Theme: A survey of the Bible - 1 - Background and Setting: The “preacher,” written late in Solomon's life; a guide to avoid the common pitfalls in life. Life doesn't have to be meaningless. Life is empty without God; “under the sun” 2 - Interpretation and Organization: Verse 2:24 does not teach hedonism. Verses 3:19-20 do not teach annihilationism (see verses 17 & 21). 3 - Major Themes and Purposes: (1) The Utter futility of life apart from God. (2) The wisdom of God is greater than the world's wisdom (2:26). (3) The fear of God (8:12) (4) Death (a) soon we will all stand before God (b) cultivate a relationship with Christ so we won't be ashamed to see Him Purpose: a remedy against despair 4 - Key Doctrines and Key verses: (1) God's Sovereignty (2) The nature of people – “everything is wrong until Jesus makes things right” (3) The all-sufficiency of God Key Verses: 4:9-12; 7:20; 7:21; 8:11; 12:1 5 - Outline and Christology: 1:1-11 Declaration of Vanity 1:12-6:12 Demonstration of Vanity 7:1-12:14 Deliverance from Vanity “The need for Jesus cries out on every page.” John 10:10 6 - Lessons and Applications: (1) Use the book of Ecclesiastes as a tool of evangelism; master the purpose, theme, outline… (2) Use the book of Ecclesiastes to challenge yourselves to higher things than life “under the sun” (3:1-8) life is short; time to get a “Kingdom focus” (3) Gospel entreaty – believe on the Lord Jesus Christ
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Rob Ventura graduated from the Reformed Baptist Seminary in 2006. He is one of the pastors at Grace Community Baptist Church in Rhode Island. He and his wife have three children.