Funeral vs. Party - Which is Better?

Ecclesiastes 7:1-2

It’s easy to measure life by what we accomplish, accumulate, or experience. But one day, all of us will come face to face with a question that cuts through every distraction: What truly mattered? Scripture reminds us that our days are temporary, but the way we live them has eternal significance. When we remember that our lives are a gift from God, our priorities begin to change. We stop living merely for the moment and start investing in what will last forever, building a legacy that reflects the character of Christ and points others to Him.

1. Describe a funeral that inspired you. 

2. Read 1 Kings 10:23; Proverbs 20:15; Proverbs 22:1; Proverbs 31:10-11— These are all famous passages by Solomon. How would you put the idea that a person’s character is more valuable than wealth or status? Have you heard this theme put in a pithy way?

3. Ecclesiastes 7:1 says, “and the day of death better than the day of birth”— Steve said this thought is counter-intuitive. What are some other counter-intuitive principles in the Bible? (See examples in Mark 9:33-35; Matthew 5)

4. Skim Hebrews 11 — Which of these stories of men and women who put God first is your favorite? Or do you have another person in the Bible not listed here or a person from history who served God that left a legacy that inspires you?

5. Read Proverbs 4:10-27; Proverbs 19:20; James 1:22-25; Revelation 11:18— What will it take to live a life of righteous legacy?

6. Read 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; Revelation 5; Revelation 22:12 — How do you think it would feel to come before God’s throne with empty hands?

7. Steve described the two courtrooms very well: in one courtroom we are represented by Jesus, in the other we represent ourselves. What do you imagine the courtroom arguments to be like?

8. For those who experience the second death and eternal separation from God, what do you think they will experience?