Work with Quietness: Breaking Free from the Chains of Ambition and Expectation

Big Idea:

Our freedom comes from facing trials and temptations with godly responses.

In the midst of the Olympic Games, we witness the relentless pursuit of greatness by athletes who push the boundaries of human capabilities. Their speed, agility, and skill are truly awe-inspiring. However, one particular interview during the games stood out. A runner who narrowly missed a medal was asked if she was disappointed. Her response was profound: "My goal was to do my best, and I did. I am content that I did my best." This athlete's perspective on ambition and expectation provides a valuable lesson for all of us.

Ambition and expectation play pivotal roles in the Olympics. We witness the devastation when athletes who were expected to win gold fall short of their goals. Similarly, as believers, we often grapple with the tension between our ambitions and the reality of our expectations. We set lofty goals on Monday, only to find ourselves sulking and pouting by the weekend if we fall short. In this sermon summary, we will explore Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:6, which offers insights into three “slave masters” that can disrupt our godly ambitions and expectations. These malevolent forces sap our joy, divert our focus from our life's purpose, and are rooted in the lies of Satan.

Passage of Scripture 1: Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:6

Slave Master 1: Wickedness (Ecclesiastes 3:16)

In verse 16, the Preacher observes the prevalence of wickedness not only among the unrighteous but also among the righteous. He witnesses iniquity everywhere, reminding us that no one is exempt from the stain of sin. This universal depravity means that every aspect of our being is corrupted by sin – our thoughts, words, and the deepest recesses of our souls.

Wicked ambitions prey on others, leading to harmful actions. When we view people as mere numbers or animals, it becomes easy to dehumanize them. This dehumanization has led to historical atrocities such as viewing the unborn as mere fetal tissue, Jews as test subjects, and slaves as property. Unfortunately, even Christians can prey on one another for personal gain, driven by wicked expectations.

Small Group Questions:

1. How do you define wickedness, and why is it a universal problem?

2. Can you think of modern examples where wicked ambitions have led to harm or dehumanization?

3. Have you ever observed or experienced wickedness within the Church or Christian community? How did it affect your faith and relationships?

Slave Master 2: Oppression (Ecclesiastes 4:1-3)

The Preacher introduces us to the second slave master: oppression. In our world, some wield power while others suffer under its weight. Even in a nation like America, where we strive to protect and bring hope to the oppressed, the Preacher's words ring true. Both the oppressor and the oppressed often lie awake at night, feeling devoid of comfort.

The ambition of the oppressor revolves around power at any cost. They are willing to hurt, beg, steal, or cheat to acquire and maintain power. This insatiable ambition leads to an oppressive expectation – making others feel helpless. This cycle of power and control often occurs at the expense of others, whether in employment, marriage, friendships, or even within the Church.

Small Group Questions:

1. How does oppression manifest in our world today, and why is it such a destructive force?

2. Have you ever encountered individuals whose ambition seemed solely focused on gaining power? How did it impact those around them?

3. How can Christians work towards breaking the cycle of oppression and promoting justice and equity in our communities?

Slave Master 3: Envy and Selfishness (Ecclesiastes 4:4-6)

The third slave master the Preacher identifies is envy and selfishness, which are pervasive in our society. Envious ambitions lead individuals to seek admiration and recognition at any cost. They may make extravagant purchases, wear certain clothes, or engage in actions solely for the purpose of gaining the approval and admiration of others.

Envious expectations often lead to laziness. When individuals seek admiration, they may become complacent once they achieve it. The Preacher highlights the folly of this mindset, emphasizing the importance of a godly response to ambition and expectation.

Small Group Questions:

1. How does envy manifest in our lives, and why is it a destructive force?

2. Can you share personal experiences or observations of individuals who have fallen into the trap of seeking admiration at any cost?

3. How can we cultivate contentment and humility in our lives to counteract the negative effects of envy and selfishness?

Urging Us to Break Free (Ecclesiastes 3:22, Ecclesiastes 4:6)

The Preacher doesn't merely highlight the negative influences of these slave masters; he also offers godly responses to counteract their effects.

Godly Response 1: Rejoice in Your Work (Ecclesiastes 3:22)

The Preacher encourages us to find joy in our work. This message is reiterated throughout the book of Ecclesiastes. We are reminded that work is a fundamental part of life, and we should be content with the work God has given us. Christ's example is crucial here – He came not to prey on others, control them, or seek admiration but to love unconditionally.

Small Group Questions:

1. How can we find joy and contentment in our work, even when faced with challenges or unmet ambitions?

2. In what ways can we emulate Christ's attitude toward work in our daily lives?

3. Share personal stories of finding satisfaction and fulfillment in your work.

Godly Response 2: Lower Your Expectations (Ecclesiastes 4:6)

The Preacher advises us to lower our expectations. He illustrates this with the metaphor of having one handful with quietness being better than having both hands full. In a world driven by consumerism and the pursuit of more, he reminds us of the value of contentment with less.

Small Group Questions:

1. How does the pursuit of "more" often lead to discontentment and anxiety in our lives?

2. What strategies can we employ to lower our expectations and find contentment with what we have?

3. Share personal experiences where simplifying your life or reducing expectations brought greater peace and contentment.

Action Step: Breaking Free

In light of our study of Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:6 and the insights shared, let's take a moment to reflect on our own lives. Are we enslaved by our ambitions and expectations? Are we allowing wickedness, oppression, envy, or selfishness to distort our ambitions and expectations? As a practical action step, consider the following:

1. Self-Examination: Take some time for introspection. Reflect on your ambitions and expectations in various aspects of your life – work, relationships, and personal goals. Are they rooted in godliness, or have you been ensnared by one of the slave masters mentioned in Ecclesiastes?

2. Prayer: Seek God's guidance in breaking free from any negative ambitions and expectations that may be controlling your life. Ask for His wisdom and strength to find joy in your work and lower your expectations to cultivate contentment.

3. Accountability: Share your reflections and action steps with a trusted friend or small group member. Accountability can help you stay on track as you strive to break free from the chains of destructive ambitions and expectations.

Conclusion

In a world where ambitions and expectations often lead us astray, Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:6 provides timeless wisdom. It exposes the malevolent forces of wickedness, oppression, envy, and selfishness that can distort our ambitions and expectations. The Preacher urges us to find joy in our work and lower our expectations, ultimately breaking free from these destructive influences. As we apply these principles to our lives, we can experience true contentment, joy, and freedom in Christ.

If you want to learn more about how to live free in Christ, Shepherd Thoughts exists to help you live out your faith. If you or a friend needs support or resources to love God and love others more, please reach out to us today. We’d love to help.