Ecclesiastes: Chasing After the Wind
Vanity of Vanities (Ecclesiastes 12:8-14)
Introduction We have spent the past six months looking at a book that contains many things that are difficult to understand. It’s a book you should continue to read and meditate upon. It’s truths are appropriate for all ages, but especially postmodern Westerners. 12:8 summarizes the Preacher’s thoughts. If Ecclesiastes ended at 12:8, our interpretation would have been different. Read Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 Ryken If there is no God, then there is no Judge. If there is no Judge, then there…
Calculated Risk (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6)
Introduction The Preacher continues his study of wisdom, specifically economic wisdom, which will be followed by another commendation of joy next week. Read Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 In the past 20 years we’ve witnessed to of the biggest financial disasters in our nation’s history. We saw the dotcom crash of 2000 and the housing market collapse of 2008. In both cases, the market was saturated with inflated prices creating a bubble of instability. If we were anything like the generation that survived…
Wisdom is Better (Ecclesiastes 9:13 – 10:20)
Introduction What’s the point of living? The Preacher has been breaking down the most common cultural strongholds: the pursuit of a comprehensive knowledge, the indulgence of worldly pleasures, and a general sense of self-sufficiency. In the Preacher’s study of wisdom he has come to the consistent conclusion that life is filled with frustration. It would be easy to see him as a hopeless fatalist, but he has challenged us to enjoy life despite the existence of injustice and unpredictability. Read…
Enjoy Life! (Ecclesiastes 9:1-12)
Introduction The Preacher has been looking at wisdom and cycling back around to the same conclusions, namely that we aren’t capable of grasping the knowledge we seek. His final three chapters are mostly positive, but we have another chapter that is mostlyfrustration. Read Ecclesiastes 9:1-12 Considering all the injustice and frustrations of life, is it even worth living? He’s done this before. In fact, this is the 6x the Preacher has called his readers to enjoy life. Why say it…
Who Is Like the Wise (Ecclesiastes 8:1-17)
Introduction Carrie and I recently watched Murder on the Orient Express. I’m sure Agitha Christie’s novel was better, but it had a pretty unbelievable ending that perfectly wrapped up every loose end. Unfortunately, the Preacher won’t be doing that for us in Ecclesiastes… We will be left with the same challenges. But struggling teaches us to trust in God even when we don’t have the answers. The benefits of wisdom are often paradoxical (funerals > birthdays). Wisdom limited (7:27-28). Read…
Living For Something Better (Ecclesiastes 7:1-12)
Introduction Things that leave us feeling anxious and ashamed. These frustrations are cyclical. 6:11 What is the advantage to man? Provides the answer in chapter 7. Wisdom literature = frequently shift subjects (Funerals > Rebuke > Oppression > Nostalgia). Read Ecclesiastes 7:1-12 Road Rage: I was recently cut off on the freeway by a person entering behind me. In order to get ahead of him, I had to cut off someone else. Think about a recent experience of suffering. What…
I Still Can’t Get No Satisfaction (Ecclesiastes 6:1-12)
Introduction The concluding exhortation to enjoy life as a gift from God (5:18-20) is the climax of a larger argument. Problem > Solution < Problem. We will see many parallel themes and phrases. Read Ecclesiastes 6:1-12 Even though we know we should enjoy the gift of life God has granted, we are frequently prevented from doing so. Why is that the case? Why can’t we simply decide to enjoy life more? We begin noticing and counting all our frustrations. The…
I Can’t Get No Satisfaction (Ecclesiastes 5:8-20)
Introduction We have seen the value of community followed by the proper way a community is to approach God, namely with reverence. Here, we add another essential ingredient to the fulfilled life—joy. Read Ecclesiastes 5:8-20 Periods of transition create anxious feelings. Mostly revolve around uncertainty about the future. I get worried when things are out of my control, almost everything is! We all have guilt and emotional baggage. We perpetuate the cycle of guilt by repeated failure. Since we’re so…
Approaching God With Reverence (Ecclesiastes 5:1-7)
Introduction Transitions from value of community to proper way community approaches God. Read Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 1wk after wedding, Carrie and I left the church I had attended for 12yrs. It wasn’t planned, but it was quick. That Sunday, two convertible 50s Chevy Bel Airs were parked at the entrance. Ladies in poodle skirts greeted us and guys in blue jeans and leather jackets ushered us inside (Grease). A 50s themed skit opened the service > 50s themed songs. Everything served…
Two Are Better Than One (Ecclesiastes 4:7-16)
Introduction Nature’s ceaseless toil > The emptiness of pleasure. Discontentment > Despair/Joy in God’s provision. God’s sovereign orchestration of time. Enjoy your work despite pervasive wickedness and death. Live in contentment despite oppression and envy. Read Ecclesiastes 4:7-16 The vanity of life “under the sun,” no mention of God. This doesn’t mean all of his conclusions are wrong. He makes sense discussing the value of having a partner to share the work and the reward. He also speaks accurately regarding…
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