YF1

Ecclesiastes 2:1-3

I said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure.

So enjoy yourself.” And behold, it too was futility.

I said of laughter, “It is madness,” and of pleasure,

“What does it accomplish?”

I explored with my mind how to stimulate my body with wine while my mind was guiding me wisely, and how to take hold of folly, until I could see what good there is for the sons of men to do

under heaven the few years of their lives.

Let's Discuss

How does our culture encourage the pursuit of pleasure in unhealthy ways?

Pleasure for pleasure's sake accomplishes nothing and instead fills our lives with everything except what matters.

I made great works: I built houses for myself; I planted vineyards for myself; I made gardens and orchards for myself and I planted in them all kinds of fruit trees; I made pools of water for myself from which to water the forest and make the trees bud. I bought male and female slaves and had slaves born in my house. I also possessed herds and flocks larger than any who preceded me in Jerusalem.

Also, I collected for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I provided for myself male singers and female singers,

and the delights and pleasures of men—many concubines.

Summary

1) Building projects

2) Accumulating wealth

3) Patronizing the Arts

4) Indulging himself sexually

Let's Discuss

Are there any past accomplishments that are now meaningless to you?

Pleasures and possessions may feel like a reward for work, but it is a reward that does NOT last.

Ecclesiastes 2:9-11

Then I became great and increased more than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also stood by me. All that my eyes desired I did not refuse them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all my labor and this was my reward for all my labor. Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun.

Let's Discuss

What are the dangers of developing an entitlement mentality in regard to our achievements?

Give God the Glory: How can you fight against the empty pursuit of pleasure? Identify something you enjoy - and do it. But do it to honor Christ and give God the glory.

Memorize Scripture: Memorize a passage such as Philippians 4:4-7 and recall it when you become anxious, discouraged, or the toils of your own struggle tempt you to seek "reward" in the wrong way.

Acknowledge the Achievements of Others: Too often, we get caught up in our own achievements. That leads to a false sense of "reward" mentality. Contact others and thank them for their achievements. Encourage them. Consider how to do this in ways that also affirm them in the presence of others.