Ecclesiastes 3-4

Chapter 3: God is Sovereign over the times and seasons of life carrying out His eternal plans for His glory and our good.

1. Appointed Times and Seasons (vs. 1a, 9:12)

2. Appropriate, set, planned, intentional use of times and seasons (vs. 1b,11)

3. Affirm your faith about God's works in these times and seasons. What truths did Solomon conclude with?

4. Accountability for our actions and attitudes in these present times and seasons (vs. 10-17).

Additional notes:

• What will God hold us accountable for (even though our works don't save us, and even though He is sovereign ruler (vs. 10-17,20)?

• Since God fits everything beautifully together in His timing, when can we see & learn from even the trials and wicked acts in this world and in our lives? When will we see clearly (1 Corinthians 13)?

• Share a past trial or error, when you learned from it, and what you learned.

• What truths in Ecclesiastes 3 help you overcome anger at God, apathy about serving God and others, or anxiety about world conditions or your future?

Chapter 4: Consider "various kinds of oppression."

• Cf. 4:1-3; 5:8; 7:7; Psalm 73:8; 119:134; Jeremiah 6:6: & 22:17; & Ezekiel 18:18

• How can wrong views and motives about work be oppressive? What are the destructive results (vs. 4-12)?

• Discuss the contrast between relationships and isolation (vs. 9-12).