Time

Passage

Ecclesiastes 3:1-22

‍Sermon Summary

The relentless march of time feels like more of a curse than a blessing. We find ourselves in different, often brutal seasons, often unable to predict or control them. God has built us for eternity but we are stuck living in time. We’re also going to die, just like the animals, with no way to be certain that our final destination is different. For the Preacher, accepting this humbling reality is the first step toward enjoying our “lot”—the times and circumstances God ordains for us. When we stop trying to “seize the day,” we can receive the day as the gift of a generous God who sees all, knows all, and will bring everything to account. Those who trust in Christ by faith have solid hope of eternity with him, liberated from the limits of time. Until then, with Jesus, we eat, drink, do good and enjoy the work he has given us.

Discussion Questions (choose any—you don't have to answer them all!)

1. [Optional starter question] What stood out or stuck with you from the sermon?
2. How have you personally experienced the pains of living in time?
3. Name some specific longings you have for your life—things you want to experience or accomplish, ways you want to grow, etc. How do you feel about the possibility that they might not ever happen?
4. Describe the “lot” of your life right now. What are some of its painful limits? What are some of its delightful gifts?
5. At the end, Walter named some ways to tell when we are loving, or not loving, our lot. Which ones resonated with you? What others would you add?
6. BONUS 1: Go back and read chapter 2. How does the same gift-vs-gain perspective affect your experience of pleasure and accomplishment?
7. BONUS 2: Watch the 7-minute short, Retirement Plan (linked below). Discuss.

Prayer Prompts

• Thank you, Father, for telling us the truth about__________
• Forgive me, Jesus, for tryino to control__________
• Help me, Holy Spirit, to enjoy ___________

Resources Consulted

• Africa Bible Commentary, ed. Tokunboh Adeyemo
• Everything is Never Enough, Bobby Jamieson
• A Table in the Mist, Jeffrey Meyers
• Rcovering Eden: The Gospel According to Ecclesiastes, Zack Eswine
• NICOT Commentary on Ecclesiastes, Tremper Longman
• Reason for Being, Jacques Ellul
• A Time to Tear Down & A Time to Build Up, Michael V. Fox
• The Message of Ecclesiastes, Derek Kidner
• Ecclesiastes for Everyone, John Goldingay
• NIV Application Commentary on Proverbs, Ecclesiastes & Song of Songs, Ian Provan
• Living Life Backward, David Gibson
• The Wisdom Books translation and commentary, Robert Alter
• The Bible Project videos on Ecclesiastes
• How to Inhabit Time, James K.A. Smith
• Retirement Plan (7-min short film)
• Kevin Killeen on February (amusing clip)