Lifeway Bible Studies

Finding Meaning in a World of Passing Pursuits

The book of Ecclesiastes offers a biblical perspective on everything “under the sun.” This Bible study explores the wisdom of living in light of the reality “above the sun.” A joyful life begins by stopping the manic pursuit of pleasure and fulfillment in earthly things. Happiness and pleasure are gifts from God when enjoyed as He intends.

By fearing God and keeping His commands—through the grace of Jesus—we can find contentment through the proper perspective of God, life, pleasure, and mortality. (8 sessions)

Session topics:

1. Vanity Under the Sun
2. Wisdom
3. Work
4. Wealth, Fame, and Power
5. Justice
6. Number Your Days
7. Enjoy the Life God Has Given You
8. Fear God and Keep His Commands

To Get The Workbook, Videos, Reading Guide, And More, Click HERE

Ecclesiastes is a challenging book, one that doesn’t even seem to fit in the Bible at first glance. In past reading of Ecclesiastes, you might have found yourself asking the question—what is this even doing in here? Ecclesiastes is wisdom literature like Proverbs and Job, but it seems to have a very different message than those books. Many of us read the book and can't quite figure out what the message is! We often treat it as one of those portions of Scripture reserved for checking boxes on a Bible reading plan, but not really for understanding. 

Over the next eight sessions we're going to examine the broad themes of Ecclesiastes. 

Regardless of what day of the week your group meets, each week of content begins with the group session. Each group session uses the following format to facilitate simple yet meaningful interaction among group members, with God’s Word, and with the teaching from author Barnabas Piper.

BARNABAS PIPER is an assistant pastor at Immanuel Church in Nashville and is the author or coauthor of several books and small group studies, including The Pastor’s Kid, Help My Unbelief, and Hoping for Happiness. Prior to being 

called into ministry Barnabas worked in Christian publishing for almost 15 years. He co-hosts The Happy Rant podcast, writes regularly for He Reads Truth, and has contributed to numerous other websites and publications. Piper speaks regularly at churches, camps, and conferences around the country. He lives in the Nashville area with his wife and two daughters. 

A NOTE ABOUT DOING THIS STUDY AS AN INDIVIDUAL. You may choose to do this study as an individual as opposed to participating in the group. If so, treat the group session and the associated teaching video as the first day of study for the week then proceed with the personal study portion. 

Finding Meaning in a World of Passing Pursuits

The book of Ecclesiastes offers a biblical perspective on everything “under the sun.” This Bible study explores the wisdom of living in light of the reality “above the sun.” A joyful life begins by stopping the manic pursuit of pleasure and fulfillment in earthly things. Happiness and pleasure are gifts from God when enjoyed as He intends.

By fearing God and keeping His commands—through the grace of Jesus—we can find contentment through the proper perspective of God, life, pleasure, and mortality. (8 sessions)

Session topics:

1. Vanity Under the Sun
2. Wisdom
3. Work
4. Wealth, Fame, and Power
5. Justice
6. Number Your Days
7. Enjoy the Life God Has Given You
8. Fear God and Keep His Commands

To Get The Workbook, Videos, Reading Guide, And More, Click HERE

Ecclesiastes is a challenging book, one that doesn’t even seem to fit in the Bible at first glance. In past reading of Ecclesiastes, you might have found yourself asking the question—what is this even doing in here? Ecclesiastes is wisdom literature like Proverbs and Job, but it seems to have a very different message than those books. Many of us read the book and can't quite figure out what the message is! We often treat it as one of those portions of Scripture reserved for checking boxes on a Bible reading plan, but not really for understanding. 

Over the next eight sessions we're going to examine the broad themes of Ecclesiastes. 

Regardless of what day of the week your group meets, each week of content begins with the group session. Each group session uses the following format to facilitate simple yet meaningful interaction among group members, with God’s Word, and with the teaching from author Barnabas Piper.

BARNABAS PIPER is an assistant pastor at Immanuel Church in Nashville and is the author or coauthor of several books and small group studies, including The Pastor’s Kid, Help My Unbelief, and Hoping for Happiness. Prior to being 

called into ministry Barnabas worked in Christian publishing for almost 15 years. He co-hosts The Happy Rant podcast, writes regularly for He Reads Truth, and has contributed to numerous other websites and publications. Piper speaks regularly at churches, camps, and conferences around the country. He lives in the Nashville area with his wife and two daughters. 

A NOTE ABOUT DOING THIS STUDY AS AN INDIVIDUAL. You may choose to do this study as an individual as opposed to participating in the group. If so, treat the group session and the associated teaching video as the first day of study for the week then proceed with the personal study portion. 

Finding Meaning in a World of Passing Pursuits

The book of Ecclesiastes offers a biblical perspective on everything “under the sun.” This Bible study explores the wisdom of living in light of the reality “above the sun.” A joyful life begins by stopping the manic pursuit of pleasure and fulfillment in earthly things. Happiness and pleasure are gifts from God when enjoyed as He intends.

By fearing God and keeping His commands—through the grace of Jesus—we can find contentment through the proper perspective of God, life, pleasure, and mortality. (8 sessions)

Session topics:

1. Vanity Under the Sun
2. Wisdom
3. Work
4. Wealth, Fame, and Power
5. Justice
6. Number Your Days
7. Enjoy the Life God Has Given You
8. Fear God and Keep His Commands

To Get The Workbook, Videos, Reading Guide, And More, Click HERE

Ecclesiastes is a challenging book, one that doesn’t even seem to fit in the Bible at first glance. In past reading of Ecclesiastes, you might have found yourself asking the question—what is this even doing in here? Ecclesiastes is wisdom literature like Proverbs and Job, but it seems to have a very different message than those books. Many of us read the book and can't quite figure out what the message is! We often treat it as one of those portions of Scripture reserved for checking boxes on a Bible reading plan, but not really for understanding. 

Over the next eight sessions we're going to examine the broad themes of Ecclesiastes. 

Regardless of what day of the week your group meets, each week of content begins with the group session. Each group session uses the following format to facilitate simple yet meaningful interaction among group members, with God’s Word, and with the teaching from author Barnabas Piper.

BARNABAS PIPER is an assistant pastor at Immanuel Church in Nashville and is the author or coauthor of several books and small group studies, including The Pastor’s Kid, Help My Unbelief, and Hoping for Happiness. Prior to being 

called into ministry Barnabas worked in Christian publishing for almost 15 years. He co-hosts The Happy Rant podcast, writes regularly for He Reads Truth, and has contributed to numerous other websites and publications. Piper speaks regularly at churches, camps, and conferences around the country. He lives in the Nashville area with his wife and two daughters. 

A NOTE ABOUT DOING THIS STUDY AS AN INDIVIDUAL. You may choose to do this study as an individual as opposed to participating in the group. If so, treat the group session and the associated teaching video as the first day of study for the week then proceed with the personal study portion. 

Finding Meaning in a World of Passing Pursuits

The book of Ecclesiastes offers a biblical perspective on everything “under the sun.” This Bible study explores the wisdom of living in light of the reality “above the sun.” A joyful life begins by stopping the manic pursuit of pleasure and fulfillment in earthly things. Happiness and pleasure are gifts from God when enjoyed as He intends.

By fearing God and keeping His commands—through the grace of Jesus—we can find contentment through the proper perspective of God, life, pleasure, and mortality. (8 sessions)

Session topics:

1. Vanity Under the Sun
2. Wisdom
3. Work
4. Wealth, Fame, and Power
5. Justice
6. Number Your Days
7. Enjoy the Life God Has Given You
8. Fear God and Keep His Commands

To Get The Workbook, Videos, Reading Guide, And More, Click HERE

Ecclesiastes is a challenging book, one that doesn’t even seem to fit in the Bible at first glance. In past reading of Ecclesiastes, you might have found yourself asking the question—what is this even doing in here? Ecclesiastes is wisdom literature like Proverbs and Job, but it seems to have a very different message than those books. Many of us read the book and can't quite figure out what the message is! We often treat it as one of those portions of Scripture reserved for checking boxes on a Bible reading plan, but not really for understanding. 

Over the next eight sessions we're going to examine the broad themes of Ecclesiastes. 

Regardless of what day of the week your group meets, each week of content begins with the group session. Each group session uses the following format to facilitate simple yet meaningful interaction among group members, with God’s Word, and with the teaching from author Barnabas Piper.

BARNABAS PIPER is an assistant pastor at Immanuel Church in Nashville and is the author or coauthor of several books and small group studies, including The Pastor’s Kid, Help My Unbelief, and Hoping for Happiness. Prior to being 

called into ministry Barnabas worked in Christian publishing for almost 15 years. He co-hosts The Happy Rant podcast, writes regularly for He Reads Truth, and has contributed to numerous other websites and publications. Piper speaks regularly at churches, camps, and conferences around the country. He lives in the Nashville area with his wife and two daughters. 

A NOTE ABOUT DOING THIS STUDY AS AN INDIVIDUAL. You may choose to do this study as an individual as opposed to participating in the group. If so, treat the group session and the associated teaching video as the first day of study for the week then proceed with the personal study portion. 

Finding Meaning in a World of Passing Pursuits

The book of Ecclesiastes offers a biblical perspective on everything “under the sun.” This Bible study explores the wisdom of living in light of the reality “above the sun.” A joyful life begins by stopping the manic pursuit of pleasure and fulfillment in earthly things. Happiness and pleasure are gifts from God when enjoyed as He intends.

By fearing God and keeping His commands—through the grace of Jesus—we can find contentment through the proper perspective of God, life, pleasure, and mortality. (8 sessions)

Session topics:

1. Vanity Under the Sun
2. Wisdom
3. Work
4. Wealth, Fame, and Power
5. Justice
6. Number Your Days
7. Enjoy the Life God Has Given You
8. Fear God and Keep His Commands

To Get The Workbook, Videos, Reading Guide, And More, Click HERE

Ecclesiastes is a challenging book, one that doesn’t even seem to fit in the Bible at first glance. In past reading of Ecclesiastes, you might have found yourself asking the question—what is this even doing in here? Ecclesiastes is wisdom literature like Proverbs and Job, but it seems to have a very different message than those books. Many of us read the book and can't quite figure out what the message is! We often treat it as one of those portions of Scripture reserved for checking boxes on a Bible reading plan, but not really for understanding. 

Over the next eight sessions we're going to examine the broad themes of Ecclesiastes. 

Regardless of what day of the week your group meets, each week of content begins with the group session. Each group session uses the following format to facilitate simple yet meaningful interaction among group members, with God’s Word, and with the teaching from author Barnabas Piper.

BARNABAS PIPER is an assistant pastor at Immanuel Church in Nashville and is the author or coauthor of several books and small group studies, including The Pastor’s Kid, Help My Unbelief, and Hoping for Happiness. Prior to being 

called into ministry Barnabas worked in Christian publishing for almost 15 years. He co-hosts The Happy Rant podcast, writes regularly for He Reads Truth, and has contributed to numerous other websites and publications. Piper speaks regularly at churches, camps, and conferences around the country. He lives in the Nashville area with his wife and two daughters. 

A NOTE ABOUT DOING THIS STUDY AS AN INDIVIDUAL. You may choose to do this study as an individual as opposed to participating in the group. If so, treat the group session and the associated teaching video as the first day of study for the week then proceed with the personal study portion. 

Finding Meaning in a World of Passing Pursuits

The book of Ecclesiastes offers a biblical perspective on everything “under the sun.” This Bible study explores the wisdom of living in light of the reality “above the sun.” A joyful life begins by stopping the manic pursuit of pleasure and fulfillment in earthly things. Happiness and pleasure are gifts from God when enjoyed as He intends.

By fearing God and keeping His commands—through the grace of Jesus—we can find contentment through the proper perspective of God, life, pleasure, and mortality. (8 sessions)

Session topics:

1. Vanity Under the Sun
2. Wisdom
3. Work
4. Wealth, Fame, and Power
5. Justice
6. Number Your Days
7. Enjoy the Life God Has Given You
8. Fear God and Keep His Commands

To Get The Workbook, Videos, Reading Guide, And More, Click HERE

Ecclesiastes is a challenging book, one that doesn’t even seem to fit in the Bible at first glance. In past reading of Ecclesiastes, you might have found yourself asking the question—what is this even doing in here? Ecclesiastes is wisdom literature like Proverbs and Job, but it seems to have a very different message than those books. Many of us read the book and can't quite figure out what the message is! We often treat it as one of those portions of Scripture reserved for checking boxes on a Bible reading plan, but not really for understanding. 

Over the next eight sessions we're going to examine the broad themes of Ecclesiastes. 

Regardless of what day of the week your group meets, each week of content begins with the group session. Each group session uses the following format to facilitate simple yet meaningful interaction among group members, with God’s Word, and with the teaching from author Barnabas Piper.

BARNABAS PIPER is an assistant pastor at Immanuel Church in Nashville and is the author or coauthor of several books and small group studies, including The Pastor’s Kid, Help My Unbelief, and Hoping for Happiness. Prior to being 

called into ministry Barnabas worked in Christian publishing for almost 15 years. He co-hosts The Happy Rant podcast, writes regularly for He Reads Truth, and has contributed to numerous other websites and publications. Piper speaks regularly at churches, camps, and conferences around the country. He lives in the Nashville area with his wife and two daughters. 

A NOTE ABOUT DOING THIS STUDY AS AN INDIVIDUAL. You may choose to do this study as an individual as opposed to participating in the group. If so, treat the group session and the associated teaching video as the first day of study for the week then proceed with the personal study portion. 

Finding Meaning in a World of Passing Pursuits

The book of Ecclesiastes offers a biblical perspective on everything “under the sun.” This Bible study explores the wisdom of living in light of the reality “above the sun.” A joyful life begins by stopping the manic pursuit of pleasure and fulfillment in earthly things. Happiness and pleasure are gifts from God when enjoyed as He intends.

By fearing God and keeping His commands—through the grace of Jesus—we can find contentment through the proper perspective of God, life, pleasure, and mortality. (8 sessions)

Session topics:

1. Vanity Under the Sun
2. Wisdom
3. Work
4. Wealth, Fame, and Power
5. Justice
6. Number Your Days
7. Enjoy the Life God Has Given You
8. Fear God and Keep His Commands

To Get The Workbook, Videos, Reading Guide, And More, Click HERE

Ecclesiastes is a challenging book, one that doesn’t even seem to fit in the Bible at first glance. In past reading of Ecclesiastes, you might have found yourself asking the question—what is this even doing in here? Ecclesiastes is wisdom literature like Proverbs and Job, but it seems to have a very different message than those books. Many of us read the book and can't quite figure out what the message is! We often treat it as one of those portions of Scripture reserved for checking boxes on a Bible reading plan, but not really for understanding. 

Over the next eight sessions we're going to examine the broad themes of Ecclesiastes. 

Regardless of what day of the week your group meets, each week of content begins with the group session. Each group session uses the following format to facilitate simple yet meaningful interaction among group members, with God’s Word, and with the teaching from author Barnabas Piper.

BARNABAS PIPER is an assistant pastor at Immanuel Church in Nashville and is the author or coauthor of several books and small group studies, including The Pastor’s Kid, Help My Unbelief, and Hoping for Happiness. Prior to being 

called into ministry Barnabas worked in Christian publishing for almost 15 years. He co-hosts The Happy Rant podcast, writes regularly for He Reads Truth, and has contributed to numerous other websites and publications. Piper speaks regularly at churches, camps, and conferences around the country. He lives in the Nashville area with his wife and two daughters. 

A NOTE ABOUT DOING THIS STUDY AS AN INDIVIDUAL. You may choose to do this study as an individual as opposed to participating in the group. If so, treat the group session and the associated teaching video as the first day of study for the week then proceed with the personal study portion. 

Finding Meaning in a World of Passing Pursuits

The book of Ecclesiastes offers a biblical perspective on everything “under the sun.” This Bible study explores the wisdom of living in light of the reality “above the sun.” A joyful life begins by stopping the manic pursuit of pleasure and fulfillment in earthly things. Happiness and pleasure are gifts from God when enjoyed as He intends.

By fearing God and keeping His commands—through the grace of Jesus—we can find contentment through the proper perspective of God, life, pleasure, and mortality. (8 sessions)

Session topics:

1. Vanity Under the Sun
2. Wisdom
3. Work
4. Wealth, Fame, and Power
5. Justice
6. Number Your Days
7. Enjoy the Life God Has Given You
8. Fear God and Keep His Commands

To Get The Workbook, Videos, Reading Guide, And More, Click HERE

Ecclesiastes is a challenging book, one that doesn’t even seem to fit in the Bible at first glance. In past reading of Ecclesiastes, you might have found yourself asking the question—what is this even doing in here? Ecclesiastes is wisdom literature like Proverbs and Job, but it seems to have a very different message than those books. Many of us read the book and can't quite figure out what the message is! We often treat it as one of those portions of Scripture reserved for checking boxes on a Bible reading plan, but not really for understanding. 

Over the next eight sessions we're going to examine the broad themes of Ecclesiastes. 

Regardless of what day of the week your group meets, each week of content begins with the group session. Each group session uses the following format to facilitate simple yet meaningful interaction among group members, with God’s Word, and with the teaching from author Barnabas Piper.

BARNABAS PIPER is an assistant pastor at Immanuel Church in Nashville and is the author or coauthor of several books and small group studies, including The Pastor’s Kid, Help My Unbelief, and Hoping for Happiness. Prior to being 

called into ministry Barnabas worked in Christian publishing for almost 15 years. He co-hosts The Happy Rant podcast, writes regularly for He Reads Truth, and has contributed to numerous other websites and publications. Piper speaks regularly at churches, camps, and conferences around the country. He lives in the Nashville area with his wife and two daughters. 

A NOTE ABOUT DOING THIS STUDY AS AN INDIVIDUAL. You may choose to do this study as an individual as opposed to participating in the group. If so, treat the group session and the associated teaching video as the first day of study for the week then proceed with the personal study portion. 

Everyone wants to be happy. We spend our money, time, and energy chasing our version of the good life. And on the way, we run ourselves into physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. But what if the happiness we’re all striving for isn’t the happiness we were created for?

Pastor and author Dr. Derwin L. Gray believes there is a better road to happiness, and it is found in the Beatitudes of Jesus. In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus revealed the shocking, countercultural path to true flourishing. It comes not through wealth, fame, or laughter but through poverty, obscurity, and mourning.

True happiness comes from a heart directed toward the kingdom of God and satisfied in Jesus the King. This 8-session small-group study demonstrates how Jesus taught us to search for, find, and hold on to the good life.

Session topics:
1) Happy are the Beggars
2) Happy are Those Who Lament
3) Happy are the Humble
4) Happy are the Hungry and Thirsty
5) Happy are the Merciful
6) Happy are the Seers
7) Happy are the Peacemakers
8) Happy are the Persecuted

Benefits:
● Find the good life available to those who know Jesus Christ.
● Learn to depend fully upon God.
● Receive comfort from God and extend that comfort to others.
● Hunger and thirst for a deeper relationship with God through Christ.
● Develop endurance when experiencing persecution.
● Practice God-centered humility.
● Become a more merciful person as you extend the mercy of God to others.
● Reflect on the timeless truths of the beatitudes.
● See how God can use you as a peacemaker in your church and community.

Everyone wants to be happy. We spend our money, time, and energy chasing our version of the good life. And on the way, we run ourselves into physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. But what if the happiness we’re all striving for isn’t the happiness we were created for?

Pastor and author Dr. Derwin L. Gray believes there is a better road to happiness, and it is found in the Beatitudes of Jesus. In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus revealed the shocking, countercultural path to true flourishing. It comes not through wealth, fame, or laughter but through poverty, obscurity, and mourning.

True happiness comes from a heart directed toward the kingdom of God and satisfied in Jesus the King. This 8-session small-group study demonstrates how Jesus taught us to search for, find, and hold on to the good life.

Session topics:
1) Happy are the Beggars
2) Happy are Those Who Lament
3) Happy are the Humble
4) Happy are the Hungry and Thirsty
5) Happy are the Merciful
6) Happy are the Seers
7) Happy are the Peacemakers
8) Happy are the Persecuted

Features:
● Eight small-group sessions
● Eight free teaching videos featuring author Derwin Gray—access included with purchase of Bible Study eBook
● Personal-study opportunities for ongoing spiritual growth

Benefits:
● Find the good life available to those who know Jesus Christ.
● Learn to depend fully upon God.
● Receive comfort from God and extend that comfort to others.
● Hunger and thirst for a deeper relationship with God through Christ.
● Develop endurance when experiencing persecution.
● Practice God-centered humility.
● Become a more merciful person as you extend the mercy of God to others.
● Reflect on the timeless truths of the beatitudes.
● See how God can use you as a peacemaker in your church and community.