Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Ecclesiastes 3:16 – 4:3), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…
- [3:16; 4:1] Injustice and oppression are problems in this world that we cannot fix. This is a frustrating reality that we must endure. What are some examples of frustrating injustices and oppression that you see in this world? In foreign nations? In our nation? In our region or city? Have you suffered injustice and oppression? What’s your strategy for enduring?
- [17-20] In his perfect judgment, God will make all things right. He hasn’t done this already, at least partially, because he wants us to see what kind of people we have become in our sin and rebellion against him. We have brought injustice and oppression into the world. In our sin, we have brought misery and death upon ourselves. This is a mess of our own making, a mess we can’t fix. Have you been frustrated with God for his delay in bringing perfect justice into the world as he has promised? Do you wonder if such frustration is misdirected? Do you believe that he will someday judge the world and make all things right?
- [21-22] Jesus knows what happens to us after we suffer and die in this world. Jesus has led the way in suffering injustice and oppression, through death, and into resurrection and restoration. He has promised that all who belong to him will share in his life, death, and resurrection. He doesn’t promise that your life in this broken world will be any different than what he experienced. (“A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” [John 15:20].) You might never find relief from injustice and oppression in this life, but you will see God’s justice afterwards. Do you find comfort in this? Do you consider it a privilege to suffer with/like Jesus in this life? Do you consider resurrection and restoration in God’s kingdom to be worth enduring all things in this broken world? Do you think the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus as the new pattern for our humanity is worth telling your friends about?