Investing in Eternity: Finding True Purpose in God

In the journey of life, we often find ourselves seeking purpose and meaning, grappling with the question of what truly matters. As we delve into the Book of Ecclesiastes, we are confronted with the stark reality that much of what we invest our lives in may seem futile under the sun—that is, within the confines of our earthly existence. Yet, this is not a call to despair, but rather an invitation to discover a deeper, more enduring significance that transcends the temporal.

The parable of the talents teaches us that our lives are not to be squandered on the ephemeral but invested in the eternal. It is not the quantity of our increase that matters, but our faithfulness in stewardship. The commendation, "Well done, good and faithful servant," is the ultimate affirmation we seek, and it reshapes our priorities and pursuits. We are not to be seduced by the temporary treasures of this earth but to focus on the eternal treasures in heaven.

God is not opposed to newness or to our endeavors to build and create. Indeed, He is in the business of making us new creations. However, the true meaning and purpose of our lives are found not in these things but in Him and His kingdom. To live for this life alone is to settle for mere participation awards when we are called to a life under the Son—Jesus Christ.

As we navigate through Ecclesiastes, we are reminded that all of us will invest our lives in something. The critical question is whether we are investing in what truly matters. The world offers many lies about what constitutes meaning and purpose, but God has already addressed these long before we were born. He calls us to live life with an eternal perspective.

In this life, we will face routines and the temptation to seek novelty for its own sake. Yet, the pursuit of newness for fulfillment is a cycle that ultimately leaves us wanting. We may try to build legacies, but even these are subject to being forgotten. Humanism suggests that we must create our own meaning, but this approach is limited and ultimately unsatisfying.

We are made in the image of God, imbued with purpose and meaning by our Creator. It is in understanding that we are made for eternal life that we find our true purpose. There are two moments that will shape our approach to life: the moment we die and the moment we stand before Jesus. Living with the latter in mind changes everything.

Now, let us consider the

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Key Takeaways

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### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading

1. Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 (CSB)

- "The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem: 'Absolute futility,' says the Teacher. 'Absolute futility. Everything is futile.' What does a person gain for all his efforts that he labors at under the sun? A generation goes and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun sets; panting, it hurries back to the place where it rises. Gusting to the south, turning to the north, turning, turning, goes the wind, and the wind returns in its cycles. All the streams flow to the sea, yet the sea is never full; to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again. All things are wearisome, more than anyone can say. The eye is not satisfied by seeing or the ear filled with hearing. What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun. Can one say about anything, 'Look, this is new'? It has already existed in the ages before us. There is no remembrance of those who came before and of those who will come after; there will also be no remembrance by those who follow them."

1. Matthew 25:14-30 (CSB)

- The Parable of the Talents: "For it is just like a man about to go on a journey. He called his own servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent, depending on each one’s ability. Then he went on a journey. Immediately the man who had received five talents went, put them to work, and earned five more. In the same way the man with two earned two more. But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five talents approached, presented five more talents, and said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I’ve earned five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.’ The man with two talents also approached. He said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I’ve earned two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.’ The man who had received one talent also approached and said, ‘Master, I know you. You’re a harsh man, reaping where you haven’t sown and gathering where you haven’t scattered seed. So I was afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’ His master replied to him, ‘You evil, lazy servant! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered, then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and I would have received my money back with interest when I returned. So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have more than enough. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. And throw this good-for-nothing servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’"

#### Observation Questions

1. What does the Teacher in Ecclesiastes describe as "absolute futility"? ([05:04])
2. In the Parable of the Talents, what was the master's response to the servants who invested their talents? ([34:21])
3. According to the sermon, what are some of the things people often seek for meaning and purpose in life? ([08:00])
4. How does the Teacher in Ecclesiastes describe the cycle of life and nature? ([14:16])

#### Interpretation Questions

1. What does the phrase "under the sun" signify in the context of Ecclesiastes, and how does it shape our understanding of life's purpose? ([27:00])
2. How does the Parable of the Talents illustrate the concept of stewardship and faithfulness in our lives? ([34:21])
3. Why does the sermon suggest that seeking new experiences or possessions for fulfillment is ultimately unsatisfying? ([18:10])
4. How does recognizing our identity as image-bearers of God influence our sense of purpose and meaning? ([25:02])

#### Application Questions

1. Reflect on your daily routines and activities. Are there areas where you feel you are investing in things that may not have lasting significance? How can you redirect your efforts towards what truly matters? ([11:00])
2. The sermon mentions the importance of living with an eternal perspective. How can you practically incorporate this perspective into your decision-making and priorities? ([37:57])
3. Consider the legacy you are building with your life. What steps can you take to ensure that your actions and contributions have a lasting impact on others, even if your name is not remembered? ([20:02])
4. How can you cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in your life by focusing on your relationship with God and His kingdom rather than on temporary achievements? ([35:01])
5. The anticipation of standing before Jesus should influence how we live today. What changes can you make in your life to align more closely with God's values and priorities? ([29:21])
6. Think about a recent situation where you sought newness for fulfillment. How did it turn out, and what did you learn from that experience about finding true satisfaction? ([18:10])
7. How can you use your unique strengths, abilities, and personality to reflect God's character and contribute to the world in a way that honors Him? ([25:02])