TEXT:  Ecclesiastes 4

1. The authority of life & death is with God    Ecclesiastes 4:1-3
   1. Those who lived & died already
   2. Those who live still today     Hebrews 9:24-28
   3. Those who were never born     II Samuel 12:21-23
2. Life lived with the wisdom of God is best of all    Ecclesiastes 4:4-6
   1. Being envious of others is empty
   2. Being a fool is different than being foolish
      1. Fool     – Psalm 14:1; 53:1; 14:16; 26:10
      2. Foolish –  Psalm 38:5;  Proverbs 19:13; 22:15; 24:9
   3. Satisfaction of life is better than having much stuff     Proverbs 17:1
3. Life lived alone is not better for anyone    Ecclesiastes 4:7-12
   1. Life alone without God is not ever better
   2. Life alone on your own is lonely & not better
   3. Life with the support of others is better with God too
4. A closing personal testimonial of Solomon’s life    Ecclesiastes 4:13-16
   1. God’s wisdom is better than the world’s wealth     Proverbs 8:1-11; 3:14
   2. When we are not teachable, we are destined for trouble
   3. How we live our life influences the future lives to come

• Action Points;
  • How have you been living out from under God’s authority in your life?
  • What can you do this week to help you live with the wealth of God’s wisdom more?
  • What choices are you making in your life to forfeit the help of others & of God?
  • What can you change this week to improve your personal influence on the future?