Module 1 - Meaning and Purpose of Life

Desired Learning Outcomes: At the end of the module the students would have:
1. identified the purpose and meaning of their life and relate the same to their chosen
vocation.

Module 1.1. Looking at the Scripture

What do these Biblical passages say about the meaning and purpose of man’s life?

Module 1.1.1. Ecclesiastes Chapter 1 – speaks about the vanity of life

(Setting: Solomon was looking back on his life, much of which was lived apart from God)

What is vanity?
Vanity means “breath” “vapor” or “light wind.” It denotes: transitory, futile, useless,
meaningless, or vain. All is vanity – means that the totality of existence is in vain, activities of
earthly life are useless.

Important Points:
Verses 1- 7: Solomon defines life based on nature:
1. Life is like a vapor, or wind that it only passes away.
2. Life is a transit – it leaves no result, it does not satisfy the mind.
3. There is no advantage to struggle in terms of earthly pleasure.
4. Life in general is an endless repetition, aimless and monotonous.

Verses 8 -11: Solomon defines life based on human experience:

1. Life is laborious, wearisome, tiresome – no satisfaction to one’s eye.
2. Life has no remembrance, nothing new.
3. Human activity is nothing.

Verses 12-18: Solomon speaks about the futility (uselessness) of wisdom

1. Human wisdom does not contain all the answers.
2. Knowledge and education have their limits.
Final Conclusion of Solomon about Life:
1. We should enjoy life by obeying God’s commands.
2. The purpose and meaning of life cannot be found in human endeavors but in positive
attitude and strong faith in God.
3. Human effort apart from God is useless.
4. Put God first – now!
5. Receive everything good as a gift from God.
6. Realize that God will judge every person’s life whether good or evil.
7. Pleasures and material things when sought for their own sake bring nothing.

The Birth of a Meaningful Life Solomon says: (2 antidotes)

1. To fear
2. To obey GOD - is everyone’s duty

Reflect: What is life based on your own experience?

Module 1.1.2. Psalm Chapter 139:13-17 – speaks about the foreknowledge of God both in
creation and pro-creation.

Important Points:
1. God has laid the foundation of our being in the mother’s womb – dark place beyond the
reach of light and life-giving protection. The mother’s womb where the fetus is formed symbolizes
the lowest part of the earth. (v.13)
2. Human being is fearfully and wonderfully made – separated from ungodly men. The
texture of our human body is the most complicated, nice and delicate. Even the slightest accident
can destroy or impair any part of it necessary to the continuance of life. There is a need of the care
and providence of God. (v.14)
3. Bone or skeleton is the foundation of our human body with external parts such as
muscular flesh (tendons, veins, arteries, nerves, skin) and web of fibers. God has embroidered
(needle work) our human bodies and put together in the lowest part of the earth – mother’s womb.
(v.15)
4. Our human bodies are open before God’s eyes and were fashioned after Him. God is the
potter of our human bodies. We are under God’s plan. (vs. 16-17)

Conclusion: Human being is wondrously created and God knew all that was going on in the
process of creation and procreation.

Module 1.1.3. Psalm 8 – Pictures of Man’s Dignity and God’s Glory. God’s glory and majesty
is realized by finite man.

Important Points:
1. The Lord is the director, supporter, ruler and judge of all creations. The excellent name of
God represents God in all his accounts such as incarnation, birth, humble life, death and
resurrection as celebrated to the whole world. God is infinite. Jesus is the only person who
perfectly reflects God’s image. (v.1)
2. Children are able to trust and praise God without doubts and reservations. There is a need
to have a childlike faith removing any barriers to having a closer walk with God. (v. 2)
3. Man is in contrast with His Creator. God created human being a little lower than himself
and the angels. But God considers human being highly valuable. We have a great worth because
we bear the stamp of the Creator. (vs. 3-5)
4. God gives human being authority – to be in charge of the whole earth. But with great
authority comes great responsibility. Three things designate man’s position: a) his relationship to
God; b) his dignity and honor; c) his dominion over other created beings. (vs. 6-8)
5. (Doxology) It always calls man back to the majesty of God. (v. 9)

Module 1.1.4. Jeremiah 29:11 – speaks about God’s plan for every human being

Together we say: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. plans to prosper you
and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

Important Points:
1. God, our leader has encouraged us to move ahead.
2. God has trusted us to do the task that He has given.
3. God will be with us all the way.
4. God knows our future, his plans for us are good and full of hope.
5. God provides our agenda and goes with us as we fulfill His mission.
6. God will always see us through gloriously despite pain, sufferings or hardships.

Reflection: “I Am Special”
Imagine yourself as a Creator. You have already made everything else: foliage, fowls,
fish, heavenly bodies, beasts of the field, etc. You have decided to create a human being. Then, a
snake asks you: “God, why do you have to do that? Of what use will a man be to your world?”
How will you answer the snake?