Click here to download a printable version of the message notes for the weekend of 7.9.11.
Click here to download a printable version of the discussion questions for the weekend of 7.9.11.
Vintage Faith
Solomon – Wind Chaser
Lee Powell, Senior Pastor
July 9 & 10, 2011
Knowledge
I devoted myself to search for understanding and to explore by wisdom everything being done under heaven… and really, it is all meaningless — like chasing the wind. ECCLESIASTES 1:13-14
C _________________ the W __________
Pleasure
I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life”… ECCLESIASTES 2:1
…many beautiful concubines… ECCLESIASTES 2:8
… I denied myself no pleasure… ECCLESIASTES 2:10
C _________________ the W __________
Possessions
I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. ECCLESIASTES 2:4
…I had everything a man could desire! ECCLESIASTES 2:8
C _________________ the W __________
Greatness
…I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me… ECCLESIASTES 2:9
C _________________ the W __________
Security
I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces…ECCLESIASTES 2:8
C _________________ the W __________
Entertainment
…I hired wonderful singers, both men and women… ECCLESIASTES 2:8
C _________________ the W __________
… ALL so meaningless — like chasing the wind. ECCLESIASTES 2:11
They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature…they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself… ROMANS 1:19-25
Life I___ Christ
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. PHILIPPIANS 4:4-9
…I have learned the secret of living in every situation… plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. PHILIPPIANS 4:12,13
All Scripture is from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.
Living It Out – Discussion Questions
(Discuss these questions in your LifeGroup and/or with your family and friends.)
Icebreaker: What is the thing in life that brings you the most pleasure? Why?
1. Some might mistakenly think this weekend’s message was a “Don’t” talk warning us against enjoying pleasurable things in life. In fact, this weekend’s talk was actually a “Do” talk. God wants us to experience good things in life, but what does He want us to do more than anything?
2. One of the blessings about living in America is that we have so many opportunities to engage in many different things. What are some of the things you enjoy about life? Is it wrong for us to enjoy what this life has to offer?
3. Solomon was a man who had it all! He had smarts, money and women. Yet, Solomon struggled to find significance in his life. Describe a time in your life when you struggled to find satisfaction and contentment. What answers did you eventually discover?
4. Romans 1:25 says that men would turn from worshiping God toward worshiping created things. It is so easy for us to become captivated by the pursuit of stuff, recognition, status, security – so many different things. How can you know when your heart is turning from God in order to pursue things apart from God? What are the warning signs? How can you reverse and redirect?
5. The main point of this weekend’s message is that God wants us to experience the pleasure that flows out of Him being at the center of our lives. Solomon showed us that experiencing pleasure apart from God was as meaningless as chasing the wind. Is there an area of life where you are currently chasing the wind? What are you hoping for? If you inserted God into the center of that chase, what would change?
6. There is a difference between enjoying something and truly being satisfied. Often we pursue enjoyable things, but are never satisfied by them. Describe a time when you were truly satisfied with yourself.
7. In Ecclesiastes 12:13, Solomon sums up his quest in this final conclusion: “Fear God and obey his commands.” What have you learned during this weekend message that has challenged you to think about what you are chasing and whether or not you are finding satisfaction in God?
Living It Out – Scripture Memory
(Memorize this verse for the month of July.)
COLOSSIANS 4:5-6 (New Living Translation)
Live wisely among those who are not believers,
and make the most of every opportunity. Let your
conversation be gracious and attractive so that
you will have the right response for everyone.