SERMON DISCUSSION GUIDE
February 23, 2025 | Josh Reasoner | Ecclesiastes 12:9-14
The End
WORD | What does the Bible say?
We have said many times during this Ecclesiastes series that our life’s meaning is found not under the sun (in earthly things) but beyond the sun (in a relationship with God). Understanding that is the root of wisdom. Here at the end of the book is one final reminder of what the Teacher has been alluding to all along: Fear God and keep his commands.
1. Read Ecclesiastes 12:9-14.
a. Why has wisdom been such a fixation of the Teacher’s? What have you discovered about wisdom from the Ecclesiastes series?
b. Briefly remind yourselves what it means to fear God rightly and to obey his commands. How would you explain your own fear of God to someone else?
c. What does it mean that fearing God and walking in his ways is “for all humanity” or is the duty of all humankind?
2. As a group, take some time to reflect on the Ecclesiastes series. Can you share something the Holy Spirit has impressed on you or taught you?
KINGDOM | How is God working?
Ecclesiastes 12 (and parts of chapter 11) dwell on youth, aging/maturity, and wisdom. Wisdom is one of the most important pursuits of our lives. Implicit in the words of verse 12 – and elsewhere in the Bible – is that wisdom is often passed from generation to generation, so we should seek it the generations ahead of us and give it to those who come behind us.
3. Why is wisdom gleaned from our peers insufficient? Why is it also insufficient to only glean wisdom from people we can listen to but not interact with (i.e. wisdom gained from podcasts, books, internet research), even if it’s good stuff?
4. Every generation seems to think they’ve got things figured out better than the ones before them. What could be going on in our hearts that we indulge in this chronological snobbery?
5. What are some of the obstacles that keep generations from sharing their wisdom with each other? What are some of the blessings that come from relationships that share wisdom across generations?
6. How can you be more intentional about passing wisdom on from generation to generation?
HEART | What’s going on in your heart?
You might have noticed that we didn’t discuss Ecclesiastes 12:14 in the WORD section. Reread Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 now. Nobody likes the idea of being judged, but as Pastor Josh said, it is meant to be an incentive, a motivator, to fear God and obey him. This Ecclesiastes series has asked us to excavate some hard places in our hearts. How we respond to the reality of judgment is one last place for us to examine.
7. You should fear God; however if you fear him and obey his commands, you do not need to fear his judgment. What is the difference between healthy fear of God and unhealthy fear of judgment?
8. Do you struggle with a negative or unhealthy fear of God, one that is rooted not in awe of him but rather in terror of his displeasure or harsh punishment? What does this look like for you? This may be an opportunity for your group to speak truth to each other from God’s Word (i.e. share wisdom!) and pray for each other.
9. How is the reality of judgment a good thing or something that will lead you to somewhere good? How do you get to the good?
REFLECTION | Is there something for me to consider or do?
Wisdom is evaluating your life with the right perspective, that is God’s perspective. The commands (laws) of God are not meant to oppress you; instead his laws represent the loving and gracious hedges he puts around you to keep you focused on living out the eternal life God has given you in Christ.
Take time this week to offer to God the ways you feel free to obey him and the places where you feel reluctant or struggle. If you are struggling with an unhealthy fear of God [more scared of his displeasure than assured of his love for you], bring that to him too. Be honest before him about where you’re struggling. One more challenge: Seek out the wisdom of another person (more mature than you!) in this matter and let them speak God’s truth to you.
