Finding True Fulfillment in God Alone
Summary
Today, we gathered as a redeemed people, called to worship the Triune God and to lay our hearts bare before Him. In prayer, we brought our anxieties, our needs, and the needs of our community, entrusting all to the mercy and wisdom of God. We interceded for those who are sick, for our leaders, for the lost, and for the mission of the Church in our city and beyond. We also celebrated and sent out members of our church family, blessing them as they follow God’s call into new chapters of service.
Turning to Scripture, we reflected on the wisdom of Ecclesiastes and Psalm 49, which confront us with the sobering truth that nothing “under the sun”—no amount of wealth, pleasure, knowledge, or achievement—can ultimately satisfy the deep longing of our souls or overcome the reality of our mortality. The world’s promise that “the world is enough” is exposed as a lie; even the best things in life are fleeting, unsubstantial, and unable to provide a solid foundation for meaning or joy. Like King Solomon, we are reminded that chasing after these things is like chasing the wind—always elusive, never enough.
Jesus, in Luke 12, presses even deeper, warning us against covetousness and the false security of possessions. He tells the parable of the rich fool, who trusts in his abundance but forgets the Giver. The true basis of our security is not in what we possess, but in God alone, who is everlasting love. Our hearts remain restless until they rest in Him. When we recognize all we have as gifts from God, we are freed to use them for His kingdom—sharing generously, serving others, and aligning our lives with His purposes.
The call is to set our minds on things above, to find our rest and our identity in Christ, who alone has overcome the limitations of this world. In Him, we find the ransom for our souls, the source of abundant life, and the embrace that is truly enough. As we receive His gifts—especially in the sacrament of Holy Communion—we are sent out to love and serve, to be faithful witnesses, and to participate in God’s mission of redemption and restoration.
Key Takeaways
- The futility of seeking fulfillment “under the sun” is a central theme of Ecclesiastes. Even the best things—wisdom, wealth, pleasure, achievement—are ultimately unsubstantial and fleeting. They cannot overcome our limitations or provide lasting meaning, and to build our lives on them is to chase after the wind. [29:41]
- Jesus exposes the root of our restlessness: covetousness and misplaced security. He warns that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions, and that the desire for more can subtly take root in our hearts, leading us away from true life. The parable of the rich fool is a mirror for us, revealing where we may be trusting in what we have rather than in the Giver. [37:24]
- True security and abundant life are found only in God, who is everlasting love. When we lose what we have—money, relationships, status—our anxiety reveals where our trust truly lies. The invitation is to rest our hearts in God, who alone can satisfy and sustain us through every circumstance. [40:04]
- Recognizing all we have as gifts from God transforms our relationship to our possessions and talents. Instead of hoarding for ourselves, we are called to use what we have for God’s purposes—serving others, advancing His kingdom, and sharing generously. This is what it means to be “rich toward God” and to align our lives with His mission. [43:25]
- In Christ, we encounter the One who has overcome the world’s futility and death. He alone offers the ransom for our souls and the embrace that is truly enough. Whatever else may fall apart, our relationship with Him is solid, eternal, and the foundation for a life of joy, gratitude, and purpose. [01:02:50]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[12:56] - Prayers of Intercession and Community
[14:56] - Prayers for the Lost and for Leaders
[15:52] - Farewell and Blessing for the Gaithers
[17:50] - Blessing the Children
[29:41] - Introduction to Ecclesiastes: The Search for Meaning
[32:19] - The Limits of Wealth and Achievement
[33:14] - The Sorrow of Knowledge and the Reality of Suffering
[34:56] - The Inadequacy of Earthly Foundations
[35:57] - “Under the Sun”: The Futility of Worldly Pursuits
[37:24] - Jesus’ Warning Against Covetousness
[38:30] - The Parable of the Rich Fool
[40:04] - Where Is Your Security?
[41:36] - Thanksgiving and the Purpose of Our Gifts
[43:25] - Living for God’s Kingdom
[55:43] - The Great Thanksgiving and Holy Communion
[01:02:50] - The Hope of Resurrection and Sending Forth
[01:14:32] - Prayers for the Absent and Closing Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide
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### Bible Reading
Ecclesiastes 1:12-14, 2:1-11 (ESV)
> I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.
> ...
> I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” But behold, this also was vanity. I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” ... I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. ... So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. ... And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. ... Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.
Psalm 49:6-9 (ESV)
> Those who trust in their wealth
> and boast of the abundance of their riches?
> Truly no man can ransom another,
> or give to God the price of his life,
> for the ransom of their life is costly
> and can never suffice,
> that he should live on forever
> and never see the pit.
Luke 12:13-21 (ESV)
> Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Ecclesiastes, what kinds of things did the Preacher (likely Solomon) pursue in his search for meaning, and what was his conclusion about them? ([29:41])
2. In Psalm 49, what does the psalmist say about the ability of wealth to save or ransom a soul? ([32:19])
3. In the parable Jesus tells in Luke 12, what mistake does the rich man make regarding his possessions and his relationship with God? ([38:30])
4. What phrase does Ecclesiastes repeat to describe the futility of worldly pursuits, and what does it mean? ([35:57])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think even the best things in life—like wisdom, wealth, or pleasure—are described as “vanity” or “chasing after the wind” in Ecclesiastes? ([29:41])
2. How does Jesus’ warning about covetousness in Luke 12 challenge the way people often think about security and happiness? ([37:24])
3. The sermon mentioned that our anxiety can reveal where our trust truly lies. What does this suggest about the connection between our emotions and our spiritual priorities? ([40:04])
4. What does it mean to be “rich toward God” as opposed to simply being rich in possessions? ([43:25])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon said, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in [God].” What are some things you personally tend to chase after for satisfaction or security? How do you notice when your heart is restless? ([40:04])
2. When you experience loss—whether it’s money, relationships, or status—how do you typically respond? What does your response reveal about where you place your trust? ([40:04])
3. The rich fool in Jesus’ parable never thanked God for his abundance. How can you practice gratitude for what you have this week? Is there a specific way you can thank God for a gift in your life? ([38:30])
4. The sermon challenged us to see all we have as gifts from God to be used for His kingdom. What is one practical way you could use your resources, time, or talents to serve others or advance God’s purposes this month? ([43:25])
5. Are there any “under the sun” pursuits (like career, possessions, or achievements) that have become too important in your life? What would it look like to “set your mind on things above” instead? ([35:57])
6. The message talked about being “rich toward God” by aligning our lives with His mission. Is there a step you feel called to take to be more generous or mission-minded? What might be holding you back? ([43:25])
7. After hearing the sermon, is there a specific area where you sense God inviting you to trust Him more deeply? How can your small group support you in this? ([40:04])
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Devotional
Day 1: The Futility of Chasing After Earthly Things
King Solomon, in Ecclesiastes, reflects on his pursuit of wisdom, wealth, pleasure, and achievement, only to find that all of it is ultimately “vanity”—empty and fleeting, like chasing after the wind. Even the good things of this world cannot overcome the basic limitations of our fallen state, such as weakness and death. No matter how much we strive or accumulate, these things cannot provide a solid foundation for lasting joy or meaning. The world’s offerings, though sometimes delightful, are not enough to satisfy the deepest longings of the soul. [29:41]
Ecclesiastes 1:12-14, 18 (ESV)
I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind. … For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.
Reflection: What is one thing you are striving for right now that, if you’re honest, cannot truly satisfy your soul? Can you bring this before God and ask Him to show you what is truly lasting?
Day 2: Life Does Not Consist in the Abundance of Possessions
Jesus warns us not to set our hope on material wealth or possessions, teaching that true life is not found in abundance but in relationship with God. The parable of the rich fool illustrates how easy it is to trust in our own resources for security and comfort, forgetting the Giver of all good things. When we look to possessions for our sense of worth or safety, we risk missing out on the abundant life that only God can provide. Our actions and anxieties often reveal where our trust truly lies. [38:30]
Luke 12:15-21 (ESV)
And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
Reflection: When you feel anxious about your future or security, what do your actions reveal about where you place your trust? How might you shift your focus from possessions to God today?
Day 3: Gratitude and Generosity as a Response to God’s Gifts
Recognizing that all good things come from God leads us to gratitude and a desire to use our gifts for His purposes. Instead of hoarding blessings for ourselves, we are called to share them—whether they are financial, material, or spiritual—for the sake of God’s kingdom and the good of others. When we give thanks and align our lives with God’s mission, we become people who look beyond ourselves and participate in the work of blessing, healing, and proclaiming the gospel in the world. [43:25]
Colossians 3:15-17 (ESV)
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Reflection: What is one specific gift—material or spiritual—that God has given you? How can you use it this week to bless someone else or further God’s mission?
Day 4: Only God Can Redeem and Satisfy Our Souls
No amount of wealth, wisdom, or achievement can ransom our souls or grant us eternal life; only God can do that. Psalm 49 reminds us that all people, regardless of their status or possessions, face the same limitations and mortality. True security and hope are found not in what we can acquire, but in the God who redeems and gives life beyond death. Our hearts remain restless until they rest in Him, the only solid foundation for abundant and everlasting life. [33:14]
Psalm 49:6-9, 15 (ESV)
Those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches? Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, that he should live on forever and never see the pit. … But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me.
Reflection: Where are you tempted to look for security apart from God? What would it look like to entrust your deepest fears and hopes to Him today?
Day 5: Set Your Mind on Things Above
We are invited to lift our gaze from fleeting, earthly things and set our minds on the things that are above—on Christ Himself, who alone is enough. When we focus on God’s eternal kingdom and the life He offers, we find rest for our souls and strength to live out our calling. This heavenly perspective transforms how we see our gifts, our struggles, and our purpose, anchoring us in the unshakeable love and presence of Jesus, who has overcome the world and welcomes us into abundant life. [43:25]
Colossians 3:1-4 (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. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can “set your mind on things above” today, especially when you are tempted to focus on what is fleeting or frustrating?
Quotes
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