"Restless" Significance

Ecclesiastes = “assembly” and the preacher Solomon

Vrs 1-3 What benefit am I on this earth? Ironic

Read about Solomon’s life in 1 Kings 1-11 & 1 Chronicles 29- 2 Chronicles 9

Highlights About Solomon
-King in Jerusalem
-Asked for wisdom1 Kings 3
-Spoke 3000 proverbs
-Built the temple 7years
-Built a Palace for himself 13 years
-Famous among the nations (Queen of Sheba)

Why does he conceal his name? Matthew Henry says it was Solomon, for no other son of David was king of Jerusalem; but he conceals his name Solomon, peace, because by his sin he had brought trouble upon himself and his kingdom, had broken his peace with God and lost the peace of his conscience, and therefore was no more worthy of that name.

More proofs in weeks to come why he was author

Probably wrote this near the end of his life in repentance in view of his sin 970-930 BC
1 Kings 11 Solomon fell away married foreign wives and worshiped other gods

The theme of Ecclesiastes is the necessity of fearing God in a fallen, and therefore frequently confusing and frustrating, world. I like to say Solomon was “Restless” and dealt with how life apart from God is pointless.

Hetrodoxy-not in conformity with the established teaching – unorthodox. There seems to be contradictions because it is depicting Solomon’s mood.

When people hear this style of teaching although different it is very effective. A bummed out rich king, Why would he be bummed out??

Many different themes such as sin, death, joy, frustration, the tragedy of the fall and the recurring theme of the “vanity of life” which means the present form of this world is passing away.
Meaningless, emptiness

Vanity-pride in ones appearance or accomplishments
Meaningless, Empty

Solomon was significant in many areas but falling away from the Lord still left him dry.

Vrs 4-7 Life goes on

With all I have accomplished I still make little difference.

You may say…I work hard, but no one notices. I do my best but no one encourages me. I give of my time, resources and abilities but no appreciates it.

The problem…
Vrs 8 Satisfaction-looking for satisfaction in the wrong things
You may get the recognition you desire, the encouragement you want and the appreciation but you still feel unsatisfied.

The reason is that you are looking to please others rather then Jesus.


When we are unsatisfied it leaves us…Frustrated
Vrs 9-10 Frustration of my ideas not anything important, Frustrated by the fact that no one notices

Our society dictates what is significant and then we are tempted into following after that and ignoring the areas in life that we really need to and can be significant in.

Desire to be significant may cause us to sin. Areas of sin
-Pride Pro. 29:23 “People will notice me”
-Selfishness Phil 2:3 “I have to have my way and people should know that I am right”
-Envy- I want what others have
-Neglect of real responsibilities (Mr. Holland’s Opus)

Vrs 11 In Solomon’s case being significant caused him to sin
The work of the temple was stalled because he wanted to build his palace, it took 7 years to be the Lord’s temple but 13years to build his own palace.

We want to be remembered
In that time they did not have what we have, printing press, internet, communication. This today is mans attempt at being remembered.

In Solomon’s depression he seems to saying…”Being significant in the areas that I was significant in does not bring pure satisfaction.

So he fell into the trap instead of the arms of Jesus

Many times in life we are trying so hard to be remembered that we forget what is really important…

Why you are significant…
-Bought 1 Cor. 6:20

Areas of Significance…
-Spiritual Life, your life should be about focusing on Him, Solomon was depressed because he let Jesus down. Put spiritual disciplines into practice.
-Family Women then Men, Children
-Body of Christ (church) The only institution Jesus set up, our heart should be for the church and promoting the cause of the Gospel.
-Relationships – we need to care about the people around us
Work
Friendships
-Work-do a good job and be balanced in doing so.

Solomon struggled because he realized he had fallen from following the Lord and he knew that putting Jesus first was the only thing that makes life significant.

The Plan: Part 2

Part 2
-Spiritual
-Growth Heb 5:12-14
-Prayer- Journaling
-Bible reading and memorization
Church should not just fit in, should be planned around.

Community group, 4 are going strong but pray maybe you would like to be a part of one of those or host your own. Ecclesiastes is starting Jan 24th

-Service Matthew 20:28 GOSPEL
Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly commitment
Opportunity arises

-Reaching Matt 5:14-16
-Continued prayer for unsaved family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and classmates.
-Intentional relationships with people who do not know the Lord

-Relationships
“As much as it depends on you, live at peace with others”

Next four are under the umbrella of stewardship.

Steward—someone who manages another persons property and or financial matters

Psalm 50:10 Jesus owns it all John 10:16-18 Jesus has ultimate control even over your salvation




-Financial
Budget- “count the cost”
Giving 1 Cor 8:1-15
Few words about giving…
-Give first to your local church, the church is what Jesus instituted and for us it is the Gospel work of our community.
3500 churches per year close their doors
-When you give let go (church leadership is accountable)
-Give of the first fruits
-Give generously and cheerfully
-You will be blessed

Godly use of your finances


-Health
As Christians we need to look at our bodies as something God has given us to take good care of.
Our Body is the temple of the Holy Spirit 1 Cor. 6


-Work/school Colossians 3:23 also just went into this

-Time Management
-The balancing act
-Leisure/fun
-Sleep

Eph 5:15-16