The Vanity of Hedonism (Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:26)
The Preacher has been making an argument about the vanity of life. When we remove God from the picture and consider life apart from him, everything is meaningless and frustrating. Remember, this entire section from Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:26 is an argument that follows a classic form of speech called “the chase technique.” The Preacher points to several avenues man looks to in search of meaning, and at the very end of his argument he provides the solution. Last week, we zeroed…
The Restoration of Israel (Amos 9:11-15)
We come now to Amos’ final words, and we are finally relieved to find that they are not words of judgment but of hope and promise. Nothing has changed on the part of the people. It’s not as if he saw some spark of interest in their eyes. In fact, we would not be surprised to find that many of the members of the original audience back in their homes, no longer listening to the rambling prophet. Regardless, this nation…
The Never Ending Chase (Ecclesiastes 1:12-18)
The Preacher has opened the book with a word about the vanity of life. Everything is meaningless and frustrating when it is viewed from “under the sun”, apart from any reference to God. The key verse from last week was: Ecclesiastes 1:3. He went on to point out how nature is mundane and monotonous. It feeds the sense of ceaseless routine that never amounts to anything. The sun rises and sets, the wind blows around and around, the streams continuously flow,…
The Sinful Kingdom (Amos 9:7-10)
Before we begin, let me acknowledge Dr. Vern Poythress for his help in my preparation to preach this passage. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to pick his brain over lunch this week. Although I won’t quote him directly, many of the pointers to Christ came directly from him. So, thank you Dr. Poythress. I pray there is a lasting evidence of the fruit of your ministry to me. Amos is wrapping up his final words of judgment upon…
All Is Vanity! (Ecclesiastes 1:1-11)
Introduction Open your bibles to the book of Ecclesiastes. We’re kicking off our series looking at the first eleven verses this morning. You will find Ecclesiastes somewhere near the middle of your bibles, following the books of Psalms and Proverbs. While you’re turning there, let me say a brief word about the author. Although historically, Ecclesiastes has been linked to Solomon, there is no mention of his name, unlike Proverbs and Song of Solomon. That alone gave Martin Luther reason…
Mourning and Famine (Amos 8:8-14)
Introduction Amos’ repeated warnings, first of words then of visions, have fallen on deaf ears. We’ve seen 4/5 visions Amos received: Plague of Locusts (7:1-3) Judgment of Fire (7:4-6) The Plumb Line (7:7-9) A Basket of Summer Fruit (8:1-3) God’s judgment is coming soon, he is not going to spare Israel any longer. Last week, we concluded that those who rejoice in corruption will mourn on the day of judgment. This afternoon, we will see what their mourning will look…
The God of All Grace (1 Peter 5:8-11)
Introduction Peter’s final words to suffering Jewish Christians exiled to Asia Minor. He has encouraged them to think rightly about their suffering. Thinking is critical to persevering. He exhorted the elders to shepherd the flock, exercising oversight, eager to serve. He then challenged everyone to walk in humility with one another and before God. Read 1 Peter 5:8-11 As someone who is overly rational, rarely do I seriously consider the possibility of a spiritual attack as the cause of suffering.…
Ripe for Judgment (Amos 8:1-7)
Introduction Amos has warned the deaf nation of Israel about their moral and religious hypocrisy. We’ve seen the first three of five visions Amos received: Plague of Locusts (1-3) Judgment of Fire (4-6) The Plumb Line (7-9) In the second half of ch.7 we saw a confrontation between the priest of Bethel, Amaziah, and the prophet of God, Amos. That ended in a harsh word of judgment upon the rebellious priest and his family. Read Amos 8:1-7 The vision of…
Clothe Yourselves With Humility (1 Peter 5:5-7)
Introduction Final exhortations to Jewish Christians exiled to Asia Minor. They were suffering persecution, mostly verbal chastisement, but Peter has been preparing them for an increasingly violent persecution. He’s encouraged them to maintain a heavenly perspective so that they might persevere knowing the glory that awaits. After addressing the elders, he broadens his scope to include everyone. Read 1 Peter 5:5-7 We often clothe ourselves in arrogance, assuming we know better than everyone else. We may not openly disagree, but…