Lesson Plan 11 – April 8, 2026

Lessons From The Book Of Ecclesiastes.

Ecclesiastes 11.

Welcome to Small Group Lesson Plan #11, continuing with studies in the book of Ecclesiastes. Have you sometimes found the conversations and scriptures from the lessons coming to mind and blessing you during your daily activities? Don’t mistake it for once. That is the Holy Spirit talking to you. Amen!

Summary Review of Chapter 10

In Chapter 10, King Solomon travels through the description of the cost of foolish behavior, how the wise heart inclines to the right and the foolish heart to the left, and the reward of wisdom. He cautions against digging a pit for others (planning the downfall of others) and speaks of the pain of having foolish leaders over a nation, and how we must use our tongue wisely toward those in authority.

“Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment,
And cause it to give off a foul odor;
So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor..” A wise man’s heart is at his right hand,
But a fool’s heart at his left.Do not curse the king, even in your thought; Do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom; For a bird of the air may carry your voice, And a bird in flight may tell the matter.

Eccl 10:1-2 and 20 NKJV

Walk Through Chapter 11

In Chapter 11, Solomon goes big on seed sowing. In verses 1-2, he advises “casting your bread upon the waters…” stating that such an action will guarantee a future “find.” To clarify the first statement, the second follows with a similar advice to “give a serving to seven and also to eight.” Let’s read it in the NLT version:

Send your grain across the seas,
    and in time, profits will flow back to you.
² But divide your investments among many places,
    for you do not know what risks might lie ahead.

Eccl. 11:1-2 NLT

Giving a serving to eight is what I would call an extra mile. Solomon teaches that by doing this, you prepare for whatever evil is to come on the earth.

In verses 3-6, he continues his discourse on sowing and harvesting. As I read Verses 3-6, Verse 4 hits home. I think of those times when I have the opportunity to give of my resources, and I flinch at the thought of the bills that lie ahead. To me, bills are sometimes like the wind. The money comes in one way, and the next thing you know, it’s out the other, blown away by the strong winds of bills. Someone once said that bills travel twice as fast as paychecks.

Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant.
    If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.

Ecc. 11:4 NLT

Besides finances, seed sowing applies to every area of life. Spiritually speaking, our deeds, words, and life as a whole can be seen as a seed in God’s hands. It is interesting that a good portion of Jesus’ teaching, and of the Bible as a whole, centers on farming. Jesus is often referred to as a seed in the Bible, symbolizing his role as the beginning of God’s kingdom and the source of spiritual growth for believers. This metaphor highlights his significance in Christian faith, representing both his humble origins and the vast spiritual impact he had via his death (sown as a seed) and his resurrection, leading billions (harvest) to follow God. As the “firstborn from the dead,” He was the first to be resurrected, paving the way for others to follow in resurrection. See Colossians 1:18

The chapter ends in verses 9-10 with an admonition to young men to stay away from evil, bearing in mind that “God will bring you into judgment.” The way he frames it, “bring you into judgment,” means judgment for wrongdoing while on earth. Yikes! I don’t want that in my life.

Scripture Study Guideline

Today’s Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes Chapter 11:1-10. Please read and discuss your findings.

What stood out to you? What do you think the Holy Spirit is speaking to you? Did any verse or set of verses jump out to you? Please discuss your thoughts, then proceed to the discussion questions below:

• Are you able to reconcile in your mind the idea of Jesus as a seed that was sown for all who follow Jesus? Read Genesis 3:15, John 12:24, Galatians 3:16,
• Are we called to be seeds and to sow seeds in God’s kingdom? If so, what are some ways in which you can sow yourself as a seed in the service of the king of kings? Read 2 Corinthians 12:15, 1 Corinthians 11:1, Matthew 13:31-32, Ecclesiastes 11:6, Galatians 6:7-8
• Solomon advises young men to stay away from evil. While this applies to everyone, what are some practical ways a Christian can avoid evil? Read Psalm 1:1-3, Joshua 1:8-9, Psalm 119:9-11, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Hebrews 10:24-25

Conclusion

Jesus was willing to sow Himself as a seed to save us all and also as an example to us all.

Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 

John 12:24 NKJV

If Jesus was given by the Father as a seed and we are His followers, then we should be seeds as well within the contexts He has called us to. A disciple cannot be greater than their master, and this is why He calls us to “deny ourselves, take up our own cross, and follow Him.” We can be a seed in June by participating in Outreach Month and trusting God to multiply our efforts. Sign up here:

Prayer Time

• Give thanks to God for the small group season going well so far
• Pray that we all become good seeds in God’s Kingdom
• Pray for JFC Outreach Month in June 2026. Ask the Lord to move many to participate in sharing the gospel, and to see results as new believers become part of God’s family.
• Pray for a swift resolution to the Iran war
• Ask the Lord for wisdom in your life, for our congregation, and for our church leaders.
• Pray for one another’s needs and any other matter.

Announcements

• Next Small Group – April 21, 2026.
• Do you need prayer for deliverance from oppressive demonic manifestations in your life? Send a message to our JFC Text.
• What’s your giving plan like? Are you consistently giving of your finances to the Lord?
• Outreach Month June 1-30, 2026. Please get involved!