Ecclesiastes (Part 4): Wealth & Power

The Futility of Wealth (Eccl. 5:8-20)

a. Wealth brings worry.

b. Wealth attracts corruption.

c. Wealth is temporary.

The Futility of Power (Eccl. 4:1-12)

a. Power brings isolation.

b. The strength of relationships

Wealth and Power are Tragic (Eccl. 6:1-6)

Gospel Perspective on Wealth and Influence

a. Christ is our greatest treasure.

b. Generosity outweighs selfishness.

c. Eternal treasure outweigh earthly treasure.

d. Humility outweighs ambition.

Small Group Discussion Questions:

1. In what ways have you found the pursuit of wealth or position to be unsatisfying?
   

   
   

2. How does the tragedy of wealth in Ecclesiastes 6:1-6 illustrate the futility of seeking satisfaction through earthly possessions?
   

   
   

3. Read Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 and 1 Timothy 6:17-19 together. How does Paul echo the ideas of Ecclesiastes? How does he add to what Ecclesiastes says?
   

   
   

4. In Mark 10:42-45, Jesus redefines greatness. How does this challenge our modern ideas of leadership and success?
   

   
   

5. Look at Paul’s example and Jesus’ words in Acts 20:32-35. How did Paul live out Christ’s words about giving and receiving in the context of finances? What about in the area of power or authority?
   

   
   

6. In both Ecclesiastes and 1 Timothy 6, the pursuit of wealth is shown to bring emptiness. How can we practically apply the truth that “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6) in our daily lives?