Ecclesiastes 11:1-12:8: How Shall We Then Live?

For more context before you begin studying, read this introduction to the book of Ecclesiastes.

Al week I prepared myself to rappel off Inspiration II, a sheer cliff of 100 feet near Bear Trap Ranch in Colorado. Physical preparation included "learning the ropes" on smaller cliffs such as Inspiration I. Mental preparation involved watching and talking to veteran rappellers. The day that I was to go came, but I was busy with a camping trip. The next day no one was going. The day after that something else came up. From then until the end of the week I was going to make the rappelling trip . . . tomorrow. It never happened. To this day, twenty years later, I wonder: "Why didn't I go? Was I unsure of my skills, was I too timid to take up the challenge or . . . ?"

There is a risk to not taking risks. An opportunity to test our resolve or pursue a challenge may be lost forever. Failing to take spiritual risks in the life of faith has even greater consequences. In this section the Teacher will encourage us to "cast our bread upon the waters."

Warming Up to God

Create a brief list of your resources, skills, funds, time, energy and possessions. Bring this list to God in a prayer of thanks. What decisions do you have about using these assets that may lead you out of your comfort zone? Meditate on God's character as it relates to these decisions.

Read Ecclesiastes 11:1-12:8

Discovering the Word

• What is the Teacher encouraging in 11:1-6?
• Given what the Teacher has said in chapters 1—10, why would he encourage us to be risk-takers?
• Describe the perspective on life found in 11:7-10.
• What kind of relationship with God does the word remember imply (12:1, 6)?
• What are the metaphors used to describe death (12:6-7)?

Applying the Word

• What's something you've done which involved a great deal of risk?
• How does the perspective of verses 7-10 encourage you to pursue joy?
• Why should the eventuality of death be a strong encouragement to a risk-taking commitment to God?

Responding in Prayer

Spend several minutes thanking the Lord for the life that you have found in him. Ask him to help you pursue the kind of faith-stretching life that taps into his vast resources.