This small group discussion guide draws directly from the sermon “Showcase - Sunday Morning Worship Service 10:45am” so you can keep engaging with the message all week. Read, reflect, and share it with your small group or friends.

Small Group Discussion Guide

Vanity of Vanities: Why Life Needs More Than What's Under the Sun

Based on Ecclesiastes 1:1–3 | Sermon Series: Ecclesiastes, Week 1

A Note to Facilitators: Welcome! Whether this is your first time leading a small group or your hundredth, this guide is designed to help you. You don't need to be a biblical expert — your job is simply to create space for honest conversation and let God's Word do the work. Read through the guide before your group meets, choose the questions that feel right for your group, and trust the Holy Spirit to lead. You've got this.

OVERVIEW

This week's sermon opened a new series through the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes — one of the most honest, raw, and surprisingly relevant books in the entire Bible. Written by Solomon, the wisest and wealthiest king who ever lived, Ecclesiastes is the memoir of a man who had everything the world could offer and found it all deeply unsatisfying. The sermon's central message was both sobering and hopeful: life is meaningless without God — but because of Jesus Christ, life in him is full of meaning, purpose, and unshakeable hope. This guide will help your group wrestle honestly with that message and apply it to your everyday lives.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Suggested Total Time: 60–90 minutes Key Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:1–3 Supporting Scriptures: James 4:13–14; Matthew 16:26; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Psalm 127:1

What to Have Ready:

Bibles or Bible app
This discussion guide (printed or on a device)
A willingness to be honest — this book invites real conversation about real life

SECTION 1: ICEBREAKER

(5–10 minutes)

Start here to warm up the group and get everyone talking before diving into deeper content. There are no wrong answers — just get people sharing!

Choose one of the following questions:

Option A (Lighter):

"Think about something you worked really hard to get — a purchase, a goal, an achievement — and when you finally got it, it wasn't quite what you expected. What was it, and what happened?"

Option B (A little deeper):

"If you could ask God for anything right now — like Solomon was offered a blank check — what would you ask for, and why?"

[Leader Tip]: Don't rush this section. Laughter and light sharing at the beginning helps quieter group members feel safe enough to open up later. If your group is new or quiet, start with Option A. If your group is already close-knit, Option B will warm them up nicely for the deeper questions ahead.

SECTION 2: SCRIPTURE READING

(5 minutes)

Have someone in the group read the passage aloud. You may want to have a second person read it again from a different translation if available (ESV, NIV, and NLT all work well here).

Ecclesiastes 1:1–3 (ESV)

"The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?"

A Word About Ecclesiastes (Read aloud or summarize for your group):

Ecclesiastes is one of five poetic books in the Old Testament — alongside Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Song of Solomon. It was written by Solomon, the son of King David, who is widely considered the wisest man who ever lived. God gave Solomon extraordinary wisdom, wealth, and power. But over the course of his life, Solomon drifted from God and spent years chasing satisfaction in everything the world had to offer — pleasure, work, wealth, relationships, and more. Ecclesiastes is his honest, sometimes unsettling, memoir of that journey. The good news? His wandering ultimately brought him back to God — and God uses Solomon's story to speak powerfully to us today.

Supporting Passages (For reference throughout discussion — full texts below):

James 4:13–14 (ESV)

"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit' — yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."

Matthew 16:26 (ESV)

"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?"

1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

Psalm 127:1 (ESV)

"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain."

SECTION 3: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

(30–45 minutes)

Work through as many of these questions as time allows. They're organized to move from observation (what did we notice?) to interpretation (what does it mean?) to application (what do we do with it?). You don't have to use every question — pick the ones that feel most alive for your group.

THEME 1: Getting to Know Ecclesiastes

Questions 1–2 | (~8–10 minutes)

Question 1 — Observational:

"Before Sunday's sermon, what was your impression of the book of Ecclesiastes? Had you read it before? What did you think it was about?"

[Leader Tip]: Many people have never read Ecclesiastes or have avoided it because it feels dark or confusing. Normalize that! The pastor mentioned that even other pastors have questioned why anyone would preach it. Let people be honest about their unfamiliarity — it actually sets up a great conversation about why this book matters.

Question 2 — Observational/Interpretive:

"The pastor described Ecclesiastes as 'the autobiography of a wise man who played the fool' and 'the sad sequel to Proverbs.' What do you think he meant by that? Why might a book like this — written by someone who made a mess of his life — be valuable for us to read?"

THEME 2: The Meaning of "Vanity"

Questions 3–4 | (~8–10 minutes)

Question 3 — Interpretive:

"The word 'vanity' in Ecclesiastes doesn't mean what we usually think of — like someone who's obsessed with how they look. The Hebrew word means 'breath' or 'vapor.' With that in mind, what do you think Solomon is saying when he declares 'vanity of vanities — all is vanity'? What picture does that create in your mind?"

[Leader Tip]: If the group gets stuck, point them back to the image of Abel in Genesis 4 that the pastor mentioned — a life that was there one moment and gone the next. You might also ask: "Have you ever watched steam rise from a cup of coffee and then disappear? That's the image Solomon is painting."

Question 4 — Personal:

"The pastor said Solomon was not a pessimist but a realist — and that 'Ecclesiastes is about real life in a fallen world.' Where in your own life have you experienced the 'vanity' Solomon describes — working hard toward something only to find it didn't deliver what you hoped?"

THEME 3: The Pursuit of Satisfaction

Questions 5–6 | (~10–12 minutes)

Question 5 — Interpretive/Personal:

"Solomon tried everything to find satisfaction — wisdom, work, wealth, wine, relationships — and concluded that none of it ultimately satisfied. The pastor said the world is constantly making 'promises of satisfaction guaranteed' that it cannot keep. What are some of the messages our culture sends us today about where to find satisfaction? How do those messages compare to what Solomon discovered?"

[Leader Tip]: This question can generate great, honest conversation. Encourage people to think broadly — social media, advertising, career culture, relationship culture. Be sensitive that some group members may be in the middle of chasing some of these things and may feel convicted. Keep the tone grace-filled and exploratory, not judgmental.

Question 6 — Personal/Community:

"The pastor asked a series of pointed questions: 'What book of the Bible would you recommend to someone going through a midlife crisis? To someone deconstructing their faith? To someone who has strayed from God?' He suggested Ecclesiastes belongs on that list. Why do you think the honest, sometimes painful story of a person who chased the world and came back to God might actually be more helpful to struggling people than a straightforward 'here's what to do' book?"

THEME 4: Under the Sun vs. In the Son

Questions 7–8 | (~8–10 minutes)

Question 7 — Interpretive:

"The phrase 'under the sun' appears 29 times in Ecclesiastes. The pastor explained that it describes a life lived at 'pavement level' — focused only on what we can see, touch, and experience in this world. He contrasted that with life 'in the Son' — meaning life lived in relationship with Jesus Christ. What's the difference between those two orientations toward life? What does it actually look like, day-to-day, to live 'in the Son' rather than just 'under the sun'?"

Question 8 — Scriptural/Interpretive:

"Read Matthew 16:26 and 1 Corinthians 15:58 together. The pastor used these two verses as bookends: one asks what we gain if we chase the whole world but lose our soul; the other promises that our labor 'in the Lord' is not in vain. How do these two verses together give us a complete picture of what Ecclesiastes is really about?"

[Leader Tip]: If the group needs a nudge, try this follow-up: "If Solomon's conclusion is that life 'under the sun' is vanity, and 1 Corinthians 15:58 says our labor 'in the Lord' is not in vain — what's the key difference between those two kinds of labor? What makes the difference?"

THEME 5: The Hope That Answers the Question

Questions 9–10 | (~8–10 minutes)

Question 9 — Personal/Application:

"The sermon ended with the reminder that because Jesus rose from the dead, 'life is worth living.' The pastor said, 'I don't know who I'm talking to, but hang on in there.' Was there a moment in Sunday's message — or in this discussion — where something landed for you personally? What was it?"

Question 10 — Community:

"The sermon closed with the repeated phrase, 'All is well.' Not because life is easy or circumstances are perfect, but because God is still on the throne and nothing can separate us from his love. Is there someone in your group — or in your life — who needs to hear 'all is well' right now? How can this group speak that truth into each other's lives this week?"

SECTION 4: PERSONAL APPLICATION

(10–15 minutes)

These questions are for personal reflection. You may want to give the group 2–3 minutes of quiet to think before sharing, or you may invite people to share one at a time. Not everyone needs to answer every question.

1. The Honest Inventory

"If you're being really honest with yourself, where are you most tempted to look for satisfaction 'under the sun' — in your work, your relationships, your possessions, your achievements, your appearance, or something else? What would it look like to surrender that area to God?"

2. The Blank Check

"Solomon was offered anything he wanted and chose wisdom to serve God's people well. If God offered you a blank check today, what does your honest first instinct tell you about where your heart is? What would you want to want?"

3. The Perspective Shift

"The pastor described looking at Los Angeles from the plane — beautiful from above, damaged and painful on the ground — and said the difference was perspective. Where in your life do you need a 'higher perspective' right now? What might look different if you viewed it from God's vantage point rather than from pavement level?"

4. The Week Ahead

"Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 (the conclusion of the whole book) says: 'Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.' That's where Solomon ends up after his long journey. What is one small, concrete step you can take this week to orient your daily life more toward that conclusion — fearing God and following his commands?"

✅ "This Week" Challenge (Choose one or more):

Read Ecclesiastes 1–3 this week to get ahead in the series and come to your next gathering with observations and questions.
Take a "vanity audit": Spend 10 minutes journaling about where you're investing the most time, energy, and money — and honestly ask whether those investments are "under the sun" or "in the Son."
Memorize 1 Corinthians 15:58: Write it on a sticky note, put it somewhere you'll see it every day, and let it speak to your work, your relationships, and your daily routines.
Have a conversation: Is there someone in your life who is chasing satisfaction in all the wrong places? Pray for an opportunity this week to point them — gently, lovingly — toward the one who said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

SECTION 5: PRAYER FOCUS

(5–10 minutes)

Close your time together in prayer. You can pray as a group, break into pairs, or have one person pray on behalf of the group. Use the prompts below to guide your prayer time.

Suggested Prayer Topics:

🙏 Gratitude — Thank God for the gift of his Word, including the difficult and honest books like Ecclesiastes. Thank him that he uses even the failures and regrets of people like Solomon to speak truth to us.

🙏 Honesty — Ask God to reveal the areas of your life where you are chasing satisfaction in things "under the sun." Ask for the courage to be honest about those areas with him and with your community.

🙏 Perspective — Pray for a higher perspective — the ability to see your life, your circumstances, and your struggles from God's vantage point rather than just from the ground level.

🙏 Hope — Pray for anyone in your group who is struggling to believe that "all is well" right now. Ask the Holy Spirit to minister fresh assurance to weary hearts.

🙏 The Lost — Pray for people in your life who are chasing the world's promises of satisfaction. Ask God to open doors for you to share the hope of the gospel with them.

🙏 The Series — Pray for your pastor and church as you begin this study through Ecclesiastes. Ask God to use it to bring renewal, recommitment, and revival.

A Suggested Closing Prayer (The facilitator may read this aloud, or use it as a guide):

Father, thank you for your Word — all of it, even the parts that make us uncomfortable. Thank you that you loved us enough to use even Solomon's wandering and regret to speak truth to us today. Forgive us for the ways we chase after things that cannot satisfy. Help us to seek first your kingdom and your righteousness. Remind us this week that because Jesus is alive, life is worth living — and that in him, our labor is never in vain. Give us eyes to see beyond what is "under the sun," and hearts that are fixed on you. All is well because you are on the throne. We trust you. Amen.

SECTION 6: OPTIONAL DEEP DIVE

**(For groups wanting to go further — use if time allows or as homework)*

Deep Dive Question 1 — Theological:

"The pastor made an important distinction: 'Ecclesiastes records error, but it doesn't teach error.' He compared it to Genesis 3 (where the Bible records Satan's lie but doesn't endorse it) and Matthew 4 (where the Bible records the devil twisting Scripture but doesn't validate it). Why is this distinction important for how we read Ecclesiastes? How does it change the way you'll approach the book as you read through it?"

Related Passage: 2 Timothy 3:16–17 — "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

Deep Dive Question 2 — Historical/Contextual:

"Solomon wrote three major works at different stages of his life: Song of Solomon as a young man in love, Proverbs as a middle-aged man teaching his children wisdom, and Ecclesiastes as an old man reflecting on a life partially wasted. What does it say about God's grace that he not only forgave Solomon's wandering but used Solomon's honest confession as Scripture to guide future generations? What does that mean for your own story — including your failures and regrets?"

Deep Dive Question 3 — Applicational:

"The pastor referenced the Sisyphus myth — the man condemned to push a boulder up a hill forever, only to have it roll back every time he nears the top — as a picture of life without God. Read Psalm 127:1 again: 'Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.' Where in your life might you be 'pushing the boulder' — working hard at something without genuinely inviting God into it? What would it look like to invite him in?"

QUICK REFERENCE: SERMON SUMMARY & KEY POINTS

For facilitators who want a quick recap before leading:

Key Point	Summary
The Double Author	Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon (human author) but inspired by God (divine author). Both matter for how we read it.
The Timeless Message	"Vanity of vanities — all is vanity." Life apart from God is like a vapor — insubstantial, elusive, and unsatisfying.
The Probing Question	"What does man gain by all his toil under the sun?" The key phrase is "under the sun" — a life lived without reference to God.
The Central Claim	Life is meaningless without God — but life in the Son (Jesus) is full of meaning, purpose, and unshakeable hope.
Solomon's Conclusion	Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 — "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."
The Gospel Answer	Because Jesus rose from the dead, our labor is not in vain (1 Cor. 15:58). Life is worth living — because he lives.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

For Further Reading:

Ecclesiastes by Derek Kidner (Tyndale Old Testament Commentary) — accessible and pastoral
A Time to Mourn and a Time to Dance by Peter Enns — thoughtful engagement with Ecclesiastes
Disciplines of a Godly Man / Disciplines of a Godly Woman by Kent and Barbara Hughes (currently being studied in midweek Bible study at Shiloh Church)

This Week at Shiloh Church:

Midweek Bible Study: Tuesday & Wednesday — check your church bulletin for campus times
Men's Prayer Breakfast: Check your bulletin for details
New Members Class: Contact the church office for information

This discussion guide was prepared for small group use at Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church. Permission granted to reproduce for group ministry purposes.

One Last Word for Facilitators: You don't have to get through every question. A great discussion that covers three questions well is far more valuable than a rushed conversation that checks every box. Watch your group, follow the Spirit, and go where the conversation is most alive. God will meet you there. Thank you for serving your community this way — it matters more than you know.