Theme: Searching for Meaning in a World That Cannot Fully Satisfy Us ✨ BEFORE WE BEGIN — UNDERSTANDING ECCLESIASTES Ecclesiastes is wisdom literature. The book introduces us to “the Teacher” or “the Preacher,” traditionally associated with Solomon, who examines life and asks a question many of us eventually ask: What actually makes life meaningful? Throughout Ecclesiastes, he examines the things people often believe will fulfill them: Achievement. Success. Pleasure. Money. Possessions. Work. Wisdom. Status. You’ll repeatedly see the phrase “under the sun.” It describes life viewed from our limited earthly perspective. You’ll also see words translated as “meaningless,” “vanity,” or “futility.” The Hebrew word is “hevel,” which literally refers to vapor or breath — something temporary, fleeting, and impossible to hold onto. Ecclesiastes isn't telling us that life has no meaning. It is exposing what happens when we try to make temporary things carry the weight of our ultimate purpose. 🌿 POINT 1 — Ecclesiastes 1:1–11 CHASING WHAT NEVER SATISFIES - The Teacher opens with the famous declaration: “Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” - He asks what people truly gain from all their labor under the sun. - Generations come and go while the earth continues. - He points to the sun, wind, and streams as examples of repetitive cycles. - Human life can begin to feel the same way: wake up, work, accomplish, repeat. - Our eyes are never completely satisfied with seeing, nor our ears with hearing. - We continually desire something new. - Yet the Teacher says there is “nothing new under the sun.” - Even people and accomplishments we believe will be remembered eventually fade from memory. Key Truth: If our purpose is built only around what we accomplish, acquire, or experience, we will constantly need something else to feel fulfilled. The world keeps telling us, “Just get more.” More success. More money. More recognition. More experiences. Ecclesiastes asks us: “And then what?”

Ecclesiastes <3

Prayer & Position James 5:13–16 It’s not performance that makes prayer effective. It’s the position you are in Christ. What are the things you’re keeping back because they’re painful? - Maybe it’s something you did. - Maybe it’s something that was done to you. - The thing about secrets is that we can keep them, but eventually they start keeping us. - They live rent-free in our lives. - But we’re paying for them with our peace. Secrets separate. Confession creates community. 1. Say Something James 5:16 James says: - Is anyone in trouble? Pray. - Is anyone sick? Pray. - Is anyone in sin? You better confess that, sis. Every condition has a confession. Sometimes we wait for other people to call and check on us, but sometimes you have to call someone and tell them what’s going on so they can pray for you. For every circumstance, there is a confession. We have no problem letting everyone know when we’re doing good. We don’t mind talking about things when they make us look good. But when the pain increases, we get quiet. When we constantly say, “I’m fine,” we can close the door to our healing. - We’re not called to bleed on everyone. - There is a difference between privacy and secrecy. - Privacy says, “Someone needs to know.” - Secrecy says, “No one needs to know.” You don’t need everyone, but you do need someone. 2. Stop Hiding When God asks Adam, “Where are you?” He isn’t asking because He lost Adam. God sees him. The question isn’t about Adam’s location. It’s an invitation for Adam to admit his condition. God is still asking us: “Where are you?” Where is the real you? What’s actually going on? Sin can lead to guilt, and guilt can turn into shame. Shame tells us to hide. All of us want to be known without actually being seen. So we hide and try to carry everything on our own. But hiding is hard work, and silence has a cost. We can become so accustomed to pain and trauma that we start pushing away the very things and people God may use to help us.

✨ FAITH & FLOW — BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE Ephesians 4:17–5:33 Living a New Life in Christ 🌿 POINT 1 — Ephesians 4:17–32 Put Off the Old Self, Put On the New Self - Paul urges believers to no longer live like those who don't know God - Our minds are renewed through Christ - We are called to put off our old way of living - Replace lies with truth - Replace anger with forgiveness - Replace stealing with generosity - Replace harmful words with words that build others up - Do not grieve the Holy Spirit - Put away bitterness, rage, slander, and malice - Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving as Christ forgave us Key Truth: Following Jesus isn't just about believing differently—it's about living differently. God transforms our hearts, which transforms our actions. Reflection Question: What is one old habit, mindset, or attitude that God is inviting you to let go of in this season? 🌿 POINT 2 — Ephesians 5:1–7 Walk in Love - Be imitators of God as His beloved children - Walk in love just as Christ loved us - Avoid sexual immorality, impurity, greed, and coarse speech - Thanksgiving should replace unhealthy speech - Do not be deceived by empty words - God's people are called to live differently from the world Key Truth: Love isn't just something we receive from God—it's something we reflect to others through the way we live. Reflection Question: How can you better reflect Christ's love in your conversations and relationships this week? 🌿 POINT 3 — Ephesians 5:8–20 Walk as Children of Light - We were once in darkness but are now light in the Lord - Live in ways that reflect goodness, righteousness, and truth - Expose darkness rather than participate in it - Live wisely and make the most of every opportunity - Understand God's will - Be filled with the Holy Spirit - Encourage one another through worship, gratitude, and praise Key Truth: As followers of Jesus, our lives should shine with His light wherever we go. Reflection Question: What area of your life could shine God's light more intentionally?

In this week's study, we explore what it means to leave behind our old life and walk in love, light, wisdom, and Christ-like relationships. Together we unpack Paul's practical encouragement for living out our faith every day.