Restless 8 Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3 “Oppression”
Vrs 16 Solomon is discouraged by corrupt systems, where we should find safety and justice wicked people rule
Vrs 17 Judgment, if there is no judgment then God cannot be loving. (Last week talked about our ultimate judgment)
Vrs 18-22 dismal look at life if we are indeed just like animals
In Solomon’s discouragement he is saying “aren’t we just like animals, we live and die,” so his conclusion is verse 22 we see his response, enjoy life and the fruit of your work because you don’t know if there is something more then this.
I briefly want to talk about animals and the biblical view of animals.
Animals…
-are a creation of God Gen. 1
-are under the dominion of people Gen 1
-are cared about by God Matt. 10
-Can be eaten Acts 10 Peter and sheet
-make good pets 2 Sam 12
Will there be animals in heaven? Yes Lion/Lamb
Will they be our animals? I can’t answer that.
We have Disney theology when it comes to animals. That animals are a lot like us.
The unfortunate thing about our society people are told they are like animals or better yet came from animals so they act like animals.
But animals are not accountable for what they do like humans and they don’t have moral laws, therefore there is no salvation for them or a need for salvation.
People are infinitely more complex and different because we are image bearers of God.
A little doctrine tonight…then we will get to the main point.
What the Bible teaches about material and immaterial of humans look at the immaterial
1. Spirit- only refers to the immaterial and originates from God
2. Soul “nephesh” life –can mean the whole person. Material or immaterial
3. Conscience- witness within a person, right from wrong 1 Tim 4:1-3
4. Mind-perceiving and understanding Romans 12:1-2 (think differently)
5. Flesh – disposition or opposition to God Romans 8 John Owen “Be killing sin or sin will be killing you” wars against the Spirit
6. Will-to do right or wrong, can be an expression of other facets
7. Heart-inner person 3:18 “I said in my heart” vrs 22
-Seat of intellectual life- Psalm 119:11 Word, Matt 15:19 comes defilement, Jer. 17:9 Deceitful
-Seat of emotional life- Loves Deut 6:5, Rejoices Psalm 104:15, Sorrow Rom.9:2, Desires Ps 37:4
-Seat of volitional life- Seek Deut 4:29, hardened Heb 4:7
-Seat of spiritual life- belief Rom 10:9-10, purity 1 Tim 1:5
Case and point why we are different then animals, here is an example…
4:1-3 Oppression is power in a burdensome, cruel or unjust manner
Knowing that we are so complex we can see how oppression can impact our lives (connect these to the 7 facets of people)
Vrs 1 In the animal kingdom it is survival of the fittest
Vrs 2-3 the result of letting oppression continue is that it communicates to people there is no hope, no one cares possibly there is no God, no afterlife, we live we die just like the animals
Christians should meet the needs of the oppressed, but your heart has to be in the right condition.
How do I respond to that?
• Who in your life is being oppressed?
It is often easier to become outraged by injustice half a world away than by oppression and discrimination half a block from home. ~ Journalist/Author Carl Rowan
Tosh and Jesus “Tosh has taught the class how to respond to handicapped children”
If your heart is hard you turn a blind eye to injustice, if someone is getting treated badly at work or school. Maybe a family member is being ousted by other family members. Solomon states “THEY HAVE NO COMFORTOR”
The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people. ~MLK
As Christian it is our calling to do what we can. WHY? Cause Jesus did GOSPEL
Jesus came for the sick, oppressed, beaten down, fallen sinner which is everyone of us. The oppressor is usually responding to oppression… or the desire to follow the deeds of the flesh (the sinful person)
People in our community are spiritually oppressed because they are lied to about truth. They need to hear the real gospel and they need to see it lived out in us.
Some even go the extent of saying…religion is a form of oppression it changes peoples culture and has done harm in the past.
• Who are you oppressing?
-Are you holding something over someone’s head?
-Are you not willing to forgive?
-Are you being unfair to people you are in charge of?
Richard Mow says “if you want to be a leader, bear more pain then you inflict”
When you succeed because of the deeds of someone under you do you claim it but when you fail do you look to blame?
-Are your conflict resolution skills sorely lacking? (Mom and silent treatment)
-Your sin 2 Peter 2:7 (Lot)
• How are you dealing with being oppressed?
-Solomon’s advice in discouragement “better to be dead”
Nietzsche’s Advice ~ If a man wishes to rid himself of a feeling of unbearable oppression, he may have to take hashish. ~ Escape with substance abuse
Jesus’ Advice Psalm 9:9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,A refuge in times of trouble.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
"Restless" Rest
Week 7 “Rest in You” 3:9-15 (this passage serves as a glimmer of hope that the “preacher” sees that it is all in the hands of Jesus) Solomon finds rest because he realizes what is important and those are the things that are permanent and lasting.
Vrs 9 the answer to the question is… If our work is done for material possessions and to find identity and meaning…the answer is it will leave us “restless”
if our work is being done to the glory of Jesus…the answer is it will provide “rest”.
Matthew Henry: There is indeed no profit in that wherein we labor; the thing itself, when we have it, will do us little good; but, if we make a right use of it (for Jesus’ glory) there will be profit in that
Vrs 10 Rest in mission…Solomon sees purpose in life and knowing your purpose gives you rest
we have to keep that mission in front of us.
What is our mission?
Reach, Grow(fellowship, discipleship worship), Serve
Vrs 11 Rest in Faith…three points
1. “All things beautiful” Rom. 8:28
Through creation and through making humans creative
2. “Put eternity in hearts” “heart is restless”
there must be something more then this life, God is the giver of faith
3. “No one can find out the work God does” 1 Cor 13:12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
There are many things we do not understand but we accept by faith
Vrs 12 Rest in Obedience…good works are what we are saved for and created for Eph 2:10, this is how we are wired.
Instant obedience is the only kind of obedience there is; delayed obedience is disobedience. Whoever strives to withdraw from obedience, withdraws from Grace. Thomas a Kampis
Jesus said in John 14:21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”
Vrs 13 Rest in blessings God does want us to find satisfaction in life and give us rest.
Biblical faith brings us joy and encourages us to enjoy life, these are pieces of heaven
Vrs 14 Rest in God’s Sovereignty… This is Good theology, Jesus is in control
Vrs 15 Rest in our standing in Jesus…The world goes round and times goes on, but all will give an account. GOSPEL
Vrs 9 the answer to the question is… If our work is done for material possessions and to find identity and meaning…the answer is it will leave us “restless”
if our work is being done to the glory of Jesus…the answer is it will provide “rest”.
Matthew Henry: There is indeed no profit in that wherein we labor; the thing itself, when we have it, will do us little good; but, if we make a right use of it (for Jesus’ glory) there will be profit in that
Vrs 10 Rest in mission…Solomon sees purpose in life and knowing your purpose gives you rest
we have to keep that mission in front of us.
What is our mission?
Reach, Grow(fellowship, discipleship worship), Serve
Vrs 11 Rest in Faith…three points
1. “All things beautiful” Rom. 8:28
Through creation and through making humans creative
2. “Put eternity in hearts” “heart is restless”
there must be something more then this life, God is the giver of faith
3. “No one can find out the work God does” 1 Cor 13:12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
There are many things we do not understand but we accept by faith
Vrs 12 Rest in Obedience…good works are what we are saved for and created for Eph 2:10, this is how we are wired.
Instant obedience is the only kind of obedience there is; delayed obedience is disobedience. Whoever strives to withdraw from obedience, withdraws from Grace. Thomas a Kampis
Jesus said in John 14:21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”
Vrs 13 Rest in blessings God does want us to find satisfaction in life and give us rest.
Biblical faith brings us joy and encourages us to enjoy life, these are pieces of heaven
Vrs 14 Rest in God’s Sovereignty… This is Good theology, Jesus is in control
Vrs 15 Rest in our standing in Jesus…The world goes round and times goes on, but all will give an account. GOSPEL
Monday, March 8, 2010
"Restless": What's the Time
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Is a poem, not an exhaustive list of what there is to do in life.
Vrs 1 Season and a time. Nothing will happen in our lives without God knowing about and allowing to happen.
I believe in this passage God is communicating through Solomon that there are things that fall under four categories that God allows to come into our lives that. As Christian we have to realize our time on earth is to glorify Jesus.
Matthew 5:16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
These things that God allows in our lives serve to teach us.
Four Categories
1. Things that happen (we have no control over)
Death,
birth,
Lose, a relationship. Maybe you have done everything in your power
break down, stress
Responding to things we cannot control. Trust
-Trust that Jesus wants good for you and even in situations that are terrible, you are safe in His hands.
-Realize we don’t really have much control at all?????
2. Things that need to be done… (we have a responsibility)
-Plant, reap (work)
-throw away,-Some people are afraid to bring up issues to other people and then the issues never get resolved and may even cause more problems.
-keep silent- sometimes it is not the time to say something
-sew, (work on life) Your roles in life
-love (a choice not a feeling),
Response to these things… ACT
not procrastinating and dealing with issues that arise and take care of responsibilities
3. Things to be avoided if possible. Certain things in life demand us to take care of… but are last resorts,
-kill-(justice)
-Hate-(hate sin),
-war- to stop evil people from oppressing others.
-Tear-
-Refrain from embracing (not being fake and working out conflict)
Response to these things… Mourn weep
4. Things that make life good(good things from the Lord)
Laugh,
dance,
embrace,
peace,
speak, (fellowship)
healing,
build up,
gain (when the lord blesses you with things)
keep (when the Lord wants you to own something for a time)
Response to these things…Worship, thanks, enjoy and bless others
We are all in a “time” of our lives, Godly counsel tells us to live in that time and deal with the issues that time has to offer and help us to be a light to the dying world
But what about you who do not trust Jesus….
Acts 17:22-28 God placed you in the time you are at so you will see Him. He wants your heart to feel “Restless” Like Augustine “My heart was restless until it found rest in You” GOSPEL
Communion is a time to remember…
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance
Vrs 1 Season and a time. Nothing will happen in our lives without God knowing about and allowing to happen.
I believe in this passage God is communicating through Solomon that there are things that fall under four categories that God allows to come into our lives that. As Christian we have to realize our time on earth is to glorify Jesus.
Matthew 5:16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
These things that God allows in our lives serve to teach us.
Four Categories
1. Things that happen (we have no control over)
Death,
birth,
Lose, a relationship. Maybe you have done everything in your power
break down, stress
Responding to things we cannot control. Trust
-Trust that Jesus wants good for you and even in situations that are terrible, you are safe in His hands.
-Realize we don’t really have much control at all?????
2. Things that need to be done… (we have a responsibility)
-Plant, reap (work)
-throw away,-Some people are afraid to bring up issues to other people and then the issues never get resolved and may even cause more problems.
-keep silent- sometimes it is not the time to say something
-sew, (work on life) Your roles in life
-love (a choice not a feeling),
Response to these things… ACT
not procrastinating and dealing with issues that arise and take care of responsibilities
3. Things to be avoided if possible. Certain things in life demand us to take care of… but are last resorts,
-kill-(justice)
-Hate-(hate sin),
-war- to stop evil people from oppressing others.
-Tear-
-Refrain from embracing (not being fake and working out conflict)
Response to these things… Mourn weep
4. Things that make life good(good things from the Lord)
Laugh,
dance,
embrace,
peace,
speak, (fellowship)
healing,
build up,
gain (when the lord blesses you with things)
keep (when the Lord wants you to own something for a time)
Response to these things…Worship, thanks, enjoy and bless others
We are all in a “time” of our lives, Godly counsel tells us to live in that time and deal with the issues that time has to offer and help us to be a light to the dying world
But what about you who do not trust Jesus….
Acts 17:22-28 God placed you in the time you are at so you will see Him. He wants your heart to feel “Restless” Like Augustine “My heart was restless until it found rest in You” GOSPEL
Communion is a time to remember…
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance
Monday, March 1, 2010
"Restless" Leaving a Legacy
“Leaving a Legacy” Ecclesiastes 2:12-26
Vrs 12 Last week we talked about the impressive accomplishments that Solomon had and he viewed it as meaningless or vanity. Now he is saying can anyone who comes after me find satisfaction or purpose? I have exhausted everything.
Vrs 13 Wisdom is superior to folly, light is superior or more desirable then darkness
Vrs 14-16 Wisdom does not give us immortality/salvation the wise and fool die, the wise and the fool are forgotten.
Vrs 17-21 if we spend all our time building into earthly treasures then this is a harsh reality is that we pass away and leave it to someone else who may not take care or steward it the way we would.
(Rehoboam was Solomon’s son and successor and not very impressive 1 Kings 12-14)
Vrs 22 Questions…Do I find self worth in…
1. what I accomplish?
2. what I own?
3. what my career is?
This is how the world chooses to leave its legacy.
if the answer to these questions are yes, you will be let down
Vrs 23 sums it up
Solomon talks a little then about the things that we accomplish or get…the stuff vrs 24-25
Vrs 24-25 Purpose of accomplishments and possessions… The things we have and attain on earth are given by the Lord for our enjoyment. James says good gifts come from above.
Vrs 26 issues of righteous living bears fruit in this life and the next.
“good” “God gives” Jesus is a giver not a taker GOSPEL
Blessings from God go to the ones whose focus is leaving a Godly legacy rather then building a material kingdom.
What will you give to the next generation? Will you leave a Godly legacy?
How do we leave a Godly legacy?
1. Obedience 1 Kings 3:3-4
-Roles you hold in life. Mom, dad, bro, sis, friend, student, worker
-Worship
2. Integrity 1 Kings 3:5-15
-Who you are when no one is looking. How does this leave a legacy? It builds Godly character.
3. Wisdom/discernment 1 Kings 3:16-28
-Wise decisions will prove to leave a legacy for the next generation.
4. Work for the Lord 1 Kings 6 built the temple
-Serve the Lord, use your time and resources for Him
5. Prayer 1 Kings 8:22-30
-Be a person of prayer will not only impact those around you by the example of your faith but you can be impacting the next generation with those prayers.
You have a choice of what you leave behind, have it be a Godly legacy that last and if those around you don’t learn from it they are the fool but they cannot do anything to change it.
Vrs 12 Last week we talked about the impressive accomplishments that Solomon had and he viewed it as meaningless or vanity. Now he is saying can anyone who comes after me find satisfaction or purpose? I have exhausted everything.
Vrs 13 Wisdom is superior to folly, light is superior or more desirable then darkness
Vrs 14-16 Wisdom does not give us immortality/salvation the wise and fool die, the wise and the fool are forgotten.
Vrs 17-21 if we spend all our time building into earthly treasures then this is a harsh reality is that we pass away and leave it to someone else who may not take care or steward it the way we would.
(Rehoboam was Solomon’s son and successor and not very impressive 1 Kings 12-14)
Vrs 22 Questions…Do I find self worth in…
1. what I accomplish?
2. what I own?
3. what my career is?
This is how the world chooses to leave its legacy.
if the answer to these questions are yes, you will be let down
Vrs 23 sums it up
Solomon talks a little then about the things that we accomplish or get…the stuff vrs 24-25
Vrs 24-25 Purpose of accomplishments and possessions… The things we have and attain on earth are given by the Lord for our enjoyment. James says good gifts come from above.
Vrs 26 issues of righteous living bears fruit in this life and the next.
“good” “God gives” Jesus is a giver not a taker GOSPEL
Blessings from God go to the ones whose focus is leaving a Godly legacy rather then building a material kingdom.
What will you give to the next generation? Will you leave a Godly legacy?
How do we leave a Godly legacy?
1. Obedience 1 Kings 3:3-4
-Roles you hold in life. Mom, dad, bro, sis, friend, student, worker
-Worship
2. Integrity 1 Kings 3:5-15
-Who you are when no one is looking. How does this leave a legacy? It builds Godly character.
3. Wisdom/discernment 1 Kings 3:16-28
-Wise decisions will prove to leave a legacy for the next generation.
4. Work for the Lord 1 Kings 6 built the temple
-Serve the Lord, use your time and resources for Him
5. Prayer 1 Kings 8:22-30
-Be a person of prayer will not only impact those around you by the example of your faith but you can be impacting the next generation with those prayers.
You have a choice of what you leave behind, have it be a Godly legacy that last and if those around you don’t learn from it they are the fool but they cannot do anything to change it.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
"Restless" Kingdom Building
Week 4 “Kingdom Building” 2:4-11 ( we should be working on Jesus’ kingdom)
We build our kingdom for our glory, we build Jesus’ kingdom for Jesus’ glory
2:4-8-His accomplishments
2:9-He was admired and had much power
2:10- He was receiving the reward at that time (no lasting reward)
(matt 6 they have their reward)
2:11-All those things didn’t answer the questions at the end of the day they still left my heart “restless”
All this stuff did not bring lasting fulfillment
But it also brings up the questions…
Is it wrong to…
Have a nice home?
Have a nice car?
Build into a business?
Take time to make things beautiful?
Some may say…”what about Jesus” Jesus was not here to build a life on earth, but to give us life.
The answer is no as long as it is in view of bringing Jesus glory rather then bringing yourself glory.
If it is all for you it will be a problem.
We are ingrained with this idea of building for ourselves little boys build forts little girls play house.
God created man to subdue, when man is creative and shows ingenuity it brings glory to Jesus
Matt 6:19-21 Earthly treasures will let you down and never cure the restless heart
Dangers of material possessions
-Pride -Our own mini kingdom brings glory to ourselves
-Greed-most givers are not wealthy
-Security- rich young ruler Mt 19
-Becomes a god
-Lose yourself for it (neglect, family) American way is to live beyond your means
How can we use our kingdom for Jesus’ kingdom? Learn from Solomon
-Generosity 2 Chronicles 9:27(silver like stones) 1 Kings 10:13 (gave to the queen of Sheba)
-Provision for family (wife) 2 Chron 8:11 (rebuke man cave concept)
-Provided for God’s people 2 Chronicles 8:9 Employment
-Built up protection for God’s people Galatians 6:9-10
-Shared his wisdom with others 2 Chronicles 9:23
-Built the temple for God’s people to worship 1 Kings 9:25
GOSPEL Priest, Sacrifice, Tabernacle. Jesus is the priest and sacrifice and the Holy Spirit comes to live in us.
Local church is that to the world
-Good steward of possessions (we can’t say someone is more spiritual because they have a junky car, I can say maybe they are less spiritual because they don’t take care of what God has blessed them with)
-Testimony to of God’s blessings 1 Kings 10 (queen of Sheba)
As a believer we should use the kingdom Jesus has given us to build the kingdom of Jesus
We build our kingdom for our glory, we build Jesus’ kingdom for Jesus’ glory
2:4-8-His accomplishments
2:9-He was admired and had much power
2:10- He was receiving the reward at that time (no lasting reward)
(matt 6 they have their reward)
2:11-All those things didn’t answer the questions at the end of the day they still left my heart “restless”
All this stuff did not bring lasting fulfillment
But it also brings up the questions…
Is it wrong to…
Have a nice home?
Have a nice car?
Build into a business?
Take time to make things beautiful?
Some may say…”what about Jesus” Jesus was not here to build a life on earth, but to give us life.
The answer is no as long as it is in view of bringing Jesus glory rather then bringing yourself glory.
If it is all for you it will be a problem.
We are ingrained with this idea of building for ourselves little boys build forts little girls play house.
God created man to subdue, when man is creative and shows ingenuity it brings glory to Jesus
Matt 6:19-21 Earthly treasures will let you down and never cure the restless heart
Dangers of material possessions
-Pride -Our own mini kingdom brings glory to ourselves
-Greed-most givers are not wealthy
-Security- rich young ruler Mt 19
-Becomes a god
-Lose yourself for it (neglect, family) American way is to live beyond your means
How can we use our kingdom for Jesus’ kingdom? Learn from Solomon
-Generosity 2 Chronicles 9:27(silver like stones) 1 Kings 10:13 (gave to the queen of Sheba)
-Provision for family (wife) 2 Chron 8:11 (rebuke man cave concept)
-Provided for God’s people 2 Chronicles 8:9 Employment
-Built up protection for God’s people Galatians 6:9-10
-Shared his wisdom with others 2 Chronicles 9:23
-Built the temple for God’s people to worship 1 Kings 9:25
GOSPEL Priest, Sacrifice, Tabernacle. Jesus is the priest and sacrifice and the Holy Spirit comes to live in us.
Local church is that to the world
-Good steward of possessions (we can’t say someone is more spiritual because they have a junky car, I can say maybe they are less spiritual because they don’t take care of what God has blessed them with)
-Testimony to of God’s blessings 1 Kings 10 (queen of Sheba)
As a believer we should use the kingdom Jesus has given us to build the kingdom of Jesus
Monday, February 15, 2010
"Restless": Escape
Questions for Community Groups
1. Have you ever used fun/amusement to escape from thinking about a real problems or issues that you were facing?
2. Do you feel you have a healthy balance of fun/amusement in your life?
3. What do you do for fun/amusement?
4. Have you ever fallen into the trap of using alcohol as an escape from problems?
5. What is your personal conviction about use of alcohol? How does this work for you?
Ecclesiastes 2:1-3
Escape: in this next passage we can see that Solomon falls into the trap that many people fall in. God creates things for us to use but not to abuse and use as an escape from dealing with the real issues of life and what our purpose in life is.
Vrs 1a “I said to my heart” Augustine quote “My heart was restless until it found rest in You”
A restless heart looks for satisfaction and answers in many different places and Solomon was no different he was looking for satisfaction and answers in the pleasures of life
Vrs 1b Mirth = a-muse(to think)-ment lets not think and enjoy pleasure
“Meaningless” I can’t find real answers is pleasure
Vrs 2 “what does it accomplish?”
Is fun and amusement really pointless or does God permit it so we can be well balanced people?
Studies on laughter show that laughter lowers blood pressure and help aid stress management.
During the war movie blood flow decreased by an average of 35%. And during the comedy it increased by an average of 22%. The conclusion? Laughter may be as healthy as exercise!
A joyful heart is good medicine Pro 17:22
Some think that Christians have no fun
“ I envisioned you sleeping on a bed of nails with an iron cross as the headboard”
There are Dangers in Amusement
-What we find funny can be offensive to God, like crass, vulgar and sexual innuendoes.
-Becomes a God. Costa guy “I put my faith in surfing
-Escape Never able to be serious
Bottom line is…
Proverbs 14:13 laughter and amusement won’t fix the problem it is just a temporary escape
Christians should be filled with joy and have fun
We need to understand what the Bible says about true joy.
Find joy in…
-Salvation GOSPEL
-Responsibility- family, service, work
-Fellowship
Vrs 3 “cheer my body with wine” my heart still guiding me with wisdom. Solomon did not indulge himself so excessively with wine that he lost his ability to think with genuine discernment.
Or possible he got drunk and realized that was pointless and did not answer any questions
Bible says
Psalm 104:15 And wine that makes glad the heart of man
Views on Alcohol…Prohibitionist…Abstentionist
Moderation- This view is I believe the most biblical because it takes into consideration that alcohol is a good gift of God and can be rightly used. And also realizes the dangers of alcohol.
Moderation or self-control in all of one's behavior, not abstinence, is the biblical norm
Trap is self control, you can’t be a moderationist if you lack self control in this area.
Dangers:
-You can’t have fun w/o a drink.
-You need a drink to get to sleep
-You focus too much on having a drink
-Drinking becomes an escape
Vrs 3b “Till I might see” Solomon sounds like a college kid “Have fun party and figure out what life is about”
Solomon is saying “it doesn’t work” and it shouldn’t
We will never find true satisfaction from the pleasures of this world
“If I discover within myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world” C.S. Lewis
Rather then escape we need to look for purpose in life
Proverbs 3:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
When we put our hope in things of this world it makes our heart sick.
Our deepest desire is to have purpose
Vrs 3b “what was good for the sons of men to do under heaven all the days of their lives”
Purpose in life is to...bring glory to Jesus
Here’s how we bring this altogether…all the things that we do in life whether it is having fun out with friends, spending time raising a glass and having a good meal, watching a funny movie, engaging in a fun sport or hobby.
1 Cor 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1. Have you ever used fun/amusement to escape from thinking about a real problems or issues that you were facing?
2. Do you feel you have a healthy balance of fun/amusement in your life?
3. What do you do for fun/amusement?
4. Have you ever fallen into the trap of using alcohol as an escape from problems?
5. What is your personal conviction about use of alcohol? How does this work for you?
Ecclesiastes 2:1-3
Escape: in this next passage we can see that Solomon falls into the trap that many people fall in. God creates things for us to use but not to abuse and use as an escape from dealing with the real issues of life and what our purpose in life is.
Vrs 1a “I said to my heart” Augustine quote “My heart was restless until it found rest in You”
A restless heart looks for satisfaction and answers in many different places and Solomon was no different he was looking for satisfaction and answers in the pleasures of life
Vrs 1b Mirth = a-muse(to think)-ment lets not think and enjoy pleasure
“Meaningless” I can’t find real answers is pleasure
Vrs 2 “what does it accomplish?”
Is fun and amusement really pointless or does God permit it so we can be well balanced people?
Studies on laughter show that laughter lowers blood pressure and help aid stress management.
During the war movie blood flow decreased by an average of 35%. And during the comedy it increased by an average of 22%. The conclusion? Laughter may be as healthy as exercise!
A joyful heart is good medicine Pro 17:22
Some think that Christians have no fun
“ I envisioned you sleeping on a bed of nails with an iron cross as the headboard”
There are Dangers in Amusement
-What we find funny can be offensive to God, like crass, vulgar and sexual innuendoes.
-Becomes a God. Costa guy “I put my faith in surfing
-Escape Never able to be serious
Bottom line is…
Proverbs 14:13 laughter and amusement won’t fix the problem it is just a temporary escape
Christians should be filled with joy and have fun
We need to understand what the Bible says about true joy.
Find joy in…
-Salvation GOSPEL
-Responsibility- family, service, work
-Fellowship
Vrs 3 “cheer my body with wine” my heart still guiding me with wisdom. Solomon did not indulge himself so excessively with wine that he lost his ability to think with genuine discernment.
Or possible he got drunk and realized that was pointless and did not answer any questions
Bible says
Psalm 104:15 And wine that makes glad the heart of man
Views on Alcohol…Prohibitionist…Abstentionist
Moderation- This view is I believe the most biblical because it takes into consideration that alcohol is a good gift of God and can be rightly used. And also realizes the dangers of alcohol.
Moderation or self-control in all of one's behavior, not abstinence, is the biblical norm
Trap is self control, you can’t be a moderationist if you lack self control in this area.
Dangers:
-You can’t have fun w/o a drink.
-You need a drink to get to sleep
-You focus too much on having a drink
-Drinking becomes an escape
Vrs 3b “Till I might see” Solomon sounds like a college kid “Have fun party and figure out what life is about”
Solomon is saying “it doesn’t work” and it shouldn’t
We will never find true satisfaction from the pleasures of this world
“If I discover within myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world” C.S. Lewis
Rather then escape we need to look for purpose in life
Proverbs 3:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
When we put our hope in things of this world it makes our heart sick.
Our deepest desire is to have purpose
Vrs 3b “what was good for the sons of men to do under heaven all the days of their lives”
Purpose in life is to...bring glory to Jesus
Here’s how we bring this altogether…all the things that we do in life whether it is having fun out with friends, spending time raising a glass and having a good meal, watching a funny movie, engaging in a fun sport or hobby.
1 Cor 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Monday, February 1, 2010
"Restless": Look Up
Week 2 “Look Up” 1:12-18
Augustine said “my heart was restless until it found rest in You”
Vrs 12 “Was king” translated “have been king” Solomon was king till he died
Vrs 13 “Search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven” At this point Solomon saying (as you remember he did not feel significant for accomplishments, he felt empty)
It is burdensome to learn about the fallen world around us. “unhappy business”
This reminds of the innocence of a child is broken when they find out that people are not good and there are people in this world who would hurt you, steal from you and want bad for you.
When a child finds out that things don’t always work out: Enchanted Tosh “dreams can’t come true” Silah “yes they can”
The more we find out about this sinful world the more it discourages us and depresses us. The innocence of youth is tainted when they start to find certain things out. It brings grief, problems and anxiety
Vrs 14 In his discouragement it seems that he is saying nothing matters, but those small things do on many levels.
Vrs 15 “What is crooked” (corrupt) Here is the theological truth….We don’t bring peace…Jesus does.
This world is fallen and we as Christians can be salt and light but we are not the cure for sin
as Christians we will not change things, we can alter things but the changing is up to Jesus because it is about the heart of people.
“what is lacking” The fallen state of the world on a human level is an overwhelming problem, there is sin everywhere
Vrs 16 Knowing how to explain things did not comfort me, it just made realize how short I come up at the end of the day, Because he did not know everything
Vrs 17 The answers that this world provides will only get you so far that’s why Solomon says its like “chasing the wind” he is saying I found the answer to this and it caused me to have more questions.
Vrs. 18 The more I learn and understand the more bummed out I become, or in many cases the callous I become (nothing surprises me anymore)
Solomon will talk later about the good gifts of life that are there for our personal enjoyment but at this stage he is saying I know so much and I thought my knowledge would encourage me it actually discouraged me.
There are going to be things that you are never a peace with, that will never get solved, never be resolved, never be explained, never get to the bottom of, never stop hurting…
The broken fallen state of the world makes us looking around for answers
I believe we normally we look in 3 different areas
In the book of Ecclesiastes Solomon is really talking about the first two areas and flirts with the 3rd and does finally settle on the 4th.
Looking in: New age movement says look deep inside yourself for answers. Unfortunately our hearts are wicked. Jeremiah 17:9
Looking out: (to others): Unfortunately if we can’t rely on ourselves others can’t really help either. We are not solo scriptura, that means when we are sick we go to the doctor
Looking away: Run like Jonah, suppress feeling and problems and ignore the fact that you have questions.
When we finally come to the point in life where all those things don’t work that is the point in which we are ready to respond to Jesus and His tug on our heart.
So what do we do? Look up:
Looking up is taking a step back from the worlds wisdom and advice and looking to Jesus.
??Wisdom of this fallen world brings us to the fact that we need to look outside this present world for comfort and answers
Focus on vrs 13 “under heaven” Solomon was looking everywhere but up
In this fallen world we live in Jesus wants us to look up…
We need to look up when…
-we are in trouble. - Stephen Acts 7:54-60 the martyr,
-we are discouraged-Paul Philippians 3:17-25,
-we are suffering- Paul Romans 8:18
-we are blessed- James good gifts come from above
-we are in sin- David Psalm 51:4 & Paul Romans 7
-we need guidance Jesus in the garden looked to the Father in heaven.
Notice that the examples were looking up to heaven “…inspired by hope in Jesus Christ.” Is a statement that keeps us going because our hope is salvation in heaven with Jesus forever not what this world has to offer.
Heaven is the constant reminder that this world is not our home and heaven is what Jesus is calling us to and really the relationship with Him that we are designed for.
This is what we do know about heaven…
Heaven is
-prepared for us by Jesus
-who you are with…Jesus and His people
-a place of perfection (nursing home ill) No more…
-forever
-a free gift through faith in Jesus
Revelation 21:1-5 & 22-27
Close with cry no more song by Andrew
Augustine said “my heart was restless until it found rest in You”
Vrs 12 “Was king” translated “have been king” Solomon was king till he died
Vrs 13 “Search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven” At this point Solomon saying (as you remember he did not feel significant for accomplishments, he felt empty)
It is burdensome to learn about the fallen world around us. “unhappy business”
This reminds of the innocence of a child is broken when they find out that people are not good and there are people in this world who would hurt you, steal from you and want bad for you.
When a child finds out that things don’t always work out: Enchanted Tosh “dreams can’t come true” Silah “yes they can”
The more we find out about this sinful world the more it discourages us and depresses us. The innocence of youth is tainted when they start to find certain things out. It brings grief, problems and anxiety
Vrs 14 In his discouragement it seems that he is saying nothing matters, but those small things do on many levels.
Vrs 15 “What is crooked” (corrupt) Here is the theological truth….We don’t bring peace…Jesus does.
This world is fallen and we as Christians can be salt and light but we are not the cure for sin
as Christians we will not change things, we can alter things but the changing is up to Jesus because it is about the heart of people.
“what is lacking” The fallen state of the world on a human level is an overwhelming problem, there is sin everywhere
Vrs 16 Knowing how to explain things did not comfort me, it just made realize how short I come up at the end of the day, Because he did not know everything
Vrs 17 The answers that this world provides will only get you so far that’s why Solomon says its like “chasing the wind” he is saying I found the answer to this and it caused me to have more questions.
Vrs. 18 The more I learn and understand the more bummed out I become, or in many cases the callous I become (nothing surprises me anymore)
Solomon will talk later about the good gifts of life that are there for our personal enjoyment but at this stage he is saying I know so much and I thought my knowledge would encourage me it actually discouraged me.
There are going to be things that you are never a peace with, that will never get solved, never be resolved, never be explained, never get to the bottom of, never stop hurting…
The broken fallen state of the world makes us looking around for answers
I believe we normally we look in 3 different areas
In the book of Ecclesiastes Solomon is really talking about the first two areas and flirts with the 3rd and does finally settle on the 4th.
Looking in: New age movement says look deep inside yourself for answers. Unfortunately our hearts are wicked. Jeremiah 17:9
Looking out: (to others): Unfortunately if we can’t rely on ourselves others can’t really help either. We are not solo scriptura, that means when we are sick we go to the doctor
Looking away: Run like Jonah, suppress feeling and problems and ignore the fact that you have questions.
When we finally come to the point in life where all those things don’t work that is the point in which we are ready to respond to Jesus and His tug on our heart.
So what do we do? Look up:
Looking up is taking a step back from the worlds wisdom and advice and looking to Jesus.
??Wisdom of this fallen world brings us to the fact that we need to look outside this present world for comfort and answers
Focus on vrs 13 “under heaven” Solomon was looking everywhere but up
In this fallen world we live in Jesus wants us to look up…
We need to look up when…
-we are in trouble. - Stephen Acts 7:54-60 the martyr,
-we are discouraged-Paul Philippians 3:17-25,
-we are suffering- Paul Romans 8:18
-we are blessed- James good gifts come from above
-we are in sin- David Psalm 51:4 & Paul Romans 7
-we need guidance Jesus in the garden looked to the Father in heaven.
Notice that the examples were looking up to heaven “…inspired by hope in Jesus Christ.” Is a statement that keeps us going because our hope is salvation in heaven with Jesus forever not what this world has to offer.
Heaven is the constant reminder that this world is not our home and heaven is what Jesus is calling us to and really the relationship with Him that we are designed for.
This is what we do know about heaven…
Heaven is
-prepared for us by Jesus
-who you are with…Jesus and His people
-a place of perfection (nursing home ill) No more…
-forever
-a free gift through faith in Jesus
Revelation 21:1-5 & 22-27
Close with cry no more song by Andrew
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