090405

LIVING WITH A PURPOSE
Dead End Ahead
Ecclesiastes 1,2


Ecclesiastes 1:12-18
“I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. I devoted myself to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid on men! I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind. What is twisted cannot be straightened; what is lacking cannot be counted. I thought to myself, "Look, I have grown and increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge." Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind. For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.” (NIV)
1) We need a little background here. The “teacher,” many believe, is none other than Solomon, beloved second son of the great king David and his wife, Bathsheba—I’m sure many of you are familiar with that story! If not, please read 2 Samuel 11; 12:1-24. Next to Jesus Christ, Solomon was the wisest man to ever live! Jesus even spoke of Solomon’s greatness (Matthew 6:27-29 and Matthew 12:42.) Still, even after taking into consideration all of Solomon’s greatness and wisdom, you would definitely have to say his beginning was much better than his end (1 Kings 6:11-4, 38; 1 Kings 7:1; and 1 Kings 11:1-14!). Oh, that it would be said differently of us—that our ending would far surpass our beginning (Ecclesiastes 7:8; Philippians 1:6 and 1 John 3:2!) Amen and amen!
2) Read 1 Kings 3:1-9 to discover how and when Solomon received such wisdom.
3) Now, we know the Lord gave Solomon wisdom, but it appears from the above passage that Solomon also sought after wisdom and knowledge. In what ways did Solomon pursue wisdom and knowledge?
4) What does Proverbs 9:11 say is true wisdom and true knowledge? Would it surprise you to know Solomon wrote this proverb?
5) Woefully, Solomon didn’t just seek after godly wisdom! What other “sources” did he explore or examine in order to obtain “knowledge?”
6) What do you think may have led Solomon to declare that everything was meaningless (futile, vain, empty?) Was he speaking of a life with or without God?
7) How does God change our lives from “meaningless” to “fruitfulness and purpose?”
a) God has planned for our good future (Jeremiah 29:11!)
b) God will fulfill His purpose in our lives (Psalms 138:8!)
c) God’s will for us is to bear much fruit (John 15:3-9!)
d) God works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28!)
e) God gives us of His Spirit which produces good fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:22!)
f) God ensures that we walk in the light of goodness, righteousness and truth (Ephesians 5:6-10!)
g) God puts into our hearts the desire to do His perfect will (Philippians 2:13!)
8) What do you think Solomon meant when he said, “What a heavy burden God has laid on men!”
a) The burden of our very existence and our uncertain end (1 Chronicles 29:15. Oh, and you have to see Job 10 and Psalms 90:5-13!)
b) A life with hope and without God (Ephesians 2:12!)
c) Our sins (Psalms 38:4; Romans 6:16!)
d) The Lord’s anger (Isaiah 30:27!)
e) Our own words (Jeremiah 23:36!)
f) Rules and regulations imposed by false teachers (Lamentations 2:14!)
g) Unnecessary feast days (Zephaniah 3:18!)
h) The law (Romans 7:6!)
i) satan (Luke 13:16!)
9) What is God’s answer to “burdens?”
a) God loves first, even when we were dead in our sins and He made a way to rescue us from our sins through His Son, Jesus Christ (1 John 4:9-10!) Glory!
b) He is our shield and our exceeding great Reward (Genesis 15:1!)
c) He has become our salvation (Exodus 15:2; Psalms 118:14!)
d) He sustains us and keeps us from falling (Psalms 55:22!)
e) He satisfies us with His unfailing love (Psalms 90:14!)
f) He has become our Fortress, our Rock and our Refuge (Psalms 94:22!)
g) He forgives us, heals us, redeems us, crowns us with His love, satisfies our desires, renews our youth, does not treat us as our sins deserve, etc., etc. (Psalm 103:1-18!)
h) He comforts us (Isaiah 12:1!)
i) He takes upon Himself our burdens (Isaiah 53:1!)
j) He has set us free through Jesus Christ His Beloved Son (Luke 4:14-19 and John 8:35-36!)
k) He has become for us our wisdom, righteousness, holiness and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30!)
l) He has become our High Priest, our Mediator (Hebrews 6:20 and 1Timothy 2:5!)
m) He is our guarantee of what is to come (Hebrews 7:22!)
i) Ironically, whereas we were once in bondage (being burdened) as slaves to sin (John 8:34-36), now we are “slaves” to Christ and amazingly, this inescapable truth leads us to holiness and eternal life (Romans 6:22-23!) As Christ “slaves” we are now:
(1) “free” from sin (Romans 6:7, 18!)
(2) “free” to serve and love others (Galatians 5:1!)
(3) “free” to confidently approach God, the Father, in Jesus’ name (Ephesians 3:12!)
(4) “free” from the fear of death because we have eternal life in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:22 and Hebrews 2:15!)
10) Solomon makes a distinction between wisdom and knowledge. What do you think the difference is?
11) Why does knowledge, in and of itself, never satisfy?
a) Knowledge only “puffs” us up, it doesn’t change us (1 Corinthians 8:1!)
b) Knowledge without love is nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2!)
c) God’s love for us surpasses “knowledge” (Ephesians 3:17-19!)
d) God, in his infinite wisdom, has chosen to reveal and give His salvation to those who humble themselves by acknowledging their complete and utter “lack of wisdom and knowledge.” They chose the way of “faith in the unseen!” Which, of course, the world sees as absolute foolishness! In this way, God, and God only is glorified (1 Corinthians 1:20-29!)
12) How would you describe “worldly” wisdom?
a) It is the reasoning of a world system or world order (1 Corinthians 2:6!)
b) It is crafty (1 Corinthians 3:19!)
c) It is futile (1 Corinthians 3:20!)
d) It is boastful (1 Corinthians 3:21!)
e) It leads to self-imposed worship, false humility and self-abasement (Colossians 2:23!)
f) It leads to envy and self-ambitions, boasting and denying truth (James 3:14-15!)
13) What should have Solomon earnestly sought after (Deuteronomy 4:29?)
14) What kind of lives does godly wisdom produce (James 3:17-18?)
15) God has promised to freely give us wisdom. What is His one requirement (James 1:5-8?)
Ecclesiates 2:1-3
“I thought in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good." But that also proved to be meaningless. "Laughter," I said, "is foolish. And what does pleasure accomplish?" I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly--my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.” (NIV)
1) Oh, boy! How many of us have tried to fill the “hole in our hearts,” that place reserved only for God, with worldly pleasures and/or intoxication? Why is seeking after pleasure foolishness (Hebrews 11:25?)
a) It results in poverty—spiritual, physical and material (Proverbs 21:17!)
b) It chokes our ability to receive God’s Word (Luke 8:14!)
c) It is a poor substitute for love for God (2 Timothy 3:4!)
d) It is evidence of our own foolishness (Titus 3:3!)
e) It leads to quarrels, fights, killing, coveting (James 4:1-3!)
f) It leads to further sin (Ephesians 4:19!)
2) Worldly pleasures appeal to our “sinful nature,” not our spiritual nature. These two constantly war against each other (Romans 7:15-25; 8:5-10!) Make of list of the “pleasure(s)” that our sin natures seek after (Galatians 5:19-21?)
3) What do people who “follow after the lusts of their sinful nature” do to others (2 Peter 2:17-18?)
4) So, how do we put an end to “pleasure seeking” sinful natures (Romans 13:14 and Colossians 3:1-10?)
5) Renew our minds (Romans 12:1-2?) How is that accomplished?
a) Through the hearing of God’s Word (John 5:24 and Romans 10:12-15!)
b) Through God’s His Holy Spirit who reveals to us the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:11-16!)
c) Through God’s peace which guards our minds, enabling us to fix our thoughts on things of God (Philippians 4:7-8!)
d) Through purposely setting our hearts and minds on things that are above (Colossians 3:1-4!)
e) Through God’s laws being written on our hearts and minds (Hebrews 10:15-17!)
6) What is God’s answer to “worldly” pleasure?
a) That we would “know” depth of the love Christ for each and every one of us (Ephesians 3:19!)
b) That we would be “filled” with the Spirit of God (Ephesians 5:17-20!)
c) That we would have understanding and spiritual knowledge of His will for our lives (Colossians 1:9!)
i) The result of knowing the depth of Christ’s love, being filled with His Spirit and knowing His will always produce:
(1) Love (Matthew 22:37-40!)
(a) God is love (1 John 4:8!)
(b) Love comes from God (1 John 4:7!)
(c) This is love—God loved us first (1 John 4:10 and 1 John 4:19!)
(d) We know God loves us and has called us to be saints (Romans 1:7!)
(e) God has lavished His love upon us (1 John 3:1!)
(f) God has poured out His love in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5!)
(g) God loved us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8!)
(h) Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35!)
(i) There is no fear in love (1 John 4:18!)
(j) Love makes us conquerors (Romans 8:37!)
(k) Love is sincere (Romans 12:9!)
(l) Love does no harm and fulfills God’s law (Romans 13:10!)
(m) Love builds up (1 Corinthians 8:1!)
(n) Obedience reflects our love for God (1 John 2:5; 1 John 5:3 and 2 John 1:6!)
(o) If we love, we are known by God (1 Corinthians 8:3!)
(p) And, yes, God disciplines us in love (Hebrews 12:6 and Revelation 3:19!)
(q) Without love, we are nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2!)
(r) Love is perfect because “love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8!)
(s) Godly love results in knowledge and insight (Philippians 1:9; Colossians 2:2-3!)
(t) Love is the greatest of God’s gifts to His children (1 Corinthians 13:13!)
(u) Love compels us into action (2 Corinthians 5;14!)
(v) Love reflects itself through our actions (1 John 3:18!)
(w) Our faith is expressed in love (Galatians 5:6!)
(x) Our love can increase and overflow (1 Thessalonians 3:12!)
(y) Love comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5!)
(z) Love is to be pursued (1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22 and 2 Peter 1:5-8!)
(aa) The body of Christ builds itself up in love (Ephesians 4:16!)
(bb) We are commanded to love one another, honoring and preferring one another (Romans 12:10!)
(cc) God will not “forget” our unselfish acts of love (Hebrews 6:10!)
(i) We are commanded to do everything in love (1 Corinthians 16:14!)
(ii) We are commanded to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13!)
(iii) We are commanded to love our neighbor (Galatians 5:14!)
(iv) We are commanded to love and bear one another in love (Ephesians 4:2; 1 Peter 1:22 and 1 Peter 4:8!)
(v) We are commanded to speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15!)
(vi) We are commanded to live of life of love (Ephesians 5:2!)
(vii) Husbands are commanded to love their wives (Ephesians 5:25; Colossians 3:19!
(viii)Wives are to love their husbands and children (Titus 2:4!)
(ix) We are commanded to “put on” love (Colossians 3:14!)
(x) We are commanded to “spur one another on” toward love (Hebrews 10:24!)
(1) Joy (John 15:11; Romans 14:17!)
(a) Joy is a fruit of the Spirit of God, a gift of God (Galatians 5:22-23!)
(i) We are commanded to be joyful (Philippians 4:4 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16!)
(2) Peace (John 14:27-29)
(a) Jesus Christ is our Peace (Ephesians 2:14!)
(i) Though Jesus Christ, we have peace with God (Romans 5:1-2 and 2 Peter 3:14!)
(ii) Peace comes from the knowledge of our God and Jesus our Lord (2 Peter 1:2!)
(iii) The peace of God gives us transcends our understanding and guards our hearts Philippians 4:7!)
(iv) The peace of the Lord is available to us at all times and in every way (2 Thessalonians 3:16!)
(v) Christ alone gives us peace in this troubled world (John 16:33!)
(vi) Peace must be pursued (1 Peter 3:11!)
(vii) We can have God’s peace in abundance (Jude 1:2!)
1. As we walk in truth and love, we will have peace (2 John 1:3!)
2. Though the Spirit of God, our minds are at peace (Romans 8:6!)
3. We are commanded to live in peace with one another (Romans 12:18; Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:13 and Hebrews 12:14!)
4. We purposely have to allow or let peace rule our hearts (Colossians 3:15!)
5. God’s discipline is ultimately designed to bring us peace (Hebrews 12:11!)
Ecclesiastes 2:4-8
“I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees. I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired men and women singers, and a harem as well--the delights of the heart of man.” (NIV)
1) Things, possessions never satisfy. Why (Luke 12:15-23?) Have you ever noticed that even our “little” desires often result in the “wanting” of more? Greed! Greed is equal to idolatry (Exodus 20:3!)
2) We often get caught up in our possessions (or coveting other’s possessions!). What does God have to say about possessions and greed (Ecclesiastes 5:10, 13; 6:7; Isaiah 55:2 and Matthew 16:26!)
3) So, what satisfies?
a) Knowing we will see God face-to-face (Psalms 17:15!)
b) Those that seek the Lord are satisfied (Psalms 22:26!)
c) God’s unfailing love satisfies us (Psalms 90:14!)
d) He satisfies by showing us His salvation (Psalms 91:16!)
e) The Lord satisfies our desires with good things (Psalms 103:5!)
f) He satisfies those that thirst and hunger (Psalms 107:9!)
g) God’s offer to drink of His salvation—without cost (Isaiah 55:1!)
h) Believe it or not, God satisfies us with our labor, our toil, our work (Ecclesiastes 2:24; 3:13 and 5:18!)
i) God is happy to satisfy our needs (Isaiah 58:11!)
4) What is never satisfied (Proverbs 27:20 and Proverbs 30:15-17!)
5) What often happens when we are no longer in want or need (Hosea 13:6!)
6) Really, who owns everything (Job 41:11; Psalms 22:27-28; Ezekiel 18:4!)
7) Well, I’m sure there are those who would love to go back to Solomon’s time when nobles were allowed “concubines!” However, was this ever in God’s plan (Matthew 19:1-8!) Sorry, guys!
Ecclesiastes 2:17-23
“So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the work into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then he must leave all he owns to someone who has not worked for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun?” (NIV)
1) Okay, we just learned that work is a gift from God Almighty—and from the same writer of this book! What’s up with that? We have to remember that this book was written from the perspective of a man who was looking at a life without God. Such a man’s end is certain (Psalms 49:16-17!) Scripture clearly tells us how to find satisfaction, as well as giving us God’s answer as to what a man gains for his toil (Colossians 3:23-24!)
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” (NIV)
1) Well, sisters, yes, there is a time for everything and God has appointed those times according to His perfect plan for our lives. He has an answer for each of our “time for’s!”
a) A time to be born and a time to day (Ecclesiastes 7:1!)
b) A time to plant and a time to uproot (John 4:35-38 and Matthew 13:37-43!)
c) A time to tear down and a time to build (2 Peter 3:10-11 and Revelation 21!)
d) A time to weep and laugh (Luke 6:21!)
e) A time to mourn and a time to dance (Matthew 5:4 and Jeremiah 31:1-4!)
f) A time to scatter and a time to gather (Matthew 13:24-30!)
g) A time to embrace and a time to refrain (Matthew 23:37-39!)
h) A time to search and a time to give up (Matthew 18:12 and Luke 10:10-12!)
i) A time to tear and a time to mend ((Deuteronomy 32:39!)
j) A time to be silent and a time to speak (Mark 14:53-62 and Revelation 19:11-16!)
k) A time to love and a time to hate (John 3:16 and Revelation 20:7-15!)
l) A time for war and a time for peace (Ephesians 6:10-18 and Revelation 11:15-18!)
2) Sisters, we now have peace with God through Jesus Christ our Lord. He has place eternity in our hearts so we would turn to Him in faith. We are meant for eternal life! Do you mourn, do you weep, are you wounded and torn? This is what God has promised you—The favor of the Lord, freedom from your bondages, beauty for your ashes, gladness for your mourning, praise instead of despair. He will rebuild the ruins of your broken life and bring restoration with your God (Isaiah 61:1-4!) Praise, honor, glory and power be unto the Lamb now and forever more! Amen!