A life well-lived in one lived in the fear of God, not death.

Living life in the pursuit of God will allow you to face death with peace.

God refuses to operate according our ideas of what should happen and until we accept this, our lives will filled with anxiety.

Wisdom is a thankless and arduous pursuit, but its end is life.

In this life, we struggle between seeing ourselves as victims and villains—neither of which is helpful for living a life that glorifies God.

Knowing that God will address all evils in time allows you to rest in him and enjoy what is good.

When we elevate God’s gifts above God, we do not serve him, we destroy ourselves.

You must be aware of and fight the temptation to self-deception through entertainment and distractions.

God alone can quench our thirst for meaning and significance in life.

Authentic Worship

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

Making sense of the world begins with quietly worshipping the God of heaven.

I. Worshipping with Quiet Reverence (vv. 1-7)

A. The Gifts of Man’s Imaginations (vv. 1-7)

1. Gifts / Bribes (v. 1; cf. 1 Samuel 15)

2. Many Words (vv. 2, 7; Matthew 6:7-8)

3. Dreams of Fancy (vv. 3, 7)

4. Empty Vows (vv. 4-5)

B. Authentic Worship (vv. 1-2, 4-5, 7)

II. Jesus, the Silent Sacrifice

A. More than Going through the Motions (John 4:34; 10:17; 12:27; 13:27; Luke 22:42)

B. Silent Wisdom (vv. 1-2)

C. Eating the Food of Jesus (John 4:34)

Discussion Starters

1. Monday—How do many take the idea of authenticity in worship today? What happens when we become the test of authenticity in worship?

2. Tuesday—Why are we tempted to use many words in worship and prayer? Why does God say it is better to listen?

3. Wednesday—What is the allure of dreams? What is the problem with trusting dreams over scripture?

4. Thursday—What does it mean to guard your steps as you enter into God’s house? Do you feel the weightiness of God’s holiness when you enter into worship?

5. Friday—What does it mean to offer yourself up as sacrifice of worship? What does truly authentic worship cost you?

As humans made in the image of a relational God, we need community, but it can only truly be found through the saving work of Jesus Christ.

God has ordained seasons of life to teach us our need for him and invites us learn to enjoy his blessings in the midst of them.

None of us should try to be God, but we could all stand to be more like him.

If you think you can achieve immortality and lasting change through your hard work, you will be disappointed.