Pulpit Curriculum
Ecclesiastes: The Conclusion
by Pastor Kurt Gebhards
Ecclesiastes 12:8-14
You are not expected to cover every detail of this Pulpit Curriculum, rather, consider it a resource to
help you in guiding your group to a deeper understanding and application of the Word. As you
participate in your Lifegroup use the box to the right to identify GETTING AFTER IT NOW moments
to help you plan and be better equipped to grow in your response to the Word. After Lifegroup dig
deeper into the truth you have discovered.
Introduction
We come to the end of an incredible book that carries great wisdom yet, at the
same time, conveys a puzzling message to our present culture. The emptiness of
pursuing life under the sun is a warning throughout the book. The inventor of the
Flappy Bird app came to this same conclusion when he said, “I can’t take it
anymore” and shut down this lucrative, mesmerizing game. Despite having it all he
acknowledged that it does not mean you have what satisfies. What might you be
seeking, pursuing or desiring right now that needs an “over the sun” adjustment?
Ask God to reveal the pursuits that, apart from God, will bring pain and amplify life’s
meaninglessness.
1. The Word of God v. 9-11
In your search for meaning you will eventually end at the crossroads of God’s Word
and any other choice. The other fork, if taken, always comes up empty, futile or
meaningless. What empty pursuits have confirmed that for you? Solomon uses two
images of the Word of God at work for our good:
The Shepherd’s Role – We envision an image of the shepherd much like the picture
in our children’s Bibles; Sweet, kind, holding the baby sheep in His lap, conveying
tenderness. That is a true image but it is also incomplete. Sheep need direction,
correction and guidance. The Word works to give that in two ways.
Goads were a tool of the shepherd that was applied to beasts of burden to get their
attention and to adjust their course. How does the Bible work as a goad in our lives?
Share a passage that is a goad, getting our attention. Goads also were used to get
an animal on the right path. What are some Scriptures that can get you back on the
right path when you are struggling with fear, foolishness, anger or despair?
Well driven nails are another image related to the Word of God. What happens to
nails that are well driven? What does that do to the strength of what is being built?
Since we are emotional, mental, physical and spiritual beings, how does the Word
of God address the need to stabilize each of these areas of our life? Can you identify
a Scripture that speaks directly to each aspect? Pray that you will apply these verses
to encourage the cohesion of your faith life.
GAIN moments
The Preacher’s Role – The task of the preacher is to communicate truth. Our duty is to listen well and
respond willingly. Solomon specifies that the words should carry delight and should be words of truth that
correct. Have you been corrected or exhorted by truth that hurt at first but led to delight? What Scripture
do you go to that helps you recover joy?
2. The Will of God v. 12-14
We all want to know what to do. Solomon establishes a very brief summary of what really matters in living
life over the sun:
Fear God – What do you think of when you define fear of God? Respect, reverence and honor come to
mind. But what does it mean to fear God? What will that look like in your choices? In your behavior?
Around your family? In your community? Fear is really about control. To fear God is to live in submission to
His control. Prov. 1:7 and 9:10 can get us started in understanding this foundational truth. Read Prov.
28:14; 14:27; Psa. 31:19 and expand on the added benefits of fearing God. Read Heb. 10:31 and
characterize the response of one who faces the displeasure of God.
Obey God – If God is in control and He is our commander, why do we refuse to follow His will? What rises
up in us to disobey? Obedience is the rudder of our lives. What does a rudder do? What happens when a
boat loses its rudder? How did the story of Germany’s greatest battleship to sail the seas of WWII, the
Bismarck, illustrate this? What should happen when you realize that you have disobeyed God? Why is it
vital to develop a rapid repentant response in these times of disobedience?
Prepare to meet your Maker – In the end, the creator will be the judge of all that He has created. Solomon
relates that we all face the same perfect scrutiny. No one escapes. Why is it important to live now in light of
that ending? What can you do now to prepare for that ending?
Mutual Ministry: Challenge one another with the conclusion of Ecclesiastes. Where are you struggling
with the Word of God and the Will of God for you?. Are you seeking His wisdom? Share the area where
you will pray for each other. Make a pact to check with your friends about their progress in this area.
Take time to confess this sin of foolishness to God and then to one another (James 5:16), take a minute to
exhort to love and good deeds, to celebrate wisdom events (Heb. 10:24), encourage the weak (1 Thess.
5:14), bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2), and offer biblical edification to one another (Eph. 4:29).
Pray for a great celebration of God’s goodness for our 5th anniversary celebration. Pray as our people take
opportunity to share the work of God in their lives and invite friends to church. Pray for fulfillment in
serving God and fruit that remains from our efforts. Pray for Lifegroups to lovingly support one another in
the battle.
The “Intercessory Prayer” groups during our worship services 11/09/14:
1st hour – Ashoff
2nd hour – Bilhorn
: Dealing Biblically with Misplaced Fear
We all struggle with misplaced fears and the debilitating effects that they bring.
List your fears and then use these Bible study exercises to get immediate help so
as to live in victory and confidence over misplaced fear:
1. Go to God: What specific struggles or sins do you need to confess and forsake
in the area of fear, worry, or anxiety? (See Matthew 6:25-34.)
• ________________________________________________________________
• ________________________________________________________________
• ________________________________________________________________
2. Trust God: Read through the passage below which addresses the issue of fear. Use the following
approach:
• Read through specific passages of Scripture
• Underline key words or phrases that illustrate or point out:
• Indicatives – What is God saying to me about who I am in my position in Christ?
• Imperatives – What is God asking me to do in the power of Christ?
• Record thoughts and feelings about God’s empowerment and our responsibility
Main Passage: 2 Tim. 1:7 Additional Scriptures: Psa. 27, Prov. 29:25, 2 Cor. 3:4-5, Ex. 20:20, Jam. 1:2-4,
3. Obey God: Start with the main passage listed above and do the following steps:
• Memorizing accurately—What is the Scripture you need to remember right now? ________________
• Yielding quickly—How will you submit your will and emotions to this truth? _____________________
• Meditating daily—How is God changing your mind through this Scripture? ______________________
• Applying intentionally—What mindset or habits does this truth direct you to change now?
____________________________________________________________________________________
• Praying dependently—How does this Scripture call you to depend on God in prayer?
____________________________________________________________________________________
4. Wait on God: Read the Scripture passages with each step and answer each question specifically.
a. Wait patiently on God (Psalm 27:13-14 and 1 John 5:14-15).
What does waiting patiently look like in this situation? __________________________________________
b. Persevere in God (James 1:2-4;12, 1 Peter 1:7-7).
How can you continue to remain under this trial/struggle? _______________________________________
c. Pray persistently (Ephesians 6:18 and Philippians 4:6-7).
What can you commit to praying about daily? _________________________________________________