Finding True Contentment Beyond Wealth and Possessions
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, friends. Today, we delve into the Old Testament Wisdom Book of Ecclesiastes, specifically chapters 4, 5, and 6. We begin with the story of Jim, a successful businessman who is never satisfied with his wealth. Despite his financial success, Jim's obsession with work strains his marriage and personal life. His wife suggests counseling, but Jim refuses, prioritizing his business over his relationships. This story sets the stage for our exploration of the futility of pursuing wealth for satisfaction.
The teacher in Ecclesiastes reflects on the meaninglessness of wealth, emphasizing that without a right view of God and self, all pursuits are futile. The teacher, presumably King Solomon, who had immense wealth, warns us about the dangers of money. He notes that the pursuit of wealth is a common trap, even used by Satan to tempt Jesus. The allure of money promises happiness and satisfaction, but it is a deceptive lie.
We are reminded of God's faithfulness in providing for His people, as seen in the Israelites' 40 years in the wilderness. Despite their attempts to hoard manna, it spoiled, teaching them to trust in God's daily provision. Jesus reinforces this in the Sermon on the Mount, urging us not to worry about our needs but to trust in God's provision.
The teacher highlights the personal and relational depletion that comes from the relentless pursuit of wealth. Those consumed by money often suffer from sleeplessness, anxiety, and strained relationships. The wise person, however, finds contentment in what they have, leaving space for meaningful relationships.
The teacher also emphasizes the importance of community. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 speaks to the value of companionship, stating that two are better than one. This principle extends beyond marriage to all forms of biblical community, highlighting the need for accountability, support, and shared joy.
In Ecclesiastes 5:10-20, the teacher contrasts the futility of wealth with the gift of enjoying one's labor. Wealth itself is not evil; it is the love of money that leads to evil. The true gift is the ability to enjoy what God has provided, finding contentment and joy in His blessings.
As we conclude, we are reminded of the ultimate treasure—Jesus Christ. Our worth is not in our possessions but in our relationship with Him. We are called to repent of our misplaced priorities and trust in Christ alone for our eternal security. Whether it's the first time or the thousandth, our response should be one of gratitude and praise for God's consistent and faithful provision.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Futility of Wealth: The relentless pursuit of wealth for satisfaction is a futile endeavor. No matter how much one accumulates, it will never be enough to bring true contentment. This is a common trap that even successful individuals like Jim fall into, leading to strained relationships and personal dissatisfaction. True fulfillment comes from a right view of God and self, not from material possessions. [01:40]
2. God's Faithful Provision: Throughout history, God has consistently provided for His people, as seen in the Israelites' 40 years in the wilderness. Despite their attempts to hoard manna, it spoiled, teaching them to trust in God's daily provision. Jesus reinforces this in the Sermon on the Mount, urging us not to worry about our needs but to trust in God's provision. [27:53]
3. The Dangers of Obsession with Wealth: The relentless pursuit of wealth leads to personal and relational depletion. Those consumed by money often suffer from sleeplessness, anxiety, and strained relationships. The wise person finds contentment in what they have, leaving space for meaningful relationships. This principle is vividly illustrated in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, which speaks to the value of companionship. [20:48]
4. The Gift of Enjoying One's Labor: Wealth itself is not evil; it is the love of money that leads to evil. The true gift is the ability to enjoy what God has provided, finding contentment and joy in His blessings. Ecclesiastes 5:10-20 contrasts the futility of wealth with the gift of enjoying one's labor, emphasizing that true satisfaction comes from God. [17:54]
5. The Ultimate Treasure—Jesus Christ: Our worth is not in our possessions but in our relationship with Jesus Christ. We are called to repent of our misplaced priorities and trust in Christ alone for our eternal security. Whether it's the first time or the thousandth, our response should be one of gratitude and praise for God's consistent and faithful provision. [38:53]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:40] - Introduction to Ecclesiastes and Jim's Story
[03:34] - The Meaninglessness of Wealth
[04:34] - Expository Preaching and Life Topics
[05:25] - The Teacher's Thought Flow
[06:07] - The Dangers of Wealth
[06:52] - The Allure of Money
[07:24] - The Deception of Wealth
[07:56] - Jesus' Teaching on Provision
[08:23] - The Impact of Wealth on Worship
[09:01] - Guarding Our Steps Before God
[09:36] - Reading Ecclesiastes 4:4-12
[10:42] - The Value of Companionship
[14:01] - The Insatiable Appetite for Wealth
[14:41] - The Futility of Financial Gain
[15:13] - The Never-Ending Struggle for More
[16:03] - The Deception of Enough
[17:13] - The Gift of Enjoying Wealth
[17:54] - The True Gift of Contentment
[18:46] - The Love of Money
[19:30] - The Consequences of Wealth
[20:11] - The Consuming Force of Money
[20:48] - The Personal and Relational Depletion
[21:26] - The Effects of Sleep Deprivation
[22:11] - The Importance of Rest
[22:47] - The Wise Approach to Money
[23:23] - Balancing Needs and Relationships
[23:59] - The Question of Struggle
[24:57] - The Reality of Life and Death
[25:45] - The Moral Obligation to Work
[26:41] - The Lie of Self-Sufficiency
[27:53] - God's Faithful Provision
[28:42] - Jesus' Teaching on Anxiety
[29:41] - The Burden of Financial Worry
[30:41] - The Difference Between Concern and Consumption
[32:08] - The Misery of Wealth Pursuit
[33:40] - The Importance of Biblical Community
[34:59] - Pursuing Meaningful Relationships
[36:05] - Finding Joy in God's Gifts
[37:31] - Practical Steps for Gratitude
[38:53] - The Ultimate Treasure—Jesus Christ
[40:46] - Responding to God's Provision
[41:43] - The Money Changer and His Wife
[42:39] - Closing Prayer and Announcements
[43:19] - New Ministry Announcement
[43:45] - Mother's Day Gift and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (ESV)
> Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
2. Ecclesiastes 5:10-20 (ESV)
> He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep. There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, and those riches were lost in a bad venture. And he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand. As he came from his mother's womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand. This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind? Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger. Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.
3. Matthew 6:25-34 (ESV)
> Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
### Observation Questions
1. What does Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 say about the value of companionship and community?
2. According to Ecclesiastes 5:10-20, what are some consequences of loving money and wealth?
3. In Matthew 6:25-34, what examples does Jesus use to illustrate God's provision for our needs?
4. How does the story of Jim in the sermon illustrate the futility of pursuing wealth for satisfaction? ([01:40])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the teacher in Ecclesiastes emphasize the futility of wealth without a right view of God and self? ([03:34])
2. How does the pursuit of wealth lead to personal and relational depletion, according to the sermon and Ecclesiastes 5:10-20? ([20:48])
3. What does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:25-34 suggest about our priorities and trust in God's provision?
4. How does the concept of community in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 extend beyond marriage to other forms of biblical community? ([10:42])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you are pursuing wealth at the expense of your relationships? How can you realign your priorities to focus on meaningful relationships? ([23:23])
2. How can you cultivate a habit of gratitude for God's daily provision, as suggested in the sermon? Consider implementing a weekly routine to thank God for His provision. ([37:31])
3. In what ways can you actively seek and invest in biblical community? Are there specific steps you can take to build stronger relationships within your church or small group? ([33:40])
4. How do you handle anxiety about your future needs? What practical steps can you take to trust more in God's provision, as taught in Matthew 6:25-34? ([29:41])
5. Think about your current work and financial situation. Are you finding joy and contentment in what God has provided, or are you constantly striving for more? How can you shift your focus to enjoy God's gifts? ([17:54])
6. Reflect on the ultimate treasure in your life. Is Jesus Christ your greatest treasure, or have you placed more value on material possessions? How can you make Christ the center of your life? ([38:53])
7. How can you support others in your community who may be struggling with the pursuit of wealth and its consequences? What role can you play in encouraging them to find contentment in God's provision? ([34:59])
Devotional
### Day 1: The Futility of Wealth
The relentless pursuit of wealth for satisfaction is a futile endeavor. No matter how much one accumulates, it will never be enough to bring true contentment. This is a common trap that even successful individuals like Jim fall into, leading to strained relationships and personal dissatisfaction. True fulfillment comes from a right view of God and self, not from material possessions. [01:40]
Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 (ESV): "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes?"
Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you are striving for more material gain. How has this pursuit affected your relationships and personal well-being? What steps can you take today to shift your focus from material wealth to spiritual fulfillment?
### Day 2: God's Faithful Provision
Throughout history, God has consistently provided for His people, as seen in the Israelites' 40 years in the wilderness. Despite their attempts to hoard manna, it spoiled, teaching them to trust in God's daily provision. Jesus reinforces this in the Sermon on the Mount, urging us not to worry about our needs but to trust in God's provision. [27:53]
Deuteronomy 8:3 (ESV): "And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in your life. How did this experience shape your trust in Him? What can you do today to remind yourself of God's faithfulness and provision?
### Day 3: The Dangers of Obsession with Wealth
The relentless pursuit of wealth leads to personal and relational depletion. Those consumed by money often suffer from sleeplessness, anxiety, and strained relationships. The wise person finds contentment in what they have, leaving space for meaningful relationships. This principle is vividly illustrated in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, which speaks to the value of companionship. [20:48]
Proverbs 23:4-5 (ESV): "Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven."
Reflection: Consider how your pursuit of wealth has impacted your mental health and relationships. What practical steps can you take today to prioritize your well-being and relationships over financial gain?
### Day 4: The Gift of Enjoying One's Labor
Wealth itself is not evil; it is the love of money that leads to evil. The true gift is the ability to enjoy what God has provided, finding contentment and joy in His blessings. Ecclesiastes 5:10-20 contrasts the futility of wealth with the gift of enjoying one's labor, emphasizing that true satisfaction comes from God. [17:54]
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 (ESV): "I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man."
Reflection: Reflect on the work you do daily. How can you find joy and contentment in your labor, recognizing it as a gift from God? What changes can you make to better appreciate and enjoy the fruits of your labor?
### Day 5: The Ultimate Treasure—Jesus Christ
Our worth is not in our possessions but in our relationship with Jesus Christ. We are called to repent of our misplaced priorities and trust in Christ alone for our eternal security. Whether it's the first time or the thousandth, our response should be one of gratitude and praise for God's consistent and faithful provision. [38:53]
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: Examine your heart and identify any areas where you have placed your worth in material possessions. How can you realign your priorities to focus on your relationship with Jesus? What practical steps can you take today to seek the things that are above?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The pursuit of money for satisfaction's sake will leave us longing. If we look back at chapter 4, verse 8, the teacher says there is a person without a companion, without even a son or brother, and though there is no end to all of his struggles, his eyes are still not content with riches. Or again, we could skip down to chapter 5, verse 10. The one who loves silver is never satisfied with silver. And whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with income. You can hear it in those two passages particularly. Not content, never satisfied. This is the teacher's conclusion. Regarding the pursuit of money, thinking it will bring you satisfaction. Not content, never satisfied. Longing, wondering what else could be out there that will make you feel fulfilled." [15:13]
2. "Are you that person friends money and wealth can be directly tied to so many of the devastating realities. We experience it can be tied to depression and other mental health problems. Suicidality eating disorders divorce self-worth self-esteem on and on the research list could go and again. I'm not saying more money equals those issues again that the text is right. It says God gives those things but what we do with those things matter. It really matters what we value and prioritize our motives in this life really matter." [10:42]
3. "The problem comes when we get things twisted. When we become addicted to making money and not making wise use of the money that God has given us. We might think about a New Testament teacher, the Apostle Paul, as he writes to his pupil, Timothy. It's not money that's the root of all evil, right? It's the love of money that is the root of all evil. This love of money, this greed, this pursuit of making money, thinking it alone will bring satisfaction, will leave us longing, and it will also leave us depleted." [18:46]
4. "The pursuit of money for satisfaction's sake will leave us depleted. We might think of this depletion in two different categories, personally and relationally. Chapter 5, verses 11 through 13 go on to say, when good things increase, the ones who consume them multiply. The idea there is a visual picture of leeches. What then is the profit to the owner? Except to gaze at them with his eyes, the sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich permits him no sleep. There's a sickening tragedy I've seen under the sun. Wealth kept by its owner to his harm." [19:30]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for how many years, friends? 40 years. If I just do the math on that quickly in my head, that's not true. I did it before. That's 14,600 days. You know, how many of those days God failed? To provide for his people? Zero. God failed zero times to provide what his children needed and that is true today. But you know what happened when God's people tried to provide for themselves tried to ensure that they have enough for the future just in case things got bad just in case maybe God would forget tomorrow to send the manna from heaven. It rotted. It's spoiled. He got maggots in it." [27:53]
2. "The teacher says this pursuit leaves people with no sleep, leads to great harm. When we become consumed by a love of money and a desperate pursuit of it, it leads to sleeplessness. And now we all know, whether we've read the scientific peer-reviewed studies or not, the effect of sleep deprivation. We all know that. We all know the monster that many of our spouse, many admit we become when we don't get enough sleep. We get short and quick-tempered. We don't think as clearly. We may say things we normally wouldn't or do things we normally wouldn't. And when we have become consumed, obsessed by the pursuit of wealth and riches and money, sleep is often the first thing to go." [21:26]
3. "Pursue real relationships with God's people because we need it. We were in fact made for it number to pursue pleasure and joy in God's gift. Again. We look at chapter 5 verses 18 and 19. Here's what I've seen to be good. It's appropriate to eat drink and experience good in all the labor one does under the sun verse 19 furthermore everyone to whom God has given riches and wealth. He has also allowed him to enjoy them take his reward and rejoice in his labors. The idea here is that we ought to find joy and fulfillment in what had God has given not what we feel. We still lack that idea." [36:05]
4. "Friends I'd admonish you to think often on the gospel then on the one who will never leave us longing. Depleted anxious miserable to think about Jesus the reality that there is a holy God who by our own actions we have rebelled against and turned from many of us to the idol of money. But despite our rebellion and despite our rejection God sent his son Jesus to be condemned and killed in our place for our sin. He took God's just wrath and punishment that we rightly deserve. So that we could be reconciled and restored in relationship with God the father. As we await the day that he restores all things his offer is eternal life only through Jesus Christ and that means that we have a response to make." [38:53]
5. "The pursuit of money for satisfaction's sake will leave us miserable. Look at back at chapter 5 verse 17. He says what does the one game who struggles for the win? What's more he eats in darkness all his days with much frustration sickness. And anger darkness frustration sickness anger. That's the end. That's the result friends. The teacher concludes of a life spent in pursuit of money thinking it's going to bring you the greatest satisfaction miserable. Who wants to be that person who wants to be around that person?" [32:08]
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