1.Read Ecclesiastes 1:1-14.  In 1:1, the author calls himself “Qoheleth”, which is often translated “the Preacher”.  However, a preacher is usually called to give answers to life’s questions from the perspective of God’s words.  In this book, Solomon asks the hard questions and forces us to come up with answers.  What do you think would be a more appropriate name than “the Preacher”?  Why?

2.The focus of this book is to grapple with what life is like if all that exists is what is “under the sun” (See again 1:3,9,14).  By that, he wants us to think about life without a creator God who is “over the sun”.  Imagine that you believe that there is no God.  Where you would tell someone to find lasting happiness and satisfaction in this world without any reference to God.  

3.The Philosopher quickly tells us that all existence is what we find “under the sin”, it is all meaningless in v.2.  Do you think that the successful King Solomon (see vv. 12-14) might have had a very personal experience of the meaninglessness of all this world has to offer?  Do you ever experience life as meaningless?  When?  Do you think others do?

4. Scan through vv. 3-11.  Put into your own words the main points Solomon makes.  Some have called his message, “Same old; same old. Whether you live in ancient Israel or in 21st century Southern California, the issues are the same.”  Do you agree with him?

5. C.S. Lewis wrote, “If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.”  Do you think that the Philosopher in Ecclesiastes is saying the same thing?  What does this say to you personally?