous are in the hand of God." But then he admitted that the way life goes for the righteous and wicked can leave us feeling confused. How do you hold on to faith when life’s circumstances seem unfair or unclear? What helps you trust that you are in God’s hands?
  2. In verse 7, God “approves” of finding joy in daily life--it's like he commissions us to live! How can you embrace this joy in your own life, and what might it look like to “eat your bread with joy” in today’s terms?
  3. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life." How does knowing this change the way you face your own challenges or fears about the future?
  4. Alex shared his testimony of how God's commission to live found him in his depression. Do you have a similar story of how God's call to live reached you?
  5. Ecclesiastes 9 encourages us to live fully with loved ones and to work with all our might. How can you approach your relationships and responsibilities with this perspective?

For Further Study:

  1. John 11:25 – "I am the resurrection and the life."
  2. Psalm 39:4-5 – "Show me, Lord, my life’s end."
  3. Philippians 1:21 – "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
  4. James 4:14 – Life is a mist that appears and vanishes.
  5. 2 Corinthians 5:1 – Our earthly tent and eternal home.
  6. Matthew 6:34 – "Do not worry about tomorrow."
  7. Romans 8:38-39 – Nothing can separate us from God’s love.
  8. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 – Grieving with hope.
  9. Colossians 3:23-24 – Working for the Lord, not for human masters.

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. How does Jesus’ promise of life after death give you courage to live fully and joyfully today?
  2. How can our church be a place where people are reminded to embrace the gift of life, even in its challenges and uncertainties?
  3. How can our group support each other in finding purpose and contentment, making the most of each day?
  4. How can we, as individuals and as a church, reflect Jesus' light to those who feel lost in the “fog” of life, especially those who are unsure about life’s meaning?
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