Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 “Don’t Trip”
Two issues…
1. Corporate worship
Coming to church is not paying your dues, you come to grow, and learn more about…
2. Life worship Out of the same mouth come cursing and blessing??
Verses 1-3 Cororate worship
1. Listen
Vrs 1
That we may not bring the sacrifice of fools, we must come to God’s house with hearts disposed to know and do our duty. We must be ready to hear, that is,
I read an article by JR Vasser , Pastor of Apostles Church in NYC: what to judge the preacher on.
1. Text sourced : From the Bible and in context
2. Christ exalting: Is Jesus the hero?
3. Gospel Centered: Can someone get saved listening
4. Audience focused: know the people in which you preach.
John Stange Mind, heart, hands
We must diligently attend to the word of God read and preached
More commonly we judge on was it funny, was it touching, did it make me cry, was it a new perspective
Someone visits a church and says the message was awesome, “great what was it about”
In a church much hinges on what is preached from the pulpit and this is convicting to me
George Whitefield the Great preacher that was a huge catalyst for the Great Awakening in 1700’s
“the reason why the congregations are so dead, is because dead men preach to them”
2. Offer
Music: We sing..you will not like every song
Give
Serve
Vrs 2 God is righteous and you are sinful (contrast of heaven and earth) we know as believers God is with us. He is not far off and uninvolved.
We are not even worthy to come and worship God with singing, but God allows us to.
We must be very cautious and considerate in all our approaches and addresses to God (Hey God) When Jesus says Abba like daddy it is a personalized term of endearment.
We do have a personal relationship with Jesus, and the fact that He is Jesus should demand that you speak to Him with respect.
The words of our mouths must always be the product of the meditation of our hearts.
“It is not enough that what we say comes from the heart, but it must come from a composed heart, and not from a sudden heat or passion” Matthew Henry
We see this all the time someone gets excited about the Lord, so they commit to everything and within days or weeks they drop the ball.
Let our words be few, that they may be well chosen, Job 9:14.
3. Reverance (casual but reverent vibe) Composure in Worship
Vrs 3 As confused dreams, frightful and perplexed, and such as disturb the sleep, are an evidence of a hurry of business which fills our head, so many words and hasty ones, are an evidence of folly reigning in the heart, ignorance of and unacquaintedness with both God and ourselves, low thoughts of God, and careless thoughts of our own souls.
The idea carried here is that you should be thinking about your composure, not hurried and mind all over the place.
What inspires reverence?
1. Look to the Cross GOSPEL
2. Look to the future Kingdom Hebrews 12
.
You come to worship service to know the Lord better, and be encouraged to do good.
If you “trip” in Corporate worship, you will “trip” in life worship
“Man cannot know himself without knowing God” John Calvin in the opening pages in The Institutes.
How can you know how to act if you don’t know Jesus
Here is what happens...you are created to worship and the corporate worship shows you how to in life. The worship service is designed to point you to Christ and without That the weekly reminder you can get off focus and start worshipping other things which will be sin and cause you sin.
Then what happens is your life worship becomes non-existence.
Life Worship: How do we worship with our life?
1. Follow Through
Vrs 4 Vows Deut 23:21 & Matt 5:37
The problem with vows is that it can lead us to a works based salvation ideology
Side note: Don’t barter with God, we have a God of love and justice, we don’t dangle a carrot stick in his face and say if you do this I will do that. Remember He is righteous and we are unrighteous…God is not pleased when we do something for Him only in view of what we can get out of Him.
That is almost like a smack in His face because everything you have is by His grace and you don’t deserve it anyway.
Many times when people rush into things they also rush out of things
2. Less is more
Vrs 5 Only take on what you can handle , sometimes people just want to please and others and they agree to more then they can handle.
I want to help, but instead of helping you hurt your testimony and maybe your family.
3. Act rather then speak: Talk is cheap Don’t make promises to people that you can’t keep it will damage your testimony for Christ and ruin your Life Worship
Vrs 6
4. Humble yourself
Vrs 7 At that time it was common for people to claim to know God through dreams. Last week we talked about being teachable. We will never arrive.
Some people sit around and dream all day, what could be done or what should be done but they never get anything done.
Be humble… you don’t know everything (people know everything)
5. Fear God: The end of the matter is in Corporate Worship and Life Worship we should do all things for the Glory of Jesus
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
"Restless" Teachable
Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 “teachable”
Vrs 13-15
Here we have an example of two kings…poor wise youth and Old foolish king who apparently knows it all.
Admonished=taught
Then in verse 16 he says this young wise king even though was a great ruler was not appreciated.
The vanity of this is another thing that is leaving Solomon “restless”
What we are going to do tonight.
1. Look at being teachable
2. Then challenge the idea of worrying about how people will respond to what we have accomplished.
-Solomon’s original reason for wanting wisdom was so he could govern God’s people, now all of sudden he wants to be able to boast.
Better to be “teachable” =capable of being taught
Not teachable people…
-Are Legalistic-they make the rules (add rules)
-Are Annoying-because they don’t listen
-Are Prideful- they know it all (while you are talking instead of listening they are thinking about what they are going to say)
-Miss blessings-
Keys to being teachable.
1. Environment-puts themselves in an environment in which they will learn (possible rant about how this goes to far, circles in class to all participate) Paul said check out WITH THE SCRIPTURES to the Beraen’s
The environment for learning we want to create here (at The Five)…Topic: Jesus Concept: Living for Him Curriculum: The Bible
Personal ideas, Read, ask questions, surround yourself
2. Attitude- I still have much to learn, I can be wrong, what can I gain from this?
Proverbs 1:7, “ Fools despise wisdom” Rom 12:1-2
In life you can receive a position because of your teachable character.
Solomon was teachable but when he thought he knew it all that is when he fell and something shifted.
Vrs 16 seems to be saying that the kings who come after this king did not learn from him, he can be a great teachable person that rises up from nothing and that popularity was not recognized by the next king.
Soloms’s attitude is “oh what is it worth”
Maybe you feel this way sometimes…
With your children
With your parents
With your spouse
With your boss
With your employees
I would agree with Solomon’s discouragement but what we can take away something better from this.
Are you only doing good for a particular response? It is a vain pursuit if everything you accomplish is for you.
Your popularity will always be challenged…but there is a way out…
Use your life to bring glory to the One who can glorify you GOSPEL
All of your accomplishments, responsibilities, positions should bring glory to Jesus. If they are for you will be “restless” .
How can you bring glory to Jesus? The first step is being “teachable”
let Jesus teach you how to be a good
child, parent, spouse, boss, employee
People will always find something wrong and something to criticize but a teachable spirit will win people and the Christian’s desire is to win people for Jesus.
When we do things for Jesus and learn from Him we then realize it is Him working through us and we cannot boast in our own power.
But there is something that we can then boast in…
Boast is the Lord Jer 9:24 Galatians 6:14
Our life and accomplishments should show Jesus to others in all that we do
Vrs 13-15
Here we have an example of two kings…poor wise youth and Old foolish king who apparently knows it all.
Admonished=taught
Then in verse 16 he says this young wise king even though was a great ruler was not appreciated.
The vanity of this is another thing that is leaving Solomon “restless”
What we are going to do tonight.
1. Look at being teachable
2. Then challenge the idea of worrying about how people will respond to what we have accomplished.
-Solomon’s original reason for wanting wisdom was so he could govern God’s people, now all of sudden he wants to be able to boast.
Better to be “teachable” =capable of being taught
Not teachable people…
-Are Legalistic-they make the rules (add rules)
-Are Annoying-because they don’t listen
-Are Prideful- they know it all (while you are talking instead of listening they are thinking about what they are going to say)
-Miss blessings-
Keys to being teachable.
1. Environment-puts themselves in an environment in which they will learn (possible rant about how this goes to far, circles in class to all participate) Paul said check out WITH THE SCRIPTURES to the Beraen’s
The environment for learning we want to create here (at The Five)…Topic: Jesus Concept: Living for Him Curriculum: The Bible
Personal ideas, Read, ask questions, surround yourself
2. Attitude- I still have much to learn, I can be wrong, what can I gain from this?
Proverbs 1:7, “ Fools despise wisdom” Rom 12:1-2
In life you can receive a position because of your teachable character.
Solomon was teachable but when he thought he knew it all that is when he fell and something shifted.
Vrs 16 seems to be saying that the kings who come after this king did not learn from him, he can be a great teachable person that rises up from nothing and that popularity was not recognized by the next king.
Soloms’s attitude is “oh what is it worth”
Maybe you feel this way sometimes…
With your children
With your parents
With your spouse
With your boss
With your employees
I would agree with Solomon’s discouragement but what we can take away something better from this.
Are you only doing good for a particular response? It is a vain pursuit if everything you accomplish is for you.
Your popularity will always be challenged…but there is a way out…
Use your life to bring glory to the One who can glorify you GOSPEL
All of your accomplishments, responsibilities, positions should bring glory to Jesus. If they are for you will be “restless” .
How can you bring glory to Jesus? The first step is being “teachable”
let Jesus teach you how to be a good
child, parent, spouse, boss, employee
People will always find something wrong and something to criticize but a teachable spirit will win people and the Christian’s desire is to win people for Jesus.
When we do things for Jesus and learn from Him we then realize it is Him working through us and we cannot boast in our own power.
But there is something that we can then boast in…
Boast is the Lord Jer 9:24 Galatians 6:14
Our life and accomplishments should show Jesus to others in all that we do
Sunday, March 28, 2010
"Restless" Friends with (real) Benefits
Restlessweek9 Friends with (real) benefits
Ecclesiastes 4:4-12
Vrs 4-6 In this passage Solomon helps us to understand that your work ethic can actually determine the friendships you have in life
Four things that can kill a friendship…
Vrs 4 1. Envy Is your motivation to have more due to envy of friends or others?
This person’s motivation is to have what you have or better then you have and is never really happy for you when you get something you want.
Vrs 5 2. Laziness Are you lazy and it is your ruin?
This is the person that due to the fact they don’t want to work it causes them to mooch off everyone. Can’t count on them
Vrs 6 3. Greed Is your greed to have more making your life difficult?
This person compromises relationships with just about everyone because they are so caught up in the rat race.
Vrs 7-8 4. Workaholic Do you work too much?
This person says I spent my life working and I have no one to share it with, because I am always working.
When we get wrapped up in these things we don’t see the real benefits in having friends
What are the benefits of having friend?
We are going to look at what Solomon says about friendship and then rather then judging our friends we are going to take a friend test to see how good of a friend we are.
Q1 Do you have any friends?
Vrs 9 Help that bears fruit.
Q2 When your friend needs help are you willing to help?
Maybe you say I have my own things to do…
Vrs 10 Friends are there in the time of trouble, they commiserate with you.
~ Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You, too? Thought I was the only one." ~ CS Lewis
Q3 Do you run to a friend in trouble or run away? (sometimes this is tough because it means listening to them complain and be discouraged) Ruth is a good example of this
"A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out."
Q4 Do you allow people to help you solve your problems? This happens to me time and again… people say ”I have this problem…” and then anything I suggest they find a reason that will not work. The answer that I think in my head is “you are the problem”
Vrs 11 We find comfort in our friends
Q5 Do friends feel comforted by you?
You won’t gossip about them, judge them or look down on them. You will be compassionate, loving and forgiving. If people avoid you when they need comfort it is a red flag.
Vrs 12 A friend will fight for you
Q6 Have you fought to keep a friend?
This means you have went to great extremes for your friendship.
Jonathan is an example of this, went against his own father for David
1 Samuel 18-13
Maybe the answers to these questions hurt because you realize the reasons you have no close friendships is you are not that good of a friend.
There is some comfort…
There is a friend that can provided you with amazing friendship and teach you how to be a great friend to others. He is the friend that sticks closer then a brother.
Without the friendship of Jesus we will be Restless and never truly have fulfillment. GOSPEL Greater love John 15:13
.
Jesus will also help you be a better friend because when you think about how you treat and respond to your friends Jesus serves as an example.
Example of Jesus’ friendship Jesus is…
Friends can never live up to everything we expect but there again we look to Jesus’ example of friendship. After Jesus’ resurrection he didn’t say those losers scattered when I was arrested.
Maybe you feel that you did well on the test, you try your best with the help of Jesus to be a good friend but you still have no one that is close to you…
Let me offer some things to think about…
1. Maybe in this season God is working with you in some area that you don’t see right now.
2. Maybe you are looking in the wrong places. Community Groups
3. Maybe you are ignoring someone who really needs your friendship
4. Maybe you need to pray.
Ecclesiastes 4:4-12
Vrs 4-6 In this passage Solomon helps us to understand that your work ethic can actually determine the friendships you have in life
Four things that can kill a friendship…
Vrs 4 1. Envy Is your motivation to have more due to envy of friends or others?
This person’s motivation is to have what you have or better then you have and is never really happy for you when you get something you want.
Vrs 5 2. Laziness Are you lazy and it is your ruin?
This is the person that due to the fact they don’t want to work it causes them to mooch off everyone. Can’t count on them
Vrs 6 3. Greed Is your greed to have more making your life difficult?
This person compromises relationships with just about everyone because they are so caught up in the rat race.
Vrs 7-8 4. Workaholic Do you work too much?
This person says I spent my life working and I have no one to share it with, because I am always working.
When we get wrapped up in these things we don’t see the real benefits in having friends
What are the benefits of having friend?
We are going to look at what Solomon says about friendship and then rather then judging our friends we are going to take a friend test to see how good of a friend we are.
Q1 Do you have any friends?
Vrs 9 Help that bears fruit.
Q2 When your friend needs help are you willing to help?
Maybe you say I have my own things to do…
Vrs 10 Friends are there in the time of trouble, they commiserate with you.
~ Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You, too? Thought I was the only one." ~ CS Lewis
Q3 Do you run to a friend in trouble or run away? (sometimes this is tough because it means listening to them complain and be discouraged) Ruth is a good example of this
"A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out."
Q4 Do you allow people to help you solve your problems? This happens to me time and again… people say ”I have this problem…” and then anything I suggest they find a reason that will not work. The answer that I think in my head is “you are the problem”
Vrs 11 We find comfort in our friends
Q5 Do friends feel comforted by you?
You won’t gossip about them, judge them or look down on them. You will be compassionate, loving and forgiving. If people avoid you when they need comfort it is a red flag.
Vrs 12 A friend will fight for you
Q6 Have you fought to keep a friend?
This means you have went to great extremes for your friendship.
Jonathan is an example of this, went against his own father for David
1 Samuel 18-13
Maybe the answers to these questions hurt because you realize the reasons you have no close friendships is you are not that good of a friend.
There is some comfort…
There is a friend that can provided you with amazing friendship and teach you how to be a great friend to others. He is the friend that sticks closer then a brother.
Without the friendship of Jesus we will be Restless and never truly have fulfillment. GOSPEL Greater love John 15:13
.
Jesus will also help you be a better friend because when you think about how you treat and respond to your friends Jesus serves as an example.
Example of Jesus’ friendship Jesus is…
Friends can never live up to everything we expect but there again we look to Jesus’ example of friendship. After Jesus’ resurrection he didn’t say those losers scattered when I was arrested.
Maybe you feel that you did well on the test, you try your best with the help of Jesus to be a good friend but you still have no one that is close to you…
Let me offer some things to think about…
1. Maybe in this season God is working with you in some area that you don’t see right now.
2. Maybe you are looking in the wrong places. Community Groups
3. Maybe you are ignoring someone who really needs your friendship
4. Maybe you need to pray.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
"Restless" Oppression
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.
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.
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.
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