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Introduction: A.
Let’s face it: when looking at life from eternity
everything here on earth seems vain. 1.
If you don’t believe me listen to the wisest man endowed
by God: King Solomon. 2.
Not only was he given wisdom, but wealth beyond measure. 3.
This combination, along with the experiments of life, lead
to his conclusion: All is vanity. Ecc.
1:1-2, 13-17
Let’s gather together (the very meaning of
Ecclesiastes) and listen to the preacher as he offers the counsel
of eternal wisdom. Discussion: I.
All Earthly Endeavors Are Vanity A.
Wants (folly). Ecc.
2:1-11 1.
Houses, vineyards (v.
4), gardens and parks (v.
5), ponds for a forest (v.
6), slaves and flocks (v.
7), silver and gold and male/female singers (v.
8). V.
10 2.
All was vanity and striving after the wind. V.
11 B.
Wisdom. Ecc.
2:12-16 1.
Wisdom excels folly. V.
12-14 2.
Even though wisdom excels folly, both end in the same
place. V.
15 C.
Work. Ecc.
2:18-23 1.
Whatever accumulated things you have labored for will be
left behind. V.
18 2.
What trust do you have that it (things) are left to those
wise? V.
19 3.
In the end, such is meaningless. V.
20-23 II.
All Endeavors With God Are Profitable A.
Those who live to please God are blessed by Him. Ecc.
2:24-26 1.
He receives wisdom, knowledge, and joy. V.
26 2.
Conversely, to those who do not please Him, what he has is
taken away and given to the one who pleases Him. Cp. Matt.
25:28-29 B.
We do not know the activities God has in store for our
future. Ecc.
11 1.
Therefore, spend your days toiling with a good and noble
heart … and enjoy the fruit of your labors before God. Ecc.
V. 6-8 2.
Children, enjoy your youth. V.
9-10 C.
Remember, always keep God in your life. Ecc.
12 1.
While enjoying life, do not forget your
Creator…otherwise, all your labors are nothing but vanity. V.
1-8 2.
Here is the simple conclusion (cp. V.
9-12): fear God and keeps His commandments. V.
13-14 Conclusion: A.
Brethren, consider your labors (wisdom, wants, and work)
that all be done to your satisfaction and ultimately, to the
pleasure (will) of God. B. Enjoy life in service to God, otherwise all is vanity.
Glory
to God in the church by Christ Jesus
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