The Death of Summer Lesson Five

The Death of Summer

LESSON FIVE by Ron Davis

BIBLE READING
After watching the biblical teaching by Heath Ferguson, read the following portions of Scripture.

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
1 Peter 3:15
Colossians 4:2-6

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 gives us an excellent picture of what Solomon thought about his deep desire for money, possessions and power. After having it all - literally anything he wanted in this world - his conclusions in this passage are very clear. As you read the passage remember that Solomon is at the end of his life looking back at a time when serving God was not his priority. His reflections are extremely important for us today.

1 Peter and Colossians both speak to the same concept from two different New Testament writers. As you read, contemplate the words of Peter and Paul as they teach us how to properly interact with the culture around us and the people who so desperately need the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ.

PASSAGE GUIDE
Use a journal and interact with Scripture as you read, study and meditate on it.

Ecclesiastes 2:1 Solomon is reflecting upon his decision to give into the desires of the flesh and pursue pleasure.
Ecclesiastes 2:2-8 Notice the list of things that would seem to make anyone happy: laughter, pleasure, wine/alcoholic drink, great works, houses, vineyards (much land that produced wealth), garden and parks, luxurious natural pools, servants, livestock (a sign of great wealth), solve and gold (treasure of kings), singers, and concubines (extra wives for sexual pleasure).
Ecclesiastes 2:9-10 Solomon became greater than anyone - he had all that the world could offer him.
Ecclesiastes 2:11 He considers all that he has done, and the answer is staggering: it is all vanity and striving after wind (there is no value in it at all), and he was left with nothing (no gain under the sun).

*Notice in verse three and verse nine that he states "my wisdom remained with me." We need to remember that wisdom is subjective. We can actually make choices that advance the human agenda that are "wise" based upon the foundation of this wisdom. In other words, we need godly wisdom that is driven by biblical truth and not just "wisdom." This is the wisdom of man, and Solomon calls it "vanity."

1 Peter 3:15 Peter commands us to be ready when asked about why we follow Christ. In this verse, we find the Greek word from which we get the word "apologetics" - apologia. It simply means to defend the faith or give a defense of the faith. This requires study and preparation, reliance upon the power of Christ in us, and the right attitude toward those in which we discuss our faith.

Colossians 4:2-6 Paul teaches how to engage "outsiders" (those who do not know Christ as Savior). We must: 1) have a consistent prayer life (praying for courage and clarity in presenting the gospel); 2) walk in wisdom (driven by biblical truth - we must prepare ourselves); 3) be gracious/kind; and 4) have our speech seasoned with salt (make what we say valuable to them).

REFLECT
Prayer Guide
  • opportunities to discuss Christ with classmates and friends
  • courage to engage them with the gospel
  • the right attitude toward those who are skeptical about our faith
  • repentance for living our daily lives without thinking about those who are "outsiders"
Personal Evaluation/Actions
  • Think about how you live in this world. Do you live in such a way others understand that you follow Christ?
  • Have you ever talked to someone about your faith? If so, how did it go? Were you scared? If not, what kept you from doing it? Most of the time the answer is "fear." See lesson one in this series to help with your fears.
  • This may sound really crazy...but role play an objection with a Christian friend and put the five things into practice:
  • Contact us about an objection to the faith you have heard or thought about. Let us help you shape your heart and mind to best present that answer! We will put the top five on our website for your to access!
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