Sunday Morning Worship 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM
Parental Recap of Week 7 [24/25]
Passage: Ecclesiastes 7
Topic: Death
Initial Discussion (at church)
Death is unavoidable but it is not natural. Death is an intrusion to the natural order of God’s good creation and purposes. Praise our Sovereign God who can use even death to convict and comfort those He loves. From Ecclesiastes 7, we discussed “Death and Its Gifts,” (David Gibson) and how death can be a surgeon, preacher, and artist:
Surgeon: There is a great paradox to life; there is permanent repetition and constant change. Because of the former, we often long for something new – job, relationship, house, toys, etc.). Because of the latter, we often long for something permanent – health, relationship, security, etc. Death operates on our heart’s restlessness for created things so we may find rest in the Creator.
Preacher: It may be hard to accept that “the day of death [is better] than the day of birth” (Ecc. 7:1). “But the Teacher’s point is the funerals and crematoriums and hearses and open graves and tears on the pillow at night are the amplifiers God uses to address a world obsessed with the trivial and the fleeting.” Death searches, awakens, and penetrates our hearts with truth more effectively than a newborn life.
Artist: Death reminds us that all things under the sun is temporary (vanity), even those good things that God graciously gives us – relationships, homes, skills and giftings, etc. Too often we make good things into ultimate things (idols). It’s not that we shouldn’t enjoy them, but death is an artist that “frees us to enjoy things for what they are rather than what I want them to be.” Instead of desperately clinging to things, it frees us to loosen our grip so that we can enjoy God’s gifts fully and with others.
Continued Discussion (at home)
Below are five needs we seek to find in our lives. Share which ones resonate with you:
- Enjoyment: “Life is sad, and I want a steady stream of happiness from work/school, relationships, family, ministry, entertainment, activities, etc.”
- Appreciation: “I want to be liked, respected, and valued and I look for it from work/school, relationships, family, ministry, entertainment, activities, etc.”
- Impact: “I want things to go my way so I can leave a legacy in work/school, relationships, family, ministry, entertainment, activities, etc.”
- Enjoyment: “I want to gain as much money or comfort in life through work/school, relationships, family, ministry, entertainment, activities, etc.”
- Fulfillment: “If I do the right things then I’ll feel fulfilled in life through work/school, relationships, family, ministry, entertainment, activities, etc.”
Discuss how you find contentment, comfort, and hope in Christ.
Pray together by
- repenting of our waywardness and idolatry
- asking for His help to lay them down and turn from our worldly desires
- thanking Him for the finished work of Christ and all the gifts we have in him
- asking for opportunities to bless others with this life He has given
Categories: Parental Recap