41

LESSON
4
*January 20-26
Of Being and Time
SABBATH AFTERNOON
Read for This Weeks Study: Ecclesiastes 3.
Memory Text: I said in mine heart, God shall judge the right-
eous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose
and for every work (Ecclesiastes 3:17).
For I have known them all already, known them all / Have known
the evenings, mornings, afternoons, / I have measured out my life with
coffee spoons.T. S. Eliot, The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.
M
aybe we all dont measure our lives out with coffee spoons,
but we do measure out our lives, and for most of us, if
blessed, that measurement comes out to about threescore
years and ten and, if especially blessed, fourscore. As those who
already have seen a good portion of their years pass by, its not a lot.
Time is, therefore, a precious commodity for mortal beings.
For that reason, maybe, chapter 3 opens up a theme important to us
all: time. Beginning with some of the most beautiful poetry ever writ-
ten, Solomon touches on various themes all related one way or another
with the question of time: How important is the timing of the things
we do? What does the concept of eternity mean to human beings, who,
in and of themselves, are left behind by eternity? When will all the
evil and iniquity in the world be judged by God? Whats the ultimate
difference between humanity and animals if, in the end, all wind up in
the same place?
Heavy themes for just one chapter. But, as weve been saying all along,
they can be understood only through looking at these verses in the con-
text of all Scripture, which has much to say on these crucial topics.
*Study this weeks lesson to prepare for Sabbath, January 27.
42
SUNDAY
January 21
The God of Time
How accurate is your watch? Probably not as accurate as a cesium-
beam clock, which measures time down to the 9,192,631,700th of a
secondthe frequency at which certain atoms absorb and emit radia-
tion. In other words, thats the timing that God has built into that part
of nature. Talk about precise!
At the NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center in the United States,
scientists have a chart on which they have written down all the
eclipses from about 2000 B.C. until A.D. 3000. In other words, the tim-
ing that God has built into this aspect of nature is so accurate that we
are able to know not only when past eclipses occurred but when future
ones will, as well.
As nature shows, the Lord is in control of time. As Adventists, peo-
ple who are particularly interested in prophecy, this comes as no sur-
prise. After all, many of the prophecies that have helped us understand
our identity and mission as a movement are tied in with time.
Reviewthe following time prophecies that have meant so much to
us as a people, prophecies that have been fulfilled (Dan. 7:25, 8:14,
9:24-27, Rev. 12:14). What do these prophecies tell us about the
power and sovereignty of God over human affairs?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
In numerous places the Bible talks about the role of time in Gods
plans. Jesus appeared in Galilee declaring that the time is fulfilled
(Mark 1:15). Paul, in reference to the first coming of Jesus, wrote
that when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son
(Gal. 4:4); in reference to the Second Coming, he wrote: until our
Lord Jesus Christs appearing, which He will manifest in His own
time (1 Tim. 6:14, 15, NKJV). An angel appeared to John and said
to him, Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the
time is at hand (Rev. 22:10, NKJV). We can see that God works
through time in order to bring about His will.
Are there any issues you are struggling with regarding the tim-
ing of events? If so, you must get on your knees, surrender your
will to the Lord, and trust in Him who has shown that He is in
control of time. What else can you do to learn to trust in the
Lords timing of events?
43
T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S
C O N T I N U E D
I Have to Teach Tomorrow . . .
Key Text: Ecclesiastes 3:17
Teach the Class to:
Know: Lives in harmony with Gods will are lives fulfilled.
Feel: In spite of lifes stresses and insecurities, Gods will is being
accomplished.
Do: Amid the confusion of modern life, respond to Gods invitation: Be
still, and know that I am God (Ps. 46:10, NIV).
Lesson Outline:
I. A Time for Everything (Eccles. 3:1-8)

What does the Bible have to say to those who struggle with heartache
and disappointment?

There is . . . a season for every activity under heaven, wrote

Solomon (Eccles. 3:1, NIV). Briefly describe the different seasons of a
persons life (childhood, teen, young adult, middle age, senior citizen,
etc.). How does God use them for our spiritual development?
II. Everything Beautiful in Its Time (Eccles. 3:11-15, 18-22)

What is meant by the statement God will call the past to account
(Eccles. 3:15, NIV)? Did Solomon view this as a threat that inspired fear
or a promise that inspired hope?

What gives Christians courage to face the judgment? What Bible

promises can we claim?
Summary: God wants us to enjoy a life that is qualitatively better than that of
those who have nothing to look forward to.
Learning Cycle
STEP 1Motivate!
Just for Teachers: Step 1 of the Natural Learning Cycle links the
learners experiences to the lesson. Help your class members answer
the question, Why is this lesson important to me?
A
B
A
B
1
2
3
4
44
MONDAY
A Time to . . . ?
Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Notice the contrast of opposites: birth, death;
build, break down; love, hate; and so forth. Though scholars debate
the exact meaning of these verses, Solomon seems to be talking
about various aspects of human life and that at certain times some
things are appropriate while at other times the opposite things are.
The key, perhaps, to help unlock the meaning is the beginning of
verse 11 in which, after talking about God, Solomon says, He has
made everything beautiful in its time (NKJV); that is, these various
things, in their proper time, are right. Rather than these verses being
about Gods overriding providence, they deal more with human free-
dom and our timing of events.
Most problematic, of course, is a time to kill (vs. 3). Though var-
ious explanations have been given, its important to remember who
Solomon was, the king, and that he ruled over a nation that had the
death penalty (see Exod. 22:18-20; Lev. 20:2, 9-16; 24:14-16; Num.
15:35). Also, its worthwhile noting that the Hebrew verb for kill in
Ecclesiastes 3:3 is not the same Hebrew word as that in Exodus 20:13,
a word that is commonly understood as murder.
Howdo these following verses help us understand how important tim-
ing is in our lives?
Ps. 37:9
____________________________________________________________________
Matt. 5:21-24
____________________________________________________________________
Matt. 8:21, 22
____________________________________________________________________
Rom. 8:25
____________________________________________________________________
Rom. 12:19
____________________________________________________________________
1 Cor. 4:5
____________________________________________________________________
James 1:19
____________________________________________________________________
Are there any big decisions or choices you have to make? If so, how
important is timing in your decision? Might the decision be better
off being delayed? Or might delay be the wrong thing to do? Think
through, again, the importance of the words To every thing there
is a season, and a time. How could prayer, Bible study, and coun-
sel with others help you make the right decision at the right time?
January 22
45
T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S
1
2
3
4
Time is life. As we work in our livelihoods, we exchange a piece of life
for what eventually we exchange our paychecks for (pieces of others lives).
Time is love. Following are two scenarios of misspent time by professed
Christians who overexchanged to themselves their time needed by others:
One cannot reap in later life a harvest for the Lord that one has not first
taken time to sow (Ps. 126:6).
Likewise, one cannot reap in later life a family not sown by earlier time
investments. The well-taught offspring will then be too busy themselves to
be harvested.
One father flew down the front steps past his son, who was sitting there
slamming his baseball into his gloved left hand. Love you, Son! Father
called back over his shoulder. I dont want you to love me. I want you to
play ball with me, responded the lad.
Prayerfully consider this inspired challenge:
Of no talent [God] has given will He require a more strict account than
of our time.Ellen G. White, Christs Object Lessons, p. 342.
Consider This: To spare ourselves Solomons experience, what can we
learn from his life?
STEP 2Explore!
Just for Teachers: This step of the Natural Learning Cycle presents
information learners can use to help them better understand the les-
son. Help your class members answer this question: What do I need to
know from Gods Word?
Bible Commentary
I. Sense of Timing (Eccles. 3:1-8)
Is Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 a statement of divine rigidity? Some extremists claim
that even the time to die is absoluteconcluding that there is no need
for speed limits or medical intervention. Or does Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 urge
complacency? Dont worry, relax. In due time the right time for
C O N T I N U E D
Learning Cycle
C O N T I N U E D
1
2
3
4
46
TUESDAY
Eternity in Their Hearts
The concept of time continues in Ecclesiastes 3:11-15. As you read
through these difficult texts, take note of the various references to
time in them (its important to note that in verse 11 it can be translated
as he has put eternity in their heart [NKJV]).
Accordingto your best understanding of these texts, what point is
Solomon making? Again, interpret them by taking into account all
Scripture.
Solomon here acknowledges the power of God in contrast to the
weakness and folly of humanity. Again, Solomon isnt advocating a
life of mindless physical pleasure; instead, in their right time, the
fruits of human labor can reap enjoyment now, under the sun, in this
life.
We cant fully understand the works and providence of God (no
man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the
end [vs. 11]); we dont need to. Might Solomon be expressing what
Jesus said in Matthew 6:34? Take therefore no thought for the mor-
row: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.
Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Howdo you understand the phrase that God has put eternity in the
hearts of human beings? Think of the answer in the context of
Solomons unhappy and unfulfilled life as king (see also Heb.
11:13-16, 1 John 2:15-17).
As well see in Thursdays lesson, humans and animals alike have a
common destiny under the sun. Wealong with goats, alligators,
and weaselsdie. The difference, though, is that God has put eternity
in our hearts. As humans we can conceive of an existence beyond us;
we realize that though we die, time will go on, even for eternity, while
we are left behind. Thus, every day of our lives we are confronted with
death, and this causes us worry, fear, and a sense of incompleteness.
Which is how it should be; we shouldnt be content with, or indiffer-
ent to, our fate, because we were never meant to die. Death is an
intruder, the work of Satan (Heb. 2:14, 1 John 3:8). Thats one reason
why, in the end, all physical enjoyments are so hollow, empty, such
hebelthey cant answer the reality of death, which is always lurking
over our shoulder and never farther than a heartbeat away.
Of course, the good news, the great news, is that Jesus came in
order to destroy death and thus, for now, free us from the fear
that death often brings (Heb. 2:15).
January 23
47
T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S
1
2
3
4
C O N T I N U E D
Learning Cycle
C O N T I N U E D
[whatever] will come.
Time is what keeps everything from happening at once. We know, for
example, that Solomon didnt want the pairs in verse 4 merged: no cheer
up input when he was in a weeping state. As he that taketh away a gar-
ment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon [a wound], so is he that singeth
songs to an heavy heart (Prov. 25:20).
In other words, When Im mourning, I want my warm blanket around
me and not someone trying to pull me out of my grief prematurely. Later,
Solomon will add that time does not stand alone: Time and chance hap-
peneth to them all (Eccles. 9:11, emphasis supplied). Be in the right
place, as well as at the right time!
II. Time for Work
One must ask what Solomonwhose court was filled with slaves and serv-
antsknew about work. Indeed, his account of accomplishments in
Ecclesiastes 2:4-8 contains the introduction I ten times and concludes
(vs. 9) with So I was great! (Compassionately remember here that he is
recounting his period of apostasy.)
Solomon does give his job description in Ecclesiastes 1:17! So I
worked hard to be wise (TLB). Apparently hed exhausted himself study-
ing wisdom. First heavenly wisdom (Proverbs), then earthly wisdom, then
a comparison study (Ecclesiastes). But this, too, proved chasing the
wind and futile (1:17, 2:15, TLB), with a warning that mind-taxing
overstudy is a weariness of the flesh (Eccles. 12:12).
It is difficult to understand Solomons utterance of the sore travail of
his lot in life, the labor of searching out wisdomdirected by God
which only gave him grief (Eccles. 1:13, 18).
But does mankind have a choice, he asks, other than following Gods
purpose (vss. 13, 18)? And speaking as a king again, he states that theres
no use arguing with God about your destiny (Eccles. 6:10, TLB).
Consider This: Upon which of the following two resolves is Solomons
submission based, Thy will be done, or OK then, have it Your way?
Fast-forward to the end of chapter 5 if you wish to grasp Solomons
progress in comprehending that human beings can, after all, find enjoy-
ment in their appointed lotprovided God has given them the health to go
1
2
3
4
48
WEDNESDAY
Jesus and Judgment
Solomon again continues exploring the question of time. Now,
though, he switches the topic to something else entirely. In
Ecclesiastes 3:16, 17, he opens up a theme that will be repeated in the
book of Ecclesiastes: human injustice and Gods judgment.
Read verse 16. What is he saying? How could there be wickedness in
the place of justice (NIV)? And in the place of righteousness,
iniquity? What could he be talking about? Where have you seen,
even today, wickedness where there should be justice and iniquity
where there should be righteousness? Also, how do these things
make you feel? How did they make Solomon feel? (See also Prov.
17:23, 21:27, John 2:14.)
Who, of course, isnt upset at injustice and iniquity, especially in
places in which there should be justice and righteousness? Thus,
Solomon, like us, wanted to see judgment done, and despite his sour
attitude about a lot of things, he still believed in the ultimate justice
that God would mete out in His own time (Eccles. 3:17), for, as he
said, there is a time for every purpose and for every work, especially
the work of Gods judgment.
Read John 12:31, where Jesus says Now is the judgment of this
world. In what sense could we say that the Cross was a judgment
of both the righteous and the wicked?
At the Cross, a place of judgment, we see incredible injustice: the
sinless Son of God dying for the sins of an ungrateful and wicked
world (Rom. 5:6, 1 John 2:2). At the same time, it is a place of right-
eousness because Jesus, who has the righteousness of God (2 Pet.
1:1) Himself, is there. And yet, in this place of righteousness, we see
iniquitythe iniquity of the whole world being punished in the per-
son of Jesus, who became sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21). We can say that
judgment of the righteous occurred at the Cross, because there,
through the death of Jesus, vindication in judgment is assured (Rom.
8:1); at the same time, the condemnation of the lost is guaranteed,
because, in light of the Cross, they will have no excuse (John 3:19).
If someone were to ask you to explain, in a short paragraph,
what the death of Christ offers you, what would you write?
Bring that paragraph to class to share with others.
January 24
49
T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S
1
2
3
4
C O N T I N U E D
Learning Cycle
C O N T I N U E D
with it. This health perplexity hasnt yet been figured out (Eccles. 6:2,
TLB).
III. Time and Criteria for Judgment (Eccles. 3:16-18)
Solomons own role as king came piggy-backed with the responsibility of
judging (1 Kings 3:16-28). Therefore, that aspect of the ultimate Kings
job description is heavy on his mind.
Since he cant figure it all out, is Solomon here bowing to the ultimate
Judge? Is he inferring that if this judge (Solomon) doesnt get you, the
next Onethe One greater than hewill? (Recall his father Davids
theme of pleading with God to take care of his enemies.)
Note that Solomons final punch, his conclusion in the last verse of
Ecclesiastes, also is about judgment.
STEP 3Practice!
Just for Teachers: This step of the learning cycle will assist you in
helping your class members find the answer to the following question:
How can I practice the information I just learned?
Thought Questions:

Is timing an art or a science? Is there law and order in art? Does

the science of timing (appointments) diminish my spontaneity, my free-
dom of winging it?

How has Satan turned around the Eden curse that humans were to
toil (work) for a livelihood into something so pleasurable that for many the
goal is to achieve status and power?
Application Question:
As I review Solomons list of contrasts (Eccles. 3:2-8), for which appro-
priate times do I have no sense of timing at all?
Invite the class to set aside some quiet alone time to list the phrases in
which they feel exceptionally weak. They may invite a relative to identify
phrases in which they see the asker as strong. As members privately
2
1
50
THURSDAY January 25
Of Men and Beasts
Read Ecclesiastes 3:18-22. Keeping in mind, again, the whole mes-
sage of Scripture, not to mention the context in which Solomon
was writing, what important point is he making here? What mes-
sage is here that we all should pay heed to?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
It is true: At one level whats the difference between a dead person
and a dead dog? And the longer theyre dead, the harder it is to tell
them apart, for eventually both become nothing but crumbled bones.
Solomon is, again, looking at the meaninglessness of life lived apart
from God, a life lived only for the immediate pleasures of this world.
It has to be meaningless because when its all done, humans and beasts
all go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again
(vs. 20). As we saw in Tuesdays lesson, thats a conclusion most
humans find unsettling, one that makes all that comes before death not
only hebel but even worse. One atheist author wrote about the absurd-
ity of life: It taunts us with the hope and promise of meaning, and yet
in the end we all end up in the same meaningless place as the beasts.
What Bible texts can you find that would answer each of the verses in
Ecclesiastes 3:18-22?
vs. 18 (for example, Ps. 8:5-8)
____________________________________________________________________
vs. 19 (for example, John 3:16)
____________________________________________________________________
vs. 20
____________________________________________________________________
vs. 21
____________________________________________________________________
vs. 22
____________________________________________________________________
Life itself, even in the best of circumstances, can be hard. We all
struggle, one way or another. How thankful we should be for the hope
that awaits us once this is all said and done.
Which is your favorite Bible text that talks about life for the
redeemed after the Second Coming? Read it over, pray over it,
and then write out in your own words what the text says to you.
51
T E A C H E R S C O M M E N T S
Learning Cycle
C O N T I N U E D
compare their own two lists, a profile should appear.
Witnessing
There is something peculiar in the temper of the House [of
Representatives], said James Garfield. A clear strong statement of a case
if made too soon or too late fails. If well made at the right time it is effec-
tive. It is a nice point to study the right time.Respectfully Quoted: A
Dictionary of Quotations Requested from the Congressional Research
Service (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1988, p. 342,
italics supplied.)
Consider This: As I gently lead others to the Water of Life, am I pray-
ing for the right time to hand them a drinking straw? Or, as a bad example
of witnessing, do I try to draw of the cisterns of earth from their straw?
For example: There is a saying, Dont work for your money; make your
money work for you. Is this possible without taking advantage of others?
Is this the appropriate application of wit in witnessing?
STEP 4Apply!
Just for Teachers: In this fourth and final step of the Natural
Learning Cycle, you will want to encourage class members to make a
life response to the lesson. Help them answer this question: With
Gods help, what can I do with what I have learned from this lesson?
Solomon concludes in his final verse today that people should be happy
in their work (Eccles. 3:22, TLB). An enthused church-employed organ-
ist once exclaimed, I cant believe I actually get paid for this!
Consider This: If you are young, have you prayerfully considered your
work/career choices, or are you merely planning to go find a job once
faced with responsibilities? How can those somewhat older and happy in
their work counsel and minister to the youth, and even to those who feel
trapped? (Recall Evangelism, p. 495, in lesson 2.)
Earlier Solomon had profited by exploiting those around him. Does this
conclusion indicate a change of heartthat not just the king deserves to be
happy in work?
Invite a class member to close with prayer.
52
FRIDAY
Further Study: Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, pp. 662678.
True, refined independence never disdains to seek counsel of the
experienced and of the wise, and it treats the counsel of others with
respect.Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 240.
The timing of things may tell much in favor of truth. Victories are
frequently lost through delays. There will be crises in this cause.
Prompt and decisive action at the right time will gain glorious tri-
umphs, while delay and neglect will result in great failures and posi-
tive dishonor to God.Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church,
vol. 3, p. 498.
Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He
deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share,
that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no
share. He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the
life which was His. With His stripes we are healed. Ellen G.
White, The Desire of Ages, p. 25.
Discussion Questions:
G As a class, discuss your answer to Wednesdays question. What
can you learn from what each other wrote?
G It has been said that a right decision at the wrong time is still
a wrong decision. Is there anyone in your church about to make
an important decision? If so, and that person is open to counsel,
what could you do as a class to help that person know not only
what decision to make but to know the best timing for it?
G As a class, talk about death, about what it means to us as
Christians, about how we should face it, about the hope that we
have despite death, about why even with the promises of God its
still so painful.
G What are some of the great injustices that you have seen in
your lifetime? How should the knowledge that God will bring
final and perfect justice help you deal with so much human
injustice here? Also, as a class, discuss this question: Should the
fact that God promises to bring final justice hinder us in our
pursuit of justice in this life now?
1
2
3
1
2
3
4
January 26