lesson loop 3.19.16

Middle and High School - Ecclesiastes 11:1-12:8 (Do Something Now!)

Since we are in between units with the MS students, we also went through the Ecclesiastes passage this past Tuesday. It seemed appropriate given the youth emphasis in the text.

Big Idea: Now is the perfect time to do something for your Creator!

Do something! (11:1-6)

• The "casting your bread" thing is a bit confusing, but it seems to indicate giving with a risk.
• Do something risky - We challenged to students to consider when the last time was that they did something risky? (for the Lord)?
• Do something generous - "give a portion" refers to being generous with food
• There is a lot of uncertainty!
• There is a lot that we don't know!
• About how life works - i.e. how a baby grows in the womb
• About God's specific will for our life (there are a lot of things teenagers wish they knew about the future, but God does not reveal them to us)
• The best way to respond to uncertainty is to make the most of the time - both morning and evening (v. 6)!
• There is a spiritual work to be done; a spiritual harvest! (seed of the gospel)
• Many of us tend to procrastinate, but that is dangerous. God wants us to get involved.
• We challenged the students to think about where they can serve in the church or in youth group. God can use them now!!

Make the most of your youth! (11:7-12:8)

• Enjoy life!
• Joy is not permitted. It is commanded!! (11:9-10)
• Enjoy life for the Lord!
• “Know that God will bring you into judgment” 11:9b
• “Remember your Creator!” 12:1
• Points to life before us
• Points to life above us
• Points to life beyond life “under the sun”
• “Remember” - more than simply a memory; “passionate loyalty”
• A vital part of true joy is pleasing God
• Part of finding true joy is in committing our heart and body to God - 11:10
• Here and other places in Scripture - the eyes can either lead to worship in the heart, or sin (jealousy, lust, anger)
• Enjoy life for the Lord while you are young!
• Before you are old
• poetry - old age described as...
• an impending storm
• a house in decline
• While you still have life
• life is a valuable but fragile work of art

There are no guarantees. Life is fragile. And even a full life is shorter than you realize. (“Seize the Day” for God’s glory!!)

Enjoy life. For the Lord. While you are young.

• (Make the most of your youth!)
• Do something!!