Why Would God Allow This?

Introduction:

5 Ways to Fail at Relationships:
(Ecclesiastes 4:1-5:7)

  1. Don't show Compassion . (Eccl 4:1-3)
  2. Work for the wrong reasons. (Eccl 4:4-8)
    1. Envy : bad motivation. (Eccl 4:4-6)
    2. Greed : bad motivation. (Eccl 4:7-8)
  1. Don't see the Benefits of relationships. (Eccl 4:9-12)
    1. You get More (and Better) work done. (Eccl 4:9)
    2. You have help when you're in Trouble . (Eccl 4:10-11)
    3. It's Safer . (Eccl 4:12)
  2. Refuse to take Action . (Eccl 4:13-16)
  3. (Regarding God) Talk , don't Listen . (Eccl 5:1-7)

    2 ways to "guard your steps":

    1. Come expecting to Learn from God. (Eccl 5:1-3)
    2. Don't try to Bribe God. (Eccl 5:4-7)

    Matthew 22:37-39 - And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Ecclesiastes 4:1-5:7

  1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?

  2. How well do YOU take advice (Eccl 4:13)? Do you seek out advice? Why or why not? How do you respond to “unsolicited” advice?

  3. Is it appropriate to make a vow to God (Eccl 5:4-6)? Why or why not?

Breakout
Pray for one another to go after healthy relationships.