Ecclesiastes 4 - Capitol Commission
Tuesday, 31st of January 2017
Capitol Commission Georgia
Valuing Relationships
Ron J. Bigalke, Ph.D. P.O. Box 244, Rincon, GA 31326-‐0244 (912) 659-‐4212 [email protected]
CAPITOL BIBLE STUDY 154 th General Assembly
• TUESDAY @ 7:30 AM in 123 CAP • TUESDAY @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP
are held every Tuesday. The Capitol Commission Bible Studies weekly Bible study is nonpartisan and non-denominational. We will be studying the book of Ecclesiastes during the 2017 legislative session, and will continue every week on Tuesday. Two times are available for Bible study: (1) a legislative Bible study, pastoral counsel, and prayertime from 7:30-8:00am in 123 CAP; and, (2) an open-to-all Bible study from 12:00-12:45pm in 123 CAP (where ministry sponsors provide lunch). I pray that this study will be edifying to you. My sole intent in this ministry is to serve you, and to be a resource to you for pastoral care, counsel, and prayer. Please accept my study in the Word of God, as evidence of my desire to serve you.
We live in a world that is characterized by frequently thoughtless determination and competition, and thus it is prudent to develop and value authentic friendships. Not having the support of faithful relationships can result in countless difficulties and injuries (cf. Prov 13:20; 18:1). Many diversions, such as conflict, impede people from nurturing fellowship with others. President Lincoln prioritized the art of persuasion with those opposed to our principles. To have expected them to do otherwise than they did -- to have expected them not to meet denunciation with denunciation, crimination with crimination, and anathema with anathema, was to expect a reversal of human nature, which is God’s decree, and never can be reversed. When the conduct of men is designed to be influenced, persuasion, kind, unassuming persuasion, should ever be adopted. It is an old and a true maxim, that a “drop of honey catches more flies than a gallon of gall.” So with men. If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his sincere friend. Therein is a drop of honey that catches his heart, which, say what he will, is the great highroad to his reason, and which, when once gained, you will find but little trouble in convincing his judgment of the justice of your cause, if indeed that cause really be a just one. On the contrary, assume to dictate to his judgment, or to command his action, or to mark him as one to be shunned and despised, and he will retreat within himself, close all the avenues to his head and his heart; and though your cause be naked truth itself, transformed to the heaviest lance, harder than steel, and sharper than steel can be made, and though you throw it with more than Herculean force and precision, you shall be no more be able to pierce him, than to penetrate the hard shell of a tortoise with a rye straw [Abraham Lincoln, “Temperance Address,” 22 February 1842].
– Dr. Ron J. Bigalke, Georgia State Minister, Capitol Commission
Capitol Commission Bible Studies
NOT HAVING THE SUPPORT OF FAITHFUL RELATIONSHIPS CAN RESULT IN COUNTLESS DIFFICULTIES AND INJURIES (CF. PROV 13:20; 18:1).
are
Tuesday, 31 January 2017 Ecclesiastes 4 – “Valuing Relationships” Friendships are valuable, and such relationships are greatly valued by all people. When the accomplishment of tasks in a proficient and prompt manner is considered the supreme good – as is distinctive of this technological age – many people have much to keep them occupied yet are tremendously isolated. John Milton once remarked, “loneliness is the first thing, which God’s eye named not good” (The Prose Works, ed. Rufus Wilmot Griswold, 2 vols. [Philadelphia: Herman Hooker, 1845] 1:292). The extremely poignant and tense environment
of the legislative session, which is led by ambitious and motivated people, can result in little time for meaningful relationships. Proverbs 13:20 – He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 18:1 – He who separates himself seeks his own desire, he quarrels against all sound wisdom.
Many distractions prevent us from developing positive relationships, and some appear impossible to avoid. The swiftness of life within a technological age can become a “siren call” (an enticing appeal of that which is alluring yet potentially destructive). We must prioritize developing and maintaining faithful relationships rather than deeming that experience as impractical. God’s people, especially, are reminded not to live for self because each believer in Christ Jesus is a member of a body (Rom 12:4; 1 Cor 12:12-27; cf. Heb 10:25). Ecclesiastes 4 addresses personal motivations, such as pride and selfish ambition, which impede or (at least) complicate the development of authentic friendships.
THE VALUE OF CONTENTMENT (Eccl 4:1-8) Ecclesiastes 4 recalls the theme of injustice (cf. 3:16), which causes people to become disillusioned, especially if we are the victims. Loyal friendships can be comforting in the midst of such challenging and wearisome circumstances. Sensitivity to life’s inequalities throughout the ages can result in sorrow as one witnesses “acts of oppression” against fellow human beings (v. 1).
Capitol Commission Bible Studies Tuesday (31st of January) @ 7:30am – 8:00am, 123 CAP Tuesday (31st of January) @ 12 Noon – 12:45pm, 123 CAP
(ministry sponsorship by State Representative Bruce Williamson)
Tuesday, 31 January 2017
Both the “oppressed” and the “oppressors” had a shared experience: “they had no one to comfort them” (v. 1). We understand readily that the oppressed lacked comfort, yet are surprised to learn the same regarding the oppressors because they had “power.” Verses 13-16 asserts that people vacillate regularly concerning those in power and whether they are pleased with them. The precarious nature of being a leader with influential responsibility provides little comfort.
susceptible to spiritual devastation. None are immune to deception, and thus we need others for accountability and shared wisdom (Ps 19:12; Jer 17:9; 1 Cor 4:1-5; Heb 3:13). Humility and absolute dependence upon God is essential (Eph 6:18), as is believers working together as a body (Acts 2:42; 16:25; 15:39-40; Col 4:10-11). THE BIBLE PROVIDES SOUND WISDOM THAT ONLY A FOOL WOULD IGNORE TO HIS OR HER OWN PERIL.
The Preacher lamented the reality that the living will most certainly experience unwarranted hurt at some point in life. Sadly, injustice and oppression are components of life (vv. 2-3; cf. Job 3:3). Not only does oppression occur, but also there is much rivalry among human activities and skills because people often seek to compete against their “neighbor” (v. 4).
Verse 13 examines recognition, with an example of many people hoping to be famous and popular. The subsequent verses were certainly personal to Solomon because they evoke the memory of his father, King David. Even though David was “born poor in his kingdom” (v. 14), God’s providence elevated him to become the ruler of Israel. Solomon then inherited his father’s kingdom, and many people celebrated “the second lad” (v. 15), yet “there is no end to all the people . . . who will not be happy with him” (v. 16).
Some people believe that the best manner for making notable accomplishments in a sinful world is to allow as much competition as possible. The type of competiveness that is negative is when one strives to overpower someone else or to portray that person as inferior or unintelligent, resulting in dejection and loneliness for the victim. In response to human rivalry, some people wrongly determine to surrender or never attempt to overcome competitive environments, and such foolishness ultimately becomes selfcannibalism (v. 5). Modern culture demands that people must work, and neglect thereof is not an option in seeking to honor God, yet it does not make sense to be overworked in achieving success (v. 6), nor to neglect serenity and meaningful relationships.
Initially, people are elated with someone new, the excitement fades, and then the populace become disgruntled with those in authority over them. The cyclical process of anticipation and subsequent disappointment that culminates in the desire for someone new is characteristic of the human condition; it depicts “vanity and is striving after the wind” (v. 16). Scripture encourages us to trust God, pursue goodness, accomplish your tasks wisely and let things occur naturally, and enjoy life. Identify trustworthy friends, earn all the money you can daily by working diligently, then go home and be refreshed and relaxed. Accomplish what matters in view of eternity. Serve the Lord God for as long as there is breath in your body, and then you can die well knowing you have lived fully by trusting in Christ Jesus (cf. Luke 23:46; Phil 1:21-26). Enjoy what you know and avoid being anxious and distraught concerning things you are not acquainted. The Bible provides sound wisdom that only a fool would ignore to his or her own peril.
Scripture encourages us to enjoy life with balance and contentment, as opposed to focusing solely upon achievement and success (vv. 6-8). A mindless craze it is to continue working and accumulating wealth, yet not to have a “dependent” (partner) with whom one can share life. The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge is a vivid depiction of verse 7, and the subsequent thought concerns accumulating wealth at the expense of relationships, with a focus upon things rather than people (v. 8). A grand illusion is to think we can attain everything. We are encouraged to value relationships, as opposed to a harsh demeanor that continually alienates others.
Thank you for allowing Capitol Commission the nobility in providing Bible studies to you. If we can serve you in any manner, please talk with us, or contact by email or phone.
THE VALUE OF FRIENDSHIPS
About Capitol Commission
(Eccl 4:9-16) Scripture reminds us, “two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor” (v. 9). Two people can be more productive when they work together (vv. 10-11); and, if two is good, then three good friends are even better (v. 12). David W. Smith identified “one serious problem” in his book, The Friendless American Male (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1983): “the friendless condition of the average American male” (p. 174). While we may be tempted to think the diagnosis is unique to men, the truth is that decidedly competitive and motivated people – who do not have time for meaningless relationships – can be identified among both genders. Scripture reveals significant lessons relating to the poverty of a life that is merely successful and/or wealthy.
Capitol Commission state ministers are pastors-missionaries who teach weekly verse-by-verse Bible studies for legislators, lobbyists, and staff members. The Bible studies are hand-distributed to each legislative office, emailed, and made available throughout the Capitol community. With the Bible as our foundation and authority, the exclusive mission of Capitol Commission is to provide a pastoral presence in the capitol communities of our nation. The church is instructed to submit and to honor government leaders (Rom 13:1-7), and to pray for their eternal salvation (1 Tim 2:1-4). The desire of Capitol Commission is to witness God transform the hearts and lives of elected officials, lobbyists, and staff members. We apply this mandate to four major areas of making disciples: (1) evangelize those who have not experienced saving faith in Jesus Christ; (2) establish those who desire to grow in their faith and knowledge of Scripture; (3) equip those called to spiritual leadership; and, (4) encourage churches to participate as partners with us in ministry.
The Bible testifies against those who separate themselves from others (Prov 18:1; Heb 10:24-25; 1 Pet 5:8-9; 3 John 9-10). First Peter 5:8-9 teach that separating from other believers leaves one this week’s Bible studies sponsored by:
Bible study copies made by:
NEXT CAPITOL COMMISSION BIBLE STUDIES:
Tuesday, 7th of February @ 7:30am in 122 CAP; and again (with lunch) @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP
Representative Bruce Williamson Georgia House District 115
Capitol Commission Georgia
Valuing Relationships
Ron J. Bigalke, Ph.D. P.O. Box 244, Rincon, GA 31326-‐0244 (912) 659-‐4212 [email protected]
CAPITOL BIBLE STUDY 154 th General Assembly
• TUESDAY @ 7:30 AM in 123 CAP • TUESDAY @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP
are held every Tuesday. The Capitol Commission Bible Studies weekly Bible study is nonpartisan and non-denominational. We will be studying the book of Ecclesiastes during the 2017 legislative session, and will continue every week on Tuesday. Two times are available for Bible study: (1) a legislative Bible study, pastoral counsel, and prayertime from 7:30-8:00am in 123 CAP; and, (2) an open-to-all Bible study from 12:00-12:45pm in 123 CAP (where ministry sponsors provide lunch). I pray that this study will be edifying to you. My sole intent in this ministry is to serve you, and to be a resource to you for pastoral care, counsel, and prayer. Please accept my study in the Word of God, as evidence of my desire to serve you.
We live in a world that is characterized by frequently thoughtless determination and competition, and thus it is prudent to develop and value authentic friendships. Not having the support of faithful relationships can result in countless difficulties and injuries (cf. Prov 13:20; 18:1). Many diversions, such as conflict, impede people from nurturing fellowship with others. President Lincoln prioritized the art of persuasion with those opposed to our principles. To have expected them to do otherwise than they did -- to have expected them not to meet denunciation with denunciation, crimination with crimination, and anathema with anathema, was to expect a reversal of human nature, which is God’s decree, and never can be reversed. When the conduct of men is designed to be influenced, persuasion, kind, unassuming persuasion, should ever be adopted. It is an old and a true maxim, that a “drop of honey catches more flies than a gallon of gall.” So with men. If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his sincere friend. Therein is a drop of honey that catches his heart, which, say what he will, is the great highroad to his reason, and which, when once gained, you will find but little trouble in convincing his judgment of the justice of your cause, if indeed that cause really be a just one. On the contrary, assume to dictate to his judgment, or to command his action, or to mark him as one to be shunned and despised, and he will retreat within himself, close all the avenues to his head and his heart; and though your cause be naked truth itself, transformed to the heaviest lance, harder than steel, and sharper than steel can be made, and though you throw it with more than Herculean force and precision, you shall be no more be able to pierce him, than to penetrate the hard shell of a tortoise with a rye straw [Abraham Lincoln, “Temperance Address,” 22 February 1842].
– Dr. Ron J. Bigalke, Georgia State Minister, Capitol Commission
Capitol Commission Bible Studies
NOT HAVING THE SUPPORT OF FAITHFUL RELATIONSHIPS CAN RESULT IN COUNTLESS DIFFICULTIES AND INJURIES (CF. PROV 13:20; 18:1).
are
Tuesday, 31 January 2017 Ecclesiastes 4 – “Valuing Relationships” Friendships are valuable, and such relationships are greatly valued by all people. When the accomplishment of tasks in a proficient and prompt manner is considered the supreme good – as is distinctive of this technological age – many people have much to keep them occupied yet are tremendously isolated. John Milton once remarked, “loneliness is the first thing, which God’s eye named not good” (The Prose Works, ed. Rufus Wilmot Griswold, 2 vols. [Philadelphia: Herman Hooker, 1845] 1:292). The extremely poignant and tense environment
of the legislative session, which is led by ambitious and motivated people, can result in little time for meaningful relationships. Proverbs 13:20 – He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 18:1 – He who separates himself seeks his own desire, he quarrels against all sound wisdom.
Many distractions prevent us from developing positive relationships, and some appear impossible to avoid. The swiftness of life within a technological age can become a “siren call” (an enticing appeal of that which is alluring yet potentially destructive). We must prioritize developing and maintaining faithful relationships rather than deeming that experience as impractical. God’s people, especially, are reminded not to live for self because each believer in Christ Jesus is a member of a body (Rom 12:4; 1 Cor 12:12-27; cf. Heb 10:25). Ecclesiastes 4 addresses personal motivations, such as pride and selfish ambition, which impede or (at least) complicate the development of authentic friendships.
THE VALUE OF CONTENTMENT (Eccl 4:1-8) Ecclesiastes 4 recalls the theme of injustice (cf. 3:16), which causes people to become disillusioned, especially if we are the victims. Loyal friendships can be comforting in the midst of such challenging and wearisome circumstances. Sensitivity to life’s inequalities throughout the ages can result in sorrow as one witnesses “acts of oppression” against fellow human beings (v. 1).
Capitol Commission Bible Studies Tuesday (31st of January) @ 7:30am – 8:00am, 123 CAP Tuesday (31st of January) @ 12 Noon – 12:45pm, 123 CAP
(ministry sponsorship by State Representative Bruce Williamson)
Tuesday, 31 January 2017
Both the “oppressed” and the “oppressors” had a shared experience: “they had no one to comfort them” (v. 1). We understand readily that the oppressed lacked comfort, yet are surprised to learn the same regarding the oppressors because they had “power.” Verses 13-16 asserts that people vacillate regularly concerning those in power and whether they are pleased with them. The precarious nature of being a leader with influential responsibility provides little comfort.
susceptible to spiritual devastation. None are immune to deception, and thus we need others for accountability and shared wisdom (Ps 19:12; Jer 17:9; 1 Cor 4:1-5; Heb 3:13). Humility and absolute dependence upon God is essential (Eph 6:18), as is believers working together as a body (Acts 2:42; 16:25; 15:39-40; Col 4:10-11). THE BIBLE PROVIDES SOUND WISDOM THAT ONLY A FOOL WOULD IGNORE TO HIS OR HER OWN PERIL.
The Preacher lamented the reality that the living will most certainly experience unwarranted hurt at some point in life. Sadly, injustice and oppression are components of life (vv. 2-3; cf. Job 3:3). Not only does oppression occur, but also there is much rivalry among human activities and skills because people often seek to compete against their “neighbor” (v. 4).
Verse 13 examines recognition, with an example of many people hoping to be famous and popular. The subsequent verses were certainly personal to Solomon because they evoke the memory of his father, King David. Even though David was “born poor in his kingdom” (v. 14), God’s providence elevated him to become the ruler of Israel. Solomon then inherited his father’s kingdom, and many people celebrated “the second lad” (v. 15), yet “there is no end to all the people . . . who will not be happy with him” (v. 16).
Some people believe that the best manner for making notable accomplishments in a sinful world is to allow as much competition as possible. The type of competiveness that is negative is when one strives to overpower someone else or to portray that person as inferior or unintelligent, resulting in dejection and loneliness for the victim. In response to human rivalry, some people wrongly determine to surrender or never attempt to overcome competitive environments, and such foolishness ultimately becomes selfcannibalism (v. 5). Modern culture demands that people must work, and neglect thereof is not an option in seeking to honor God, yet it does not make sense to be overworked in achieving success (v. 6), nor to neglect serenity and meaningful relationships.
Initially, people are elated with someone new, the excitement fades, and then the populace become disgruntled with those in authority over them. The cyclical process of anticipation and subsequent disappointment that culminates in the desire for someone new is characteristic of the human condition; it depicts “vanity and is striving after the wind” (v. 16). Scripture encourages us to trust God, pursue goodness, accomplish your tasks wisely and let things occur naturally, and enjoy life. Identify trustworthy friends, earn all the money you can daily by working diligently, then go home and be refreshed and relaxed. Accomplish what matters in view of eternity. Serve the Lord God for as long as there is breath in your body, and then you can die well knowing you have lived fully by trusting in Christ Jesus (cf. Luke 23:46; Phil 1:21-26). Enjoy what you know and avoid being anxious and distraught concerning things you are not acquainted. The Bible provides sound wisdom that only a fool would ignore to his or her own peril.
Scripture encourages us to enjoy life with balance and contentment, as opposed to focusing solely upon achievement and success (vv. 6-8). A mindless craze it is to continue working and accumulating wealth, yet not to have a “dependent” (partner) with whom one can share life. The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge is a vivid depiction of verse 7, and the subsequent thought concerns accumulating wealth at the expense of relationships, with a focus upon things rather than people (v. 8). A grand illusion is to think we can attain everything. We are encouraged to value relationships, as opposed to a harsh demeanor that continually alienates others.
Thank you for allowing Capitol Commission the nobility in providing Bible studies to you. If we can serve you in any manner, please talk with us, or contact by email or phone.
THE VALUE OF FRIENDSHIPS
About Capitol Commission
(Eccl 4:9-16) Scripture reminds us, “two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor” (v. 9). Two people can be more productive when they work together (vv. 10-11); and, if two is good, then three good friends are even better (v. 12). David W. Smith identified “one serious problem” in his book, The Friendless American Male (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1983): “the friendless condition of the average American male” (p. 174). While we may be tempted to think the diagnosis is unique to men, the truth is that decidedly competitive and motivated people – who do not have time for meaningless relationships – can be identified among both genders. Scripture reveals significant lessons relating to the poverty of a life that is merely successful and/or wealthy.
Capitol Commission state ministers are pastors-missionaries who teach weekly verse-by-verse Bible studies for legislators, lobbyists, and staff members. The Bible studies are hand-distributed to each legislative office, emailed, and made available throughout the Capitol community. With the Bible as our foundation and authority, the exclusive mission of Capitol Commission is to provide a pastoral presence in the capitol communities of our nation. The church is instructed to submit and to honor government leaders (Rom 13:1-7), and to pray for their eternal salvation (1 Tim 2:1-4). The desire of Capitol Commission is to witness God transform the hearts and lives of elected officials, lobbyists, and staff members. We apply this mandate to four major areas of making disciples: (1) evangelize those who have not experienced saving faith in Jesus Christ; (2) establish those who desire to grow in their faith and knowledge of Scripture; (3) equip those called to spiritual leadership; and, (4) encourage churches to participate as partners with us in ministry.
The Bible testifies against those who separate themselves from others (Prov 18:1; Heb 10:24-25; 1 Pet 5:8-9; 3 John 9-10). First Peter 5:8-9 teach that separating from other believers leaves one this week’s Bible studies sponsored by:
Bible study copies made by:
NEXT CAPITOL COMMISSION BIBLE STUDIES:
Tuesday, 7th of February @ 7:30am in 122 CAP; and again (with lunch) @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP
Representative Bruce Williamson Georgia House District 115
