The True Meaning to Life #5 – A Study in Ecclesiastes
Categories: Sermon Outlines, Textual Sermon OutlinesINTRODUCTION:
A. If ever there was a present-day subject that needs, in the worse way, to be salvaged by and for the Savior, it is this one: “The Folly of Living for Self.”
1. All to many are living “Me-Deep In Self”
2. Too many are plagues with the disease of “Me-ism”
B. It is the purpose of these series of lessons on Ecclesiastes to help and encourage us to look past our selves, and look beyond outward circumstances, to see where “The True Meaning to Life” is really found.
1. In Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3 sees that all of the wickedness and injustice in the world is in opposition to our plans for true happiness.
2. In Ecclesiastes 4:4-16 Solomon will give further illustrations of man’s inability to be the architect of his own happiness.
DISCUSSION:
A. INJUSTICE OPPOSES TRUE HAPPINESS
1. Solomon’s Experience
a. Ecclesiastes 3:16
b. Solomon saw that where justice was to be administered – he found wickedness instead. And on the Judicial Seat sat iniquity instead of justice
c. So in the place of judging and places of authority, wicked men were there instead of righteous men -sound a bit like our government
d. Notice Ecclesiastes 4:1
1) There is no happiness for the oppressed when power is in the hands of the oppressor
2) Man is powerless to obtain true happiness in the face of these injustices
e. Because of this, consider what Solomon says in Ecclesiastes 4:2-3
1) Because of the unjust circumstances Solomon was seeing – he concluded that the dead were more fortunate than the living and those not yet born
2) Solomon is saying how the lucky the dead are not to have to endure this injustice any more
2. Solomon’s Contemplation
a. Ecclesiastes 3:17
1) In view of the injustice that prevails in earthly courts of justice, Solomon takes comfort in the thought that there is a retribution in store for everyone when God shall award sentences according to their works.
2) Solomon had in mind the final judgment
3) We should remember 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
b. Ecclesiastes 3:18 – apart from God and the hope of future glory, Solomon sees that man is no better than the beasts themselves
c. Solomon gives further explanation:
1) Ecclesiastes 3:19-21
2) God allows injustice to test the sons of men, to help them see that they are like beats, in that they will die and their bodies return to dust
3) Neither man nor beast are able to rise superior to the law that controls their natural life
4) But there is also a difference between man and beast -man has a spirit, Ecclesiastes 12:7
5) Men are accountable to God – not beasts
3. Solomon’s Conclusion
a. Ecclesiastes 3:22
b. Solomon says, Do not despair – God is in control now and in the future
B. INABILITY TO ARCHITECT ONE’S OWN HAPPINESS
1. Success Breeds Envy
a. Ecclesiastes 4:4-6
b. Solomon says success meets with envy, and produces no lasting good to the worker; yet, however unsatisfactory the results, man must continue to work because idleness brings ruin.
c. What is best is to have little with quietness and contentment, Proverbs 15:16-17
2. Greed Causes Isolation and Insecurity
a. Ecclesiastes 4:7-8
1) Here is seen three improper attitudes:
a) No descendants, so why work so hard
b) No satisfaction with what he has – always wanting more
c) Selfishness
2) This is simply another reflection of the uselessness of human efforts
b. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
1) Solomon here dwells upon the evils of isolation in contrast with the comforts of companionship
2) It is important to have friends:
a) Who can help each other in their labor
b) Who can help each other when they fall
c) Who can help each other withstand the forces of opposition
3) Great benefits come in friendships
3. High Places Offer No Assurance of Security
a. Ecclesiastes 4:13-16
b. It foolish to be sets in our ways, and no longer open to advice and council
c. There is no lasting security in earthly prominence – for there is always another waiting impatiently to take your place
d. There is always a young clever lad trying to take your place
CONCLUSION:
A. In others lessons we will continue to look at Solomon’s observations about the vanity of life.
B. In our lesson of this hour we have seen that the True Meaning to Life is not found “under the sun” because of:
1. The injustice and oppression of man
2. The vanity of skillful and selfish toil
C. What wisdom does Solomon offer?
1. It is best to rejoice, do good, and enjoy the goods of one’s labor, realizing that such is a gift of God to those who please Him.
2. To appreciate the value of friends who can help us in time of work and need
D. Invitation