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Path To Purpose - A Study of Ecclesiastes

Path To Purpose - A Study of Ecclesiastes

by South River Baptist Church

Season 1

Fear God and Keep His Commandments - Week 12

Speaker: Eric Davidson Week 12: Fear God and Keep His Commandments Text: Ecclesiastes 11:1–12:14 Theme: The Final Word Summary: In the end, all that matters is honoring God. Life is short—live it with reverence and responsibility. Analysis of Chapter Exhortation to liberality. (11:1-6) An admonition to prepare for death, and to young people to be religious. (11:7-10) A description of the infirmities of age. (12:1-7) All is vanity: also a warning of the judgement to come. (12:8-14) Questions: What legacy are you leaving? What does it mean for you personally to “fear God”? Application: Surrender any final area of life where you're holding back from God.

The Unpredictability of Life - Week 11

Speaker: Eric Davidson Week 11: The Unpredictability of Life Text: Ecclesiastes 9:11–10:20 Theme: Life is Uncertain, but Wisdom Still Matters Summary: Life doesn’t always reward the strongest or smartest, yet wisdom still leads to better outcomes than folly. Analysis of Chapter Disappointments are experienced by everyone. (9:11,12) Benefits of Wisdom. (9:13-18) To preserve a character for wisdom. (10:1-3) Subjects and rulers. (10:4-10) Foolish talk. (10:11-15) Duties of rulers and subjects. (10:16-20) Questions: When has something unpredictable shaken your trust? What small, wise choice can you make in a chaotic area of life? Application: Choose one area to simplify or realign with godly wisdom.

Remember the End - Week 10

Speaker: Eric Davidson Week 10: Remember the End Text: Ecclesiastes 9:1–10 Theme: Living in Light of Death Summary: Death is inevitable, but that truth can help us live wisely and joyfully now. Analysis of Chapter Good and bad men fare alike as to this world. (1-3) All men must die. (4-10) Questions: How does your awareness of death affect your daily life? What would you do differently if you lived with eternity in mind? Application: Write a personal mission statement that reflects your values and purpose in Christ.

Living with Limitations - Week 9

Speaker: Eric Davidson Week 9: Living with Limitations Text: Ecclesiastes 8:1–17 Theme: Trusting God in Uncertain Times Summary: We don’t understand everything, especially injustice. God calls us to live rightly even when life doesn’t make sense. Analysis of Chapter Commendation of wisdom. (1-5) To prepare for sudden evils and death. (6-8) It will be well with the righteous, but not with the wicked. (9-13) Mysteries of providence. (14-17) Questions: How do you respond to life when it feels unfair or unclear? What keeps you anchored when answers don’t come? Application: Pray for faith to trust God when you don’t understand His plan.

Wisdom for Living - Week 8

Speaker: Eric Davidson Week 8: Wisdom for Living Text: Ecclesiastes 7:1–29 Theme: The Benefits and Boundaries of Wisdom Summary: Wisdom can help us live well, but it doesn’t provide all the answers. Only God is in control. Analysis of Chapter The benefit of a good name; of death above life; of sorrow over vain mirth. (1-6) Oppression, anger, and discontentment. (7-10) Advantages of wisdom. (11-22) Experience of the evil of sin. (23-29 Questions: Where do you seek wisdom most often: prayer, people, or possessions? What’s one “hard truth” from this chapter that hits home? Application: Take one wise principle and intentionally apply it this week.

Money Can’t Buy Meaning - Week 7

Speaker: Eric Davidson Week 7: Money Can’t Buy Meaning Text: Ecclesiastes 5:8–6:12 Theme: The Emptiness of Wealth Summary: Wealth without contentment is pointless. Satisfaction comes from God, not stuff. Analysis of Chapter Vows and oppression. (5:8) continuation from previous lesson The vanity of riches. (5:9-17) The right use of riches. (5:18-20) The vanity of riches, long life and flourishing families. (6:1-6) The little advantage any one has in outward things. (6:7-12) Questions: How has the pursuit of wealth affected your peace or relationships? What are you most tempted to chase after right no Application: Practice generosity this week in a specific, sacrificial way.

Worship With Reverence - Week 6

Speaker: Rob Colvert Week 6: Worship with Reverence Text: Ecclesiastes 5:1–7 Theme: The Importance of Worshiping God Honestly Summary: Solomon cautions against careless words and empty religious rituals. Analysis of Chapter What makes devotion vain. (1-3) Vows, and oppression. (4-8) Questions: Are your spiritual habits rooted in reverence or routine? What does it look like to "fear God" in your daily life? Application: Commit to a sincere and focused time of worship this week.

Injustice and Oppression - Week 5

Speaker: Eric Davidson Week 5: Injustice and Oppression Text: Ecclesiastes 4:1–16 Theme: The Burden of Life’s Unfairness Summary: Solomon laments injustice, loneliness, and the futility of status-seeking. Analysis of Chapter Miseries from oppression. (1-3) Troubles from envy. (4-6) The folly of covetousness. (7-8) The advantages of mutual help. (9-12) The changes of royalty. (13-16) Questions: How does the reality of injustice affect your faith? Who can you walk with so neither of you walks alone? Application: Reach out to someone who may feel unseen or burdened.

A Time for Everything - Week 4

Speaker: Eric Davidson Week 4: A Time for Everything Text: Ecclesiastes 3:1–22 Theme: God’s Sovereignty Over Time Summary: Life is full of seasons, and each has its place under God’s rule. Analysis of Chapter The changes of human affairs. (1-10) The divine counsels are unchangeable. (11-13) The vanity of worldly power. (16-22) Questions: Which season of life are you in right now? How do you see God's hand in it? Application: Choose to trust God's timing in one area you're struggling to understand.

Wisdom vs. Folly - Week 3

Speaker: Rob Colvert Week 3: Wisdom vs. Folly Text: Ecclesiastes 2:12–26 Theme: The Limits of Human Wisdom Summary: While wisdom is better than folly, even wisdom has limits—it cannot stop death or secure lasting fulfillment. Analysis of Chapter Human wisdom is insufficient. (12-17) This world to be used according to the will of God. (18-26) Questions: How do you balance wisdom with trust in God? What’s one wise choice you can make this week? Application: Identify an area where you need to seek godly wisdom over worldly success.

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