Gospel Outreach International

This Bible study explores the concluding chapter of Ecclesiastes, focusing on the book’s central message about the vanity of life “under the sun” without God. The study addresses a fundamental question that resonates throughout human experience: What gives life true meaning and purpose when worldly pursuits ultimately prove empty? Through examining Ecclesiastes 12, we discover that the answer lies not in wealth, achievements, or earthly wisdom, but in maintaining a proper relationship with our Creator from youth through old age, combined with reverent obedience to His commandments.

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; Ecclesiastes 12:1

• Universal Vanity: All human activities—scientific pursuits, wealth accumulation, and worldly wisdom—are ultimately pointless exercises without God at the center
• Remember your Creator in the days of your youth (verse 1)
• Remember Him before death comes (verse 6, using imagery of broken silver cord and crushed golden bowl)
• Children’s Natural Faith: Scientific research suggests children are naturally wired to believe in God, but this openness diminishes through education and social influences
• Urgency of Today: “Today is the day of salvation” - tomorrow never comes, and people must not delay their decision to turn to God
• Truth Interconnection: Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life,” God is “the God of truth,” the Bible is “the Word of truth,” and the Holy Spirit is “the Spirit of truth”
• Final Conclusion: Fear God and keep His commandments - this applies to every individual who has ever lived or will live
• Two Types of Fear: Not terror or anxiety about an overbearing boss, but reverential awe and respect for God’s majesty and authority
• Moral vs. Ceremonial Commands: While sacrificial and hygienic Old Testament laws are fulfilled in Christ, moral commandments remain relevant for Christians
• Hidden Things Revealed: God will bring every work, word, thought, and hidden thing into judgment - nothing escapes His knowledge
• Two Judgments: One for non-believers regarding their rejection of Christ, and one for believers regarding their faithful service and obedience
• Christian Responsibility: Believers are commanded to make disciples, not just get people to raise hands, but to train them in following Christ
• Memory and Accountability: Everything experienced is stored in our minds and brains; God has the key to unlock every thought and intent for judgment

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13

This powerful Bible study brings us face to face with life’s ultimate reality - that without Jesus Christ at the center, everything we do is ultimately meaningless. The teacher’s personal testimony adds warmth to the message, reminding us that he didn’t hear about Jesus until age 15, yet found salvation in his later teens through people he met on a soccer field. What strikes me most is how the study emphasizes that Jesus isn’t just our “great friend” but is also God who deserves our deepest respect and reverence. The teacher challenges us to move beyond casual Christianity to a life of genuine discipleship, where we fear God properly and keep His commandments with joy rather than burden. His reminder that Jesus’ very name means “Jehovah is my savior” beautifully captures the heart of the gospel - that our Lord and Savior dwells within the hearts of those who trust Him, making every moment an opportunity to live in His presence with appropriate awe and loving obedience.

Bible References

• Ecclesiastes 12:
• Ecclesiastes 12:1
• Ecclesiastes 12:6-7
• Genesis 22:12
• Deuteronomy 10:12
• 1 Samuel 12:24
• John 14:6
• Hebrews 9:27
• Revelation 2
• Revelation 3
• 1 John 5:3