Living as God's Creature
Teaching Pastor; Staff Governing Elder; Staff Director
In this passage, Solomon explores the beauty and limitations of wisdom, how we should spend our time on this earth, and what must be endured due to the curse of sin. Ultimately, God calls us to live as his creatures—taking responsibility for what he has entrusted to us, enjoying the good things he has given us, and trusting him with what we cannot control.
Study Questions
In this passage, Solomon explores the beauty and limitations of wisdom, how we should spend our time on this earth, and what must be endured due to the curse of sin. Ultimately, God calls us to live as his creatures—taking responsibility for what he has entrusted to us, enjoying the good things he has given us, and trusting him with what we cannot control.Application
There is beauty in wisdom, but it does not occur automatically as we age. What does it look like to aspire to wisdom—to act on what God has called you to do? What types of things tend to distract you from the work that is necessary for wisdom?
God calls us to obey, not evaluate, the authority over us. Who is in authority over you? What is more natural for you—to obey or to question? How can we find freedom in obedience?
If we try to “fix” the injustices of the world, we will remain in a state of despair and anxiety. How can we instead discern what God has given us to be responsible for? What steps do you need to take to own your responsibilities and entrust your concerns to God?
Key Points
There is beauty in wisdom. However, wisdom does not come automatically with age. We must seek it in every season of life, setting aside distractions and living out what God has called us to do.
It is vital that we obey and not evaluate the authority God has placed over us. While it is not natural to obey God and others, there is great freedom and clarity in resting in God’s sovereign authority.
Living on this earth means that we will experience uncertainty, injustice, and death. While our culture is preoccupied with fixing these problems, we are called to embrace being a creature.
Owning our identity as God’s creatures means we don’t live in anxiety over the world’s brokenness. Instead, we can live a small life—take responsibility for what God has entrusted to us and enjoy the good things he has given us.
Part of living within the scope of our responsibility is confessing our sin to those in authority over us. This practice develops humility and honors God’s sovereignty.