Questions for Community Groups...
With your group answer the questions from the sermon.
Ecclesiastes 12:9-14
What more do we need to learn? The Christian life is a series of lessons that the Lord teaches us. The humbling thought is that we have not arrived.
A lifelong learner-is someone who pursues wisdom and knowledge for personal and spiritual development, then shares that with others
A Lifelong Learner
Vrs 9-10a We can learn from the wisdom of Solomon
1. Teaches-listen to the teachings and therefore teach as well. Put yourself in an environment that challenges you
2. Ponders-learning takes time in thought, this is extremely valuable in decision making
3. Searches-As Christian we need to seek wisdom from God and wisdom from his people. Red flags go up when a person has no counsel from other Godly people.
**side note Proverbs…teach people how to think and direct them to find answers. Experiential learning
Vrs 10 Solomon “sought” out words. If people are coming to you for advice and wisdom, you must spend time seeking out how to help them. That is the value of education
4. Speaks Truth - Our call as Christians is to speak truth. This becomes difficult when the truth is hard to hear or hurts.
What are the benefits of Lifelong Learning?
Vrs 11 “goads” are long pointed sticks used to prod and guide oxen during plowing. = wise counsel guides and prods you to do good
1. Guidance
2. Encouragement
Scholars = masters of assembly, Moreover, the words of the wise provide moral and intellectual stability like nails firmly fixed. Ultimately, such wisdom is given by one Shepherd, God.
3. Stability- One Truth
The point here is this Solomon although the wisest man that ever lived except for Jesus the God man, he was a Lifelong Learner.
The true test of a Lifelong Learner…
Vrs 12a
-Willingness to be admonished. Admonishment test
-Questions to ask when admonished
-What am I doing wrong? Realize the sin
-How can I learn in this situation?
-How can I correct my behavior? What needs to change
-Who do I need to ask forgiveness from? God and others
-How can I thank the person who admonished me? James 5:20
What we use to admonish “These” are teachings of the Bible. Take into account that the Bible has many things to say about your life and you will never master them all. That is why you need to be a Lifelong Learner.
True accurate and wise instruction comes from God.
(Speak to fathers for a moment) if you want to teach your children wisdom and instruct and guide them…go to the Word
Look at what other Lifelong Learners have said about the Bible
Soren Kierkegaard said “When you read God’s Word, you must constantly be saying to yourself, “it is talking to me and about me”
James Mccosh (11th president of Princeton University) “The book to read is not the one that thinks for you, but the one which makes you think. No book in the world equals the Bible for that”.
Mark Twain “Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture they do not understand, but the passages that bother me the most are the ones I do understand.
Charles Dickens “The New Testament is the very best book that ever was or ever will be known in the world”
Napoleon “The Bible is no mere book, but a Living Creature, with a power that conquers all that oppose it”
A.W. Tozer “The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His Presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts.”
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Jesus is the Word
Vrs 12b
I will suggest books for encouragement, inspiration and the value of learning truth from them (Some books explore God’s truth in a deeper level). But my personal conviction as a pastor is to hold no other book here in the pulpit except the Word of God.
Looking for answers in the wrong places makes you “restless”
Vrs 13 The conclusion…the number one way to not be “restless” in life is…twofold. Fear God and keep His commands.
The root of faith is fear of God (respect for who God is and what He has done for us)GOSPEL and the rule of faith is God’s commands (following because He knows what is best for us and that is what He made us for)
Vrs 14 God’s Economy.
The believer is rewarded for Good Works and escapes the payment for sin.
The unbeliever is not rewarded for good works and pays for their own sin.
Comfort to those who trust. Because we know that God takes care of sin. GOSPEL
But to those who do not trust their eternity will be “Restless”
Augustine said “my heart was restless until it found rest in you”
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
"Restless" Walk to Remember
Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 A Walk to Remember
Questions for Community Groups
1. What is your biggest fear about getting old?
2. What is in your life now that when you are old you will look back and be ashamed of?
3. What is in you life now that you will look back and be pleased with?
4. Whne you evaluate all that you learned from the book of Ecclesiastes, what impacted your Christian walk the most?
A major cause of a restless life is forgetting about Jesus when you are young and regretting it when you are old.
Tonight we are going to look at what this passage says the negatives are of getting old, then we will look at how and what we are to remember now when we are young.
As Bob Dylan said “It’s Not dark yet but its getting there”
To the old: The things described here can be very discouraging, but your call as a believer in Christ is to finish well. When you look at your life can you say that it was a “Walk to Remember”. When all the hardships and troubles of old age come if you remembered Jesus when you were young the time you spend as an older person will not be as discouraging.
Lets look at what we are up against…
Vrs 1b-2 I am getting old and life is still going on around me I am not finding much pleasure
So now at Eccl. 12 Solomon is old and he gives a poem about old age.
Vrs 3 KEEPERS OF THE HOUSE TREMBLE: The hands
THE STRONG MEN: The legs
THE GRINDERS: The Teeth
THOSE WHO LOOK OUT THE WINDOWS: The eyes
Vrs 4 THE DOORS: The ears
SOUND OF GRINDING LOW: Because of the lack of teeth, you can only eat soft foods
RISE UP AT THE VOICE OF BIRDS: Rising up early as do the old, not able to sleep late.
DAUGHTERS OF MUSIC BROUGHT LOW: Hard of hearing
Vrs 5 AFRAID OF THAT WHICH IS HIGH & TERRORS: Fear of falling and becoming afraid of things that you were not afraid of before.
ALMOND TREE: White blossoms, the white hair
GRASSHOPPER A BURDEN: To weak to carry a burden
DESIRE SHALL FAIL: Things that you used to find pleasure in no longer appeal to you.
In age when one physical aliment is resolved another comes in. “its always something” you don’t hear 8 year old saying that.
If you are not a believer…those aches and pains should tell you there is a problem…death is coming. Are you prepared? GOSPEL
ETERNAL HOME: Death
Solomon draws these pictures for us to motivate us to realize that we might spend our lifetimes being “Restless” and come to death's door realizing we could have had so much more if we had only depended upon God.
Vrs 6 Two Pictures of Death.
1. A Silver Cord holding a Golden Bowl in a light burns. A lamp in the Ancient world. Some have supposed that this type of lamp was common in Solomon's palace.
The cord breaks, the bowl is shattered, the light goes out. Death occurs.
2. The pitcher which holds the water is shattered, water=life
The wheel by which water is drawn is broken. This could refer to the heart pumping the blood through the body. It no longer works, it is broken, death occurs.
In the final picture of death Solomon goes back to creation.
Vrs 7 Parallel to creation account Genesis 2:7 Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.
The body returns to the earth from which it was made and the spirit, here the life of man, returns to God who gave it.
Problem of the young: forgetting about Jesus
Vrs 1
Two ways we can look at this …
1. Remember what Solomon and (God your Creator) taught in this book. You won’t be restless if…
-Find Significance in your standing in Jesus rather then the things of this world
-Look up for the answers of life’s questions, rather then looking in, out or away.
-Don’t try to escape the issues and problems of life with substance abuse
-Focus on Building Jesus’ Kingdom and not our own
-Strive to leave a Godly Legacy through, obedience, integrity, wisdom, working for the Lord and prayer.
-Realize that there is season for everything and we have to know What that Time Is and deal with it accordingly.
-find Rest in our mission, faith, obedience and God’s sovereignty (Jesus is in control)
-stand up for the Oppressed and don’t fall into the trap of oppressing others.
-Be the type of Friend (with real benefits) that draws people to youselve.
-have a Teachable spirit
-if we Don’t Trip in corporate worship (going to church) and in life worship (your actions and dealings in everyday life should be pleasing to Jesus)
- realize the (Most) Toys (possessions) that God blesses us with are to enjoy, a reward of work, thank God for them, do good with them and be a good steward of those things.
-Realize that “Being Good” is applying the Gospel to your life situation ---use the name you make for yourself to promote The Growing Name of Jesus
-Understand that Jesus’ Politics was to do good and fight death.
-Remember your Response to Grace, Common and Saving Grace
-live Under the Rock of Jesus and His wisdom
-make wise Investments to prepare for the future of this life and the next.
2. Remember what Jesus did for us. You may say how can I remember my creator when He has forgotten about me? But He has not GOSPEL
When you are old…
Do you want to look back at your life and say many of my accomplishments and good times were based upon sin.
Or “my accomplishments and good times are based on the things that Jesus created me to live for”
Matthew Henry Said “It is the greatest absurdity and ingratitude imaginable to give the cream and the flower of our days to the devil, and reserve the bran and the refuse, the dregs of them for God”
Don’t be “Restless” “Remember now your Creator (Jesus) in the days of your youth”
Questions for Community Groups
1. What is your biggest fear about getting old?
2. What is in your life now that when you are old you will look back and be ashamed of?
3. What is in you life now that you will look back and be pleased with?
4. Whne you evaluate all that you learned from the book of Ecclesiastes, what impacted your Christian walk the most?
A major cause of a restless life is forgetting about Jesus when you are young and regretting it when you are old.
Tonight we are going to look at what this passage says the negatives are of getting old, then we will look at how and what we are to remember now when we are young.
As Bob Dylan said “It’s Not dark yet but its getting there”
To the old: The things described here can be very discouraging, but your call as a believer in Christ is to finish well. When you look at your life can you say that it was a “Walk to Remember”. When all the hardships and troubles of old age come if you remembered Jesus when you were young the time you spend as an older person will not be as discouraging.
Lets look at what we are up against…
Vrs 1b-2 I am getting old and life is still going on around me I am not finding much pleasure
So now at Eccl. 12 Solomon is old and he gives a poem about old age.
Vrs 3 KEEPERS OF THE HOUSE TREMBLE: The hands
THE STRONG MEN: The legs
THE GRINDERS: The Teeth
THOSE WHO LOOK OUT THE WINDOWS: The eyes
Vrs 4 THE DOORS: The ears
SOUND OF GRINDING LOW: Because of the lack of teeth, you can only eat soft foods
RISE UP AT THE VOICE OF BIRDS: Rising up early as do the old, not able to sleep late.
DAUGHTERS OF MUSIC BROUGHT LOW: Hard of hearing
Vrs 5 AFRAID OF THAT WHICH IS HIGH & TERRORS: Fear of falling and becoming afraid of things that you were not afraid of before.
ALMOND TREE: White blossoms, the white hair
GRASSHOPPER A BURDEN: To weak to carry a burden
DESIRE SHALL FAIL: Things that you used to find pleasure in no longer appeal to you.
In age when one physical aliment is resolved another comes in. “its always something” you don’t hear 8 year old saying that.
If you are not a believer…those aches and pains should tell you there is a problem…death is coming. Are you prepared? GOSPEL
ETERNAL HOME: Death
Solomon draws these pictures for us to motivate us to realize that we might spend our lifetimes being “Restless” and come to death's door realizing we could have had so much more if we had only depended upon God.
Vrs 6 Two Pictures of Death.
1. A Silver Cord holding a Golden Bowl in a light burns. A lamp in the Ancient world. Some have supposed that this type of lamp was common in Solomon's palace.
The cord breaks, the bowl is shattered, the light goes out. Death occurs.
2. The pitcher which holds the water is shattered, water=life
The wheel by which water is drawn is broken. This could refer to the heart pumping the blood through the body. It no longer works, it is broken, death occurs.
In the final picture of death Solomon goes back to creation.
Vrs 7 Parallel to creation account Genesis 2:7 Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.
The body returns to the earth from which it was made and the spirit, here the life of man, returns to God who gave it.
Problem of the young: forgetting about Jesus
Vrs 1
Two ways we can look at this …
1. Remember what Solomon and (God your Creator) taught in this book. You won’t be restless if…
-Find Significance in your standing in Jesus rather then the things of this world
-Look up for the answers of life’s questions, rather then looking in, out or away.
-Don’t try to escape the issues and problems of life with substance abuse
-Focus on Building Jesus’ Kingdom and not our own
-Strive to leave a Godly Legacy through, obedience, integrity, wisdom, working for the Lord and prayer.
-Realize that there is season for everything and we have to know What that Time Is and deal with it accordingly.
-find Rest in our mission, faith, obedience and God’s sovereignty (Jesus is in control)
-stand up for the Oppressed and don’t fall into the trap of oppressing others.
-Be the type of Friend (with real benefits) that draws people to youselve.
-have a Teachable spirit
-if we Don’t Trip in corporate worship (going to church) and in life worship (your actions and dealings in everyday life should be pleasing to Jesus)
- realize the (Most) Toys (possessions) that God blesses us with are to enjoy, a reward of work, thank God for them, do good with them and be a good steward of those things.
-Realize that “Being Good” is applying the Gospel to your life situation ---use the name you make for yourself to promote The Growing Name of Jesus
-Understand that Jesus’ Politics was to do good and fight death.
-Remember your Response to Grace, Common and Saving Grace
-live Under the Rock of Jesus and His wisdom
-make wise Investments to prepare for the future of this life and the next.
2. Remember what Jesus did for us. You may say how can I remember my creator when He has forgotten about me? But He has not GOSPEL
When you are old…
Do you want to look back at your life and say many of my accomplishments and good times were based upon sin.
Or “my accomplishments and good times are based on the things that Jesus created me to live for”
Matthew Henry Said “It is the greatest absurdity and ingratitude imaginable to give the cream and the flower of our days to the devil, and reserve the bran and the refuse, the dregs of them for God”
Don’t be “Restless” “Remember now your Creator (Jesus) in the days of your youth”
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
"Restless" A Christians Investment Plan
Ecclesiastes 11:1-10 The Christians Investment Plan
Future investments are a big source of restlessness
Before we talk about investment as far as finances are concerned, we cannot forget that first and foremost we need to invest in our personal spiritual lives and into the lives of others.
We can’t get consumed with money and forget those issues
The Bible teaches four principles about our finances
1. Give 2. Provide for needs 3. Do good with 4. Invest
The passage we are in tonight has much to do financial investment.
Your decisions now will determine your future joy
Investment Principles
Vrs 1- Willingness to let go (this is a principle not only with investment but with finances in general)
Vrs 2 – Diversify- Invest wisely in many different places because you do not know what will provide for you.
Solomon is saying diversify, we need to do many different things with our money What should we invest in? This is not a financial seminar but I will say this, invest in things that appreciate in value. (generally speaking) Home, retirement plans and college funds. Also invest in things that you will not lose and will work for you, like education. Wise use of money
Vrs 3 Work with what you have. God gives and we are called to be faithful, not make excuses for why we cannot do things but accept the fact that we cannot or can do certain things. Rather then say “if I had” say “with what I have”
Things happen in life that we have little or no control over, so our response should be deal with the consequences of the risk and understand that God sheds grace on us.
Vrs 4-5 Don’t obsess We spend much time trying to figure out what will happen and in that time we may be missing out on what is happening or needs to happen. This is the person who is so afraid of risk they hang onto everything.
Parable of the talents is a great illustration of this Matt 25:14-30
If you obsess, money becomes an idol, and become like the servant who buried the talent. “I need to protect this” You protect that money to your own detriment
Pitfalls when you obsess…
-Greed - we want to keep all our money for the future
-Pride – you start to feel like you are so wise and smart
-False security - Because you have everything taken care of, you feel a sense of invincibility.
When I was 23 I started a retirement plan
V 5 We don’t always need to understand everything to do what God calls us to do. And let go of the things we have and trust Him with the outcome
Vrs 6-Be diligent to attend to the ventures that you pursue and be patient with bearing the fruit of it. Don’t be deceived by get rich quick schemes
Vrs 7-8 Enjoy but prepare. Good times are good but don’t forget that you need to have some degree of planning for the bad and also you will need to make plans for your future income.
Remember you are going to get old and who will take care of you? “Days of darkness” when you are unable to provide for yourself.
Also remember that death is imminent what are you doing spiritual as a preparation for death GOSPEL Jesus invested in you, what return is He reaping from you?
The return of investments will come in many different forms.
1. Eternal Rewards The Believer’s Payday By Benware
2. Temporal rewards, the fruit of investments
If you invest wisely you can do more good. The good you do will bear fruit.
3. Spiritual rewards… fruit, when we invest in others
You are called to give to the Lord’s Work. Why do you think our church has…children’s programs, youth programs, mops, we expect a return, not in a business sense, that is why we need to wisely invest in what provides the best return
Don’t…miss present opportunities
Vrs 9 Don’t get to the point in which you miss opportunities because you are so consumed with the future. Being a youth leader at MBC
Some of you older people here spend so much time thinking about and preparing for the future that you ignore the present
Vrs 10
-wallowing in a bad decision, or the unexpected happened
-spend time doing evil
Some of you young people here blow off good things or don’t have time for good things because you are spending your time on your own pleasure and in many cases to your own detriment.
-stunt your growth (Paul said “when I was a child”)
Future investments are a big source of restlessness
Before we talk about investment as far as finances are concerned, we cannot forget that first and foremost we need to invest in our personal spiritual lives and into the lives of others.
We can’t get consumed with money and forget those issues
The Bible teaches four principles about our finances
1. Give 2. Provide for needs 3. Do good with 4. Invest
The passage we are in tonight has much to do financial investment.
Your decisions now will determine your future joy
Investment Principles
Vrs 1- Willingness to let go (this is a principle not only with investment but with finances in general)
Vrs 2 – Diversify- Invest wisely in many different places because you do not know what will provide for you.
Solomon is saying diversify, we need to do many different things with our money What should we invest in? This is not a financial seminar but I will say this, invest in things that appreciate in value. (generally speaking) Home, retirement plans and college funds. Also invest in things that you will not lose and will work for you, like education. Wise use of money
Vrs 3 Work with what you have. God gives and we are called to be faithful, not make excuses for why we cannot do things but accept the fact that we cannot or can do certain things. Rather then say “if I had” say “with what I have”
Things happen in life that we have little or no control over, so our response should be deal with the consequences of the risk and understand that God sheds grace on us.
Vrs 4-5 Don’t obsess We spend much time trying to figure out what will happen and in that time we may be missing out on what is happening or needs to happen. This is the person who is so afraid of risk they hang onto everything.
Parable of the talents is a great illustration of this Matt 25:14-30
If you obsess, money becomes an idol, and become like the servant who buried the talent. “I need to protect this” You protect that money to your own detriment
Pitfalls when you obsess…
-Greed - we want to keep all our money for the future
-Pride – you start to feel like you are so wise and smart
-False security - Because you have everything taken care of, you feel a sense of invincibility.
When I was 23 I started a retirement plan
V 5 We don’t always need to understand everything to do what God calls us to do. And let go of the things we have and trust Him with the outcome
Vrs 6-Be diligent to attend to the ventures that you pursue and be patient with bearing the fruit of it. Don’t be deceived by get rich quick schemes
Vrs 7-8 Enjoy but prepare. Good times are good but don’t forget that you need to have some degree of planning for the bad and also you will need to make plans for your future income.
Remember you are going to get old and who will take care of you? “Days of darkness” when you are unable to provide for yourself.
Also remember that death is imminent what are you doing spiritual as a preparation for death GOSPEL Jesus invested in you, what return is He reaping from you?
The return of investments will come in many different forms.
1. Eternal Rewards The Believer’s Payday By Benware
2. Temporal rewards, the fruit of investments
If you invest wisely you can do more good. The good you do will bear fruit.
3. Spiritual rewards… fruit, when we invest in others
You are called to give to the Lord’s Work. Why do you think our church has…children’s programs, youth programs, mops, we expect a return, not in a business sense, that is why we need to wisely invest in what provides the best return
Don’t…miss present opportunities
Vrs 9 Don’t get to the point in which you miss opportunities because you are so consumed with the future. Being a youth leader at MBC
Some of you older people here spend so much time thinking about and preparing for the future that you ignore the present
Vrs 10
-wallowing in a bad decision, or the unexpected happened
-spend time doing evil
Some of you young people here blow off good things or don’t have time for good things because you are spending your time on your own pleasure and in many cases to your own detriment.
-stunt your growth (Paul said “when I was a child”)
Thursday, June 3, 2010
"Restless" Under a Rock
Restlessweek17 Under a Rock Ecclesiastes 9:13-10:20
“Do you live under a Rock?” Meaning “you don’t get out much” or we say that to people who don’t know much about the world around them or people that follow old fashioned guidelines rules and ways of living.
Watching the series finale of LOST in the final scenes Jack realizes he is dead we see stained glass window behind his dad with all the major world religions and some extras.
This a reflection on our society saying wisdom and salvation can come in many different forms and from different places. This is very unpopular to say but that is a lie. The loud voice of society and the strong and rich are not the best place to find wisdom.
9:13-18 You may be surprised where you will find true wisdom.
Illustration of a person of prominence and an insignificant person.
But look at the irony of just something like the show LOST and its finale “a man Jack dies for his friends” society can’t even shake the fact that that is the ultimate display of love John 15:13 smile on Jacks face when the plane flew over. GOSPEL
And to boot the concept of “letting go” Matthew 11:28 “Come to me”
Point being is even our cultural context screams that there is wisdom and value in the Bible and more specifically Christ and they don’t even realize they are doing so.
So today we will examine that wisdom comes from living “Under THE Rock” 10:1-20 Recommended Wisdom from THE ROCK Through Solomon
Two different groups. . 1. Common people 2. People called to greater responsibility** These groups are not in order so I will make it plane who Solomon is talking to.
-Vrs. 1-3 Protect your reputation you may make many wise decisions but it only takes a few foolish ones to ruin that
-Vrs 4 Remain Faithful Do your duty to the Lord even when you have trouble with those above you. Parent and child illustration. Boss and employee (develop and find some good illustrations for this one)
-Vrs 5-7** Carefully give out responsibility Leaders need to be wise with who the put in positions. This gets very difficult especially in a church setting. Many times people are elevated into a place of leadership that should not be. It falls on the leader who is responsible. Then how do we know who we can trust. 1. Ask the Lord 2. Let the people show desire 3. Communicate the standards they need to adhere to.
Here are two problems that arise when leaders empower the wrong people. 1. The wrong people will be destructive, sometime on purpose by many time by accident. 2. You scare of the right people. Maybe by poor leadership or maybe just for the simple fact they will see the position filled.
A consequence we will face is the wrong person is in leadership and the right person is not because the spot is filled. “Slow to put into leadership and quick to take out”
Then we see the consequences that a leader may face when they put the wrong person in a position Vrs 8-11
-Vrs 8-11 Avoid poor planning Accidental or poor planning consequences. 5P’s of preparation. A fool does not think through what he does
-Vrs12 Speak Grace Wise words are gracious
-Vrs 13-14 Guard your words How do you use your words? What are you saying? Do you gossip, complain, curse, disrespectful to others, critical, give your opinion too much.
-Vrs 15 Don’t be selfish. A fools work is for the world and their selfish pleasures and the result is they are restless
-Vrs 16-17** Treat people with dignity and respect “King is a child” a big baby, things have to go my way, because I said so. It is not a sign strength but of weakness. And the rulers god is his own pleasure. Leaders need to treat people under you with dignity and respect and not be childish in your dealings with them.
How can this play out in modern day? Christ centered living Arthur Guinness…Historical climate he lived in was undrinkable water. The “Gin Craze” “drunk for a penny, drop dead drunk for 2 pence”
Guinness was in church and visiting pastor was John Wesley came to preach. No one is sure what Wesley preached that day but based upon his teaching in other places Guinness probably heard something along the lines of “Earn all you can, save all you can and give all you can” “use your abundance for the good of mankind”
He lived by the motto “my hope is in God”
Noted as the best place to work in Ireland
Here is what he and the Guinness company did for their workers
-Founded the first Sunday School program in Ireland
-Paid 15-20% more than other companies
-Two doctors on staff to take care of workers and their families and make house calls
-Two dentists to do the same
-Two pharmacists and two nurses
-Hospital beds were provided
-Retirees received pensions that they did not contribute to which extended to the widows as well
-Guinness paid for the majority of the funeral if an employee passed
-Savings bank at the company which allowed employees to borrow on mortgage to buy a home
-To make sure quality of life in the homes was well, Guinness would sponsor contests in sewing, cooking, decorating and gardening with cash prizes
-Concerts and lectures were provided for the wives of employees to enrich her as she cared for the home and children during the day
-Sponsored and founded an athletic union for sporting events for the employees to compete in.
-Library and music society on company premises
-“Workmens Rooms” for the workers to read and think and focus his mind on things other then his work
-Paid for people ages 14-30 for education in technical schools in Dublin
-“Excursion Day” 1 day a year all expenses paid for whole family
-On the Jubilee of Queen Victoria, Guinness paid an extra weeks salary
-Two pints of Guinness a day
-Vrs 18 Work Hard A Fool is lazy
-Vrs 19 Be a good steward. food, wine, money Ecclesiastes 5:10 Money does not satisfy. Or answer the questions of the soul. But in this text money is exchangeable and can get you food, wine and the comforts in this life. It does have a degree of power. No wise person says there is no necessity of money.
-Vrs 20 Watch your attitude “in your thoughts” Your attitude will come through (sin starts in the heart) Don’t judge the “Haves” you don’t know why they “have” Let them do as they see fit in the Lord “bird of the air” consequences
What “rock” are you living under?
“Do you live under a Rock?” Meaning “you don’t get out much” or we say that to people who don’t know much about the world around them or people that follow old fashioned guidelines rules and ways of living.
Watching the series finale of LOST in the final scenes Jack realizes he is dead we see stained glass window behind his dad with all the major world religions and some extras.
This a reflection on our society saying wisdom and salvation can come in many different forms and from different places. This is very unpopular to say but that is a lie. The loud voice of society and the strong and rich are not the best place to find wisdom.
9:13-18 You may be surprised where you will find true wisdom.
Illustration of a person of prominence and an insignificant person.
But look at the irony of just something like the show LOST and its finale “a man Jack dies for his friends” society can’t even shake the fact that that is the ultimate display of love John 15:13 smile on Jacks face when the plane flew over. GOSPEL
And to boot the concept of “letting go” Matthew 11:28 “Come to me”
Point being is even our cultural context screams that there is wisdom and value in the Bible and more specifically Christ and they don’t even realize they are doing so.
So today we will examine that wisdom comes from living “Under THE Rock” 10:1-20 Recommended Wisdom from THE ROCK Through Solomon
Two different groups. . 1. Common people 2. People called to greater responsibility** These groups are not in order so I will make it plane who Solomon is talking to.
-Vrs. 1-3 Protect your reputation you may make many wise decisions but it only takes a few foolish ones to ruin that
-Vrs 4 Remain Faithful Do your duty to the Lord even when you have trouble with those above you. Parent and child illustration. Boss and employee (develop and find some good illustrations for this one)
-Vrs 5-7** Carefully give out responsibility Leaders need to be wise with who the put in positions. This gets very difficult especially in a church setting. Many times people are elevated into a place of leadership that should not be. It falls on the leader who is responsible. Then how do we know who we can trust. 1. Ask the Lord 2. Let the people show desire 3. Communicate the standards they need to adhere to.
Here are two problems that arise when leaders empower the wrong people. 1. The wrong people will be destructive, sometime on purpose by many time by accident. 2. You scare of the right people. Maybe by poor leadership or maybe just for the simple fact they will see the position filled.
A consequence we will face is the wrong person is in leadership and the right person is not because the spot is filled. “Slow to put into leadership and quick to take out”
Then we see the consequences that a leader may face when they put the wrong person in a position Vrs 8-11
-Vrs 8-11 Avoid poor planning Accidental or poor planning consequences. 5P’s of preparation. A fool does not think through what he does
-Vrs12 Speak Grace Wise words are gracious
-Vrs 13-14 Guard your words How do you use your words? What are you saying? Do you gossip, complain, curse, disrespectful to others, critical, give your opinion too much.
-Vrs 15 Don’t be selfish. A fools work is for the world and their selfish pleasures and the result is they are restless
-Vrs 16-17** Treat people with dignity and respect “King is a child” a big baby, things have to go my way, because I said so. It is not a sign strength but of weakness. And the rulers god is his own pleasure. Leaders need to treat people under you with dignity and respect and not be childish in your dealings with them.
How can this play out in modern day? Christ centered living Arthur Guinness…Historical climate he lived in was undrinkable water. The “Gin Craze” “drunk for a penny, drop dead drunk for 2 pence”
Guinness was in church and visiting pastor was John Wesley came to preach. No one is sure what Wesley preached that day but based upon his teaching in other places Guinness probably heard something along the lines of “Earn all you can, save all you can and give all you can” “use your abundance for the good of mankind”
He lived by the motto “my hope is in God”
Noted as the best place to work in Ireland
Here is what he and the Guinness company did for their workers
-Founded the first Sunday School program in Ireland
-Paid 15-20% more than other companies
-Two doctors on staff to take care of workers and their families and make house calls
-Two dentists to do the same
-Two pharmacists and two nurses
-Hospital beds were provided
-Retirees received pensions that they did not contribute to which extended to the widows as well
-Guinness paid for the majority of the funeral if an employee passed
-Savings bank at the company which allowed employees to borrow on mortgage to buy a home
-To make sure quality of life in the homes was well, Guinness would sponsor contests in sewing, cooking, decorating and gardening with cash prizes
-Concerts and lectures were provided for the wives of employees to enrich her as she cared for the home and children during the day
-Sponsored and founded an athletic union for sporting events for the employees to compete in.
-Library and music society on company premises
-“Workmens Rooms” for the workers to read and think and focus his mind on things other then his work
-Paid for people ages 14-30 for education in technical schools in Dublin
-“Excursion Day” 1 day a year all expenses paid for whole family
-On the Jubilee of Queen Victoria, Guinness paid an extra weeks salary
-Two pints of Guinness a day
-Vrs 18 Work Hard A Fool is lazy
-Vrs 19 Be a good steward. food, wine, money Ecclesiastes 5:10 Money does not satisfy. Or answer the questions of the soul. But in this text money is exchangeable and can get you food, wine and the comforts in this life. It does have a degree of power. No wise person says there is no necessity of money.
-Vrs 20 Watch your attitude “in your thoughts” Your attitude will come through (sin starts in the heart) Don’t judge the “Haves” you don’t know why they “have” Let them do as they see fit in the Lord “bird of the air” consequences
What “rock” are you living under?
Monday, May 24, 2010
"Restless" Responding to Grace
Vrses 14 Solomon is disturbed that good happens to wicked and bad happens to righteous.
Vrs 15 Solomon responds by saying what is the point I guess I will just enjoy the things of life.
The possessions of this world were never designed to bring us eternal happiness. So now Solomon is again “Restless” because he is not happy with enjoying the things of life. This issue is still bothering him. (ice cram did not take care of it)
Vrs 16 Now he is saying wait I want to understand this “applied my heart” I am losing sleep over it.
Vrs 17 There are things that are a mystery. Human nature wants all the answers
9:1- Solomon realizes though good and evil is dispensed over the wicked and the righteous, God has particular care over the “Righteous” and “Wise” “hand of God”
9:2- Solomon is saying of I realize there is a difference between the Christian and non-Christian. A description of sanctification (comparing the Christian and non-Christian)
Results of sanctification
1. Clean, sins washed away *Unclean sins remain
2. Sacrifice, inward and outward worship ((becoming set apart in this area is living more for Christ and less for self) *No Worship
3. Does good- has a desire to accomplish the good works that God prepared in advance Eph 2:10 *Doing good not a priority
4. Fears God- respect *Not much if any regaurd
But the problems that Solomon runs into is, there is not much difference in the comforts and the burdens of Christians and non-Christians.
The difference between a Christian and a non-Christian is not what we have but what we are.
Solomon is going back and forth and he sees that there is a difference between the believer and the non-believer but he sees similar if not the same thing happens to them both. They both receive good and bad stuff and they both die. We know that bad things do not come from God but He good does.
So the question here then become why should the bad or wicked people receive anything good?
The answer is…the Theology of Common Grace come in
Dutch Reformer Abraham Kuyper did a great deal of work with this theology.
9:3a
Common Grace-is the grace of God by which He gives people innumerable blessings that are not part of salvation, but are common to all. James 1:16-17 & Matthew 5:44-46
Kuyper would add “God working on the heart of the sinner”
Common Grace is a means by which God gets peoples attention and therefore assists in their possible Salvation. Salvation is born out of “Saving Grace”
Where do we see Common Grace
Realms of Common Grace (Out of Grudem’s Sytematic Theology)
-Physical- Rain, Mt 5:44-46, material possessions Gen 39:5 Potipher’s house blessed because of Joseph
-Intellect- People have the capacity for knowledge
-Moral- Restrains people from being evil all the time. Rom 1:32 Know right from wrong
-Creative- art, music, inventions
-Societal- Government Rom 13:1-4, development
-Religious- Love your enemies Mt 5:44. The fact that we have faith can bless others
Vrs 3 Solomon says this is evil…what is evil?
That people don’t recognize Common Grace
Romans 1:21 not thankful. They don’t see that God is the giver of good gifts James 1:16-17
Unbelievers look at God and if things are going great think “I don’t need God” and if things are going terrible “God is terrible”
Vrs 4 -5a A Christian that is suffering is better then a non-Christian who has much and is proud. Dog=unclean scavenger Lion= proud predator
Some other benefits of our Salvation…hope and security in death
9:5b-6 The demise of the unbeliever and their response. Common Grace is as good as it gets for an unbeliever. This is why many try to create heaven on earth with functional saviors.
What the unbeliever fails to realize is Common Grace is God’s way of pointing us to Saving Grace.
But they use the good things and make them ultimate things and put them in the place of God.
Then when those things don’t deliver the happiness, contentment, fulfillment we look for other things will and the cycle continues.
7-10 The response of the believer… If you have Jesus in your life enjoy the good things that God has given
Vrs 7 Enjoy Possessions
Vrs 8 Live Pure
Vrs 9 Enjoy the people
Vrs 10 Enjoy your work/calling
Why? because we have a good God who wants good for you
The negative responses from a believer.
1. Don’t enjoy the good gifts
2. We are angry with God because He sheds grace on people “who do not deserve it”
These responses result in no joy, complaining about everything
Paul said we should be content in all siuations
Remember in the end we win. 1 John 5:4-5 We overcome the world
Vrs 11 It is not by our own merit. Human knowledge verses God’ ways. You would think …”this” but sometimes its “that”. Everything you learned about life unlearn it
The ultimate example of this is Jesus dying for us. You would think it is “be Good” but Jesus paid it all for you. GOSPEL
Vrs 12 You don’t known when your life will be demanded of you
So To the unbeliever how are you responding to Common Grace?
Luke 12:17-20 Fool Is it helping you recognize Saving Grace
And To the believer how are you dealing with Common Grace? Are you using it as an opportunity to talk to the unbelievers & are you enjoying what God has blessed you with.
Vrs 15 Solomon responds by saying what is the point I guess I will just enjoy the things of life.
The possessions of this world were never designed to bring us eternal happiness. So now Solomon is again “Restless” because he is not happy with enjoying the things of life. This issue is still bothering him. (ice cram did not take care of it)
Vrs 16 Now he is saying wait I want to understand this “applied my heart” I am losing sleep over it.
Vrs 17 There are things that are a mystery. Human nature wants all the answers
9:1- Solomon realizes though good and evil is dispensed over the wicked and the righteous, God has particular care over the “Righteous” and “Wise” “hand of God”
9:2- Solomon is saying of I realize there is a difference between the Christian and non-Christian. A description of sanctification (comparing the Christian and non-Christian)
Results of sanctification
1. Clean, sins washed away *Unclean sins remain
2. Sacrifice, inward and outward worship ((becoming set apart in this area is living more for Christ and less for self) *No Worship
3. Does good- has a desire to accomplish the good works that God prepared in advance Eph 2:10 *Doing good not a priority
4. Fears God- respect *Not much if any regaurd
But the problems that Solomon runs into is, there is not much difference in the comforts and the burdens of Christians and non-Christians.
The difference between a Christian and a non-Christian is not what we have but what we are.
Solomon is going back and forth and he sees that there is a difference between the believer and the non-believer but he sees similar if not the same thing happens to them both. They both receive good and bad stuff and they both die. We know that bad things do not come from God but He good does.
So the question here then become why should the bad or wicked people receive anything good?
The answer is…the Theology of Common Grace come in
Dutch Reformer Abraham Kuyper did a great deal of work with this theology.
9:3a
Common Grace-is the grace of God by which He gives people innumerable blessings that are not part of salvation, but are common to all. James 1:16-17 & Matthew 5:44-46
Kuyper would add “God working on the heart of the sinner”
Common Grace is a means by which God gets peoples attention and therefore assists in their possible Salvation. Salvation is born out of “Saving Grace”
Where do we see Common Grace
Realms of Common Grace (Out of Grudem’s Sytematic Theology)
-Physical- Rain, Mt 5:44-46, material possessions Gen 39:5 Potipher’s house blessed because of Joseph
-Intellect- People have the capacity for knowledge
-Moral- Restrains people from being evil all the time. Rom 1:32 Know right from wrong
-Creative- art, music, inventions
-Societal- Government Rom 13:1-4, development
-Religious- Love your enemies Mt 5:44. The fact that we have faith can bless others
Vrs 3 Solomon says this is evil…what is evil?
That people don’t recognize Common Grace
Romans 1:21 not thankful. They don’t see that God is the giver of good gifts James 1:16-17
Unbelievers look at God and if things are going great think “I don’t need God” and if things are going terrible “God is terrible”
Vrs 4 -5a A Christian that is suffering is better then a non-Christian who has much and is proud. Dog=unclean scavenger Lion= proud predator
Some other benefits of our Salvation…hope and security in death
9:5b-6 The demise of the unbeliever and their response. Common Grace is as good as it gets for an unbeliever. This is why many try to create heaven on earth with functional saviors.
What the unbeliever fails to realize is Common Grace is God’s way of pointing us to Saving Grace.
But they use the good things and make them ultimate things and put them in the place of God.
Then when those things don’t deliver the happiness, contentment, fulfillment we look for other things will and the cycle continues.
7-10 The response of the believer… If you have Jesus in your life enjoy the good things that God has given
Vrs 7 Enjoy Possessions
Vrs 8 Live Pure
Vrs 9 Enjoy the people
Vrs 10 Enjoy your work/calling
Why? because we have a good God who wants good for you
The negative responses from a believer.
1. Don’t enjoy the good gifts
2. We are angry with God because He sheds grace on people “who do not deserve it”
These responses result in no joy, complaining about everything
Paul said we should be content in all siuations
Remember in the end we win. 1 John 5:4-5 We overcome the world
Vrs 11 It is not by our own merit. Human knowledge verses God’ ways. You would think …”this” but sometimes its “that”. Everything you learned about life unlearn it
The ultimate example of this is Jesus dying for us. You would think it is “be Good” but Jesus paid it all for you. GOSPEL
Vrs 12 You don’t known when your life will be demanded of you
So To the unbeliever how are you responding to Common Grace?
Luke 12:17-20 Fool Is it helping you recognize Saving Grace
And To the believer how are you dealing with Common Grace? Are you using it as an opportunity to talk to the unbelievers & are you enjoying what God has blessed you with.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
"Restless" Jesus & Politics
Obeying authorities and politics in general can make you “Restless”
Because of that there are two main responses that people take.
1. Get real involved in politics and the issues almost to the point of being consumed.
If you are too into politics, it can become an idol
A church or a Christian should not be defined by their political party, our definition comes from Christ.
2. Insulate yourself and not care about political issues that affect the world we live in.
Some Christians don’t bother and have an attitude of complacency. Complacency paved the way for things like the Holocaust. We don’t care so we let evil men rule, then we start to care when it affects us or our wallets or us directly
What should be the Christians response? Lets look at what Solomon says.
Verse 2 As Christians we need to do right before the Lord, that means we are a good citizen and abide by the laws.
Verses 3 Respect- This for Christians is important, we can disagree with the political powers that be... in a respectful and non demeaning way.
Verses 4-7 When you are dealing with authority keep in line with what the king (law givers) want and things will be fine.
But there is a time in which a person needs to speak out and that person needs to use the wisdom from God to judge when that time is.
Even the king needs advisors and accountability. People can’t lead unless they can take leadership. Sometimes the leaders need a reality check.
Daniel is the best biblical example of that, he chose to obey God and not the King when the kings decree went against the Lord.
Daniel did not start a revolt or a campaign, he just continued to do the work of the Lord and be a testimony. And it worked, the king glorified God and the wicked men got their justice.
It is hard for us to understand this story because we are American Christians and that is a great privilege but also a challenge. We were born into a society with a sense of entitlement, my opinion matters and is very important and should be heard, we have rights.
With these things being said and understood what is the role of a Christian in politics.
A Christians politics should be…
Vrs 8 Death is the real enemy that the Christian must fight. We realize that we can’t fight the fact that it will happen but we can share with others Who has conquered death.
1. Fight Death- the way we do that is tell people how to not experience the second death
2. Do Good - Verse 8b wickedness is no way of deliverance
Being politically consumed may cause Christians
1. Ignore death…because they are trying to create a heaven on earth, a world wide Kum by Ya
Political liberalism equated with spiritual liberalism Total Truth p 276
False sense of peace on earth
Richard Niebuhr author of the book Christ and Culture “The Christ of Culture” Christianity should adapt to what ever way culture is going.
2. Fight sin… We take the salt and light concept to a level in which we think we have moral control over this world and we can change everything.
Niebuhr “Christ against culture”
Causes people to be judgmental, trying to make people live by Biblical truth when they do not trust Christ.
What we need to ask when this happens is…
Did you ever read your Bible? It will get worse before it gets better.
Look at the life of Jesus…
Matt 22:15-20 In this account if Jesus said it was right to pay taxes all the tax burdened people would not want to follow, the Jews would accuse Him of loyalty to Rome rather then God. If He said it was wrong they would have accused Him of insurrection (revolt). This question was a political trap to see where Jesus’ loyalty fell.
Here is the Master’s answer Verses 20. Don’t get caught up in politics
1. Do Good – be a good citizen
2. Fight death – serve God
He spread good news about the Kingdom and did good to people. Funny thing is He challenged the religious, the politicians the corrupt leaders.
When we “Do Good” and “fight death” we accomplish what calls “Christ the transformer of culture” this means we start to redeem the culture and community we live in.
Many times people think that we redeem culture by fighting for moral values and against sin, but look at how Jesus redeemed us…love, sacrifice, mercy, forgiveness, grace and pursuit of us. GOSPEL
The result… if we don’t follow Jesus’ example and are more involved in political causes we become frustrated and restless
Verse 9 If you are in a position of power and you hurt others, you will eventually hurt yourself. “Trap I set for you seems to have caught my leg instead” MWY Proverbs 28:9-11
Unfortunately many people aspire to be corrupt. “now I can get away with this”
If God puts you in a power position, accept it and do good with it and fight against death.
Verses 10-13
1. Vrs 10 We get discouraged in doing good, because are good is for a cause rather then Christ.
2. Vrs 11 We give in to the temptation of doing wrong, because corrupt people keep getting their way.
3. Vrs 12-13 We loose focus of what our purpose is as a Christian living in this society.
To Fight death and Do Good
Because of that there are two main responses that people take.
1. Get real involved in politics and the issues almost to the point of being consumed.
If you are too into politics, it can become an idol
A church or a Christian should not be defined by their political party, our definition comes from Christ.
2. Insulate yourself and not care about political issues that affect the world we live in.
Some Christians don’t bother and have an attitude of complacency. Complacency paved the way for things like the Holocaust. We don’t care so we let evil men rule, then we start to care when it affects us or our wallets or us directly
What should be the Christians response? Lets look at what Solomon says.
Verse 2 As Christians we need to do right before the Lord, that means we are a good citizen and abide by the laws.
Verses 3 Respect- This for Christians is important, we can disagree with the political powers that be... in a respectful and non demeaning way.
Verses 4-7 When you are dealing with authority keep in line with what the king (law givers) want and things will be fine.
But there is a time in which a person needs to speak out and that person needs to use the wisdom from God to judge when that time is.
Even the king needs advisors and accountability. People can’t lead unless they can take leadership. Sometimes the leaders need a reality check.
Daniel is the best biblical example of that, he chose to obey God and not the King when the kings decree went against the Lord.
Daniel did not start a revolt or a campaign, he just continued to do the work of the Lord and be a testimony. And it worked, the king glorified God and the wicked men got their justice.
It is hard for us to understand this story because we are American Christians and that is a great privilege but also a challenge. We were born into a society with a sense of entitlement, my opinion matters and is very important and should be heard, we have rights.
With these things being said and understood what is the role of a Christian in politics.
A Christians politics should be…
Vrs 8 Death is the real enemy that the Christian must fight. We realize that we can’t fight the fact that it will happen but we can share with others Who has conquered death.
1. Fight Death- the way we do that is tell people how to not experience the second death
2. Do Good - Verse 8b wickedness is no way of deliverance
Being politically consumed may cause Christians
1. Ignore death…because they are trying to create a heaven on earth, a world wide Kum by Ya
Political liberalism equated with spiritual liberalism Total Truth p 276
False sense of peace on earth
Richard Niebuhr author of the book Christ and Culture “The Christ of Culture” Christianity should adapt to what ever way culture is going.
2. Fight sin… We take the salt and light concept to a level in which we think we have moral control over this world and we can change everything.
Niebuhr “Christ against culture”
Causes people to be judgmental, trying to make people live by Biblical truth when they do not trust Christ.
What we need to ask when this happens is…
Did you ever read your Bible? It will get worse before it gets better.
Look at the life of Jesus…
Matt 22:15-20 In this account if Jesus said it was right to pay taxes all the tax burdened people would not want to follow, the Jews would accuse Him of loyalty to Rome rather then God. If He said it was wrong they would have accused Him of insurrection (revolt). This question was a political trap to see where Jesus’ loyalty fell.
Here is the Master’s answer Verses 20. Don’t get caught up in politics
1. Do Good – be a good citizen
2. Fight death – serve God
He spread good news about the Kingdom and did good to people. Funny thing is He challenged the religious, the politicians the corrupt leaders.
When we “Do Good” and “fight death” we accomplish what calls “Christ the transformer of culture” this means we start to redeem the culture and community we live in.
Many times people think that we redeem culture by fighting for moral values and against sin, but look at how Jesus redeemed us…love, sacrifice, mercy, forgiveness, grace and pursuit of us. GOSPEL
The result… if we don’t follow Jesus’ example and are more involved in political causes we become frustrated and restless
Verse 9 If you are in a position of power and you hurt others, you will eventually hurt yourself. “Trap I set for you seems to have caught my leg instead” MWY Proverbs 28:9-11
Unfortunately many people aspire to be corrupt. “now I can get away with this”
If God puts you in a power position, accept it and do good with it and fight against death.
Verses 10-13
1. Vrs 10 We get discouraged in doing good, because are good is for a cause rather then Christ.
2. Vrs 11 We give in to the temptation of doing wrong, because corrupt people keep getting their way.
3. Vrs 12-13 We loose focus of what our purpose is as a Christian living in this society.
To Fight death and Do Good
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
"Restless: Be Good
Community Group Questions
1. Have you ever did the right thing but it did not go well?
2. When did you realize you were not good?
3 Have you found that you struggle with things in life that are not good? What are those things?
4. Are there certain people in life that try to bring you down?
5. Do you have issues with trusting people?
In life we have situations in which we do the right thing and “be good” and we run into problems…
Verse 15 It is a mystery why bad happens to “good” people and good happens to the “bad” (Table this verse until chapter 8:14 and talk about common grace)
1. Being “good” does not give you ultimate protection
We think if I am good, good will happen to me
Verses 16 preacher is warning about pseudo-religiosity or showy forms of worship.
2. Trying does not always work
Religion will fail to make you “good”
Vrs 17
3. We get discouraged. So we start to do bad.
The Solution
Verses 18-20
Understanding what makes you “good” will help you deal with what is not “good” in life.
The GOSPEL.
We are not “good” and we need a Savior
After we are made “Good” by Jesus many times we are brought down by What is not “good” does not bear down on you,
Solomon shows us what is not good…
Verse 21
1. People will sin against you (It breaks a moms heart when their child comes home and realizes people are not good)
2. You will not make everyone happy. People will complain, have high expectations and not be pleased with you.
Mark Driscoll calls the Pastorate being a piñata
Verses 22 truth be told if you are asking why would someone say something bad a me? Cause you do it too.
3. You will sin against others
Verses 23-25 our inability to accomplish righteousness on our own
I have proved, I will be wise I I I
4. Life can get frustrating, we try and try, we get restless cause we try to much
Verses 26
5. People will try to bring you down.
Side note: Pleasing, how do we please God?
Verses 27-28 you will search and search add and add, but you will not find the answer through men or women
6. You can’t fully trust others. (in general)
Verses 29 God’s desire is to Redeem you and make you “good”
Eph. 2:8-10
when we apply the Solution (The GOSPEL) to our lives we will start to be good. If Jesus made you “good” then you need Jesus to be “good”
How does this work? Applying the Gospel
1. People sin against
2. You can’t make everyone happy (have to make Jesus happy)
3. You sin against others (ask for forgiveness)
4. Life gets frustrating (Love like the Father in prodigal son)
5. People try to bring you down (Jesus suffered for what people are trying to bring you down into)
6. You can’t fully trust others (Realize He is all you have, but we extend grace)
Result: Face shines
Verse 8:1 The Biblical concept of a persons face shining is an image of a person who is stable. Understanding
When a child comes to the point in life where they realize “my mom wants me to be good because she wants good for me” Mom’s know their children are incapable of always being “good”.
Their countenance changes…Oh so that’s why
When a person comes to the reality that only Jesus can make them “Good” righteous, their face shines and when se apply the Gospel to each situation we can do “Good”
1. Have you ever did the right thing but it did not go well?
2. When did you realize you were not good?
3 Have you found that you struggle with things in life that are not good? What are those things?
4. Are there certain people in life that try to bring you down?
5. Do you have issues with trusting people?
In life we have situations in which we do the right thing and “be good” and we run into problems…
Verse 15 It is a mystery why bad happens to “good” people and good happens to the “bad” (Table this verse until chapter 8:14 and talk about common grace)
1. Being “good” does not give you ultimate protection
We think if I am good, good will happen to me
Verses 16 preacher is warning about pseudo-religiosity or showy forms of worship.
2. Trying does not always work
Religion will fail to make you “good”
Vrs 17
3. We get discouraged. So we start to do bad.
The Solution
Verses 18-20
Understanding what makes you “good” will help you deal with what is not “good” in life.
The GOSPEL.
We are not “good” and we need a Savior
After we are made “Good” by Jesus many times we are brought down by What is not “good” does not bear down on you,
Solomon shows us what is not good…
Verse 21
1. People will sin against you (It breaks a moms heart when their child comes home and realizes people are not good)
2. You will not make everyone happy. People will complain, have high expectations and not be pleased with you.
Mark Driscoll calls the Pastorate being a piñata
Verses 22 truth be told if you are asking why would someone say something bad a me? Cause you do it too.
3. You will sin against others
Verses 23-25 our inability to accomplish righteousness on our own
I have proved, I will be wise I I I
4. Life can get frustrating, we try and try, we get restless cause we try to much
Verses 26
5. People will try to bring you down.
Side note: Pleasing, how do we please God?
Verses 27-28 you will search and search add and add, but you will not find the answer through men or women
6. You can’t fully trust others. (in general)
Verses 29 God’s desire is to Redeem you and make you “good”
Eph. 2:8-10
when we apply the Solution (The GOSPEL) to our lives we will start to be good. If Jesus made you “good” then you need Jesus to be “good”
How does this work? Applying the Gospel
1. People sin against
2. You can’t make everyone happy (have to make Jesus happy)
3. You sin against others (ask for forgiveness)
4. Life gets frustrating (Love like the Father in prodigal son)
5. People try to bring you down (Jesus suffered for what people are trying to bring you down into)
6. You can’t fully trust others (Realize He is all you have, but we extend grace)
Result: Face shines
Verse 8:1 The Biblical concept of a persons face shining is an image of a person who is stable. Understanding
When a child comes to the point in life where they realize “my mom wants me to be good because she wants good for me” Mom’s know their children are incapable of always being “good”.
Their countenance changes…Oh so that’s why
When a person comes to the reality that only Jesus can make them “Good” righteous, their face shines and when se apply the Gospel to each situation we can do “Good”
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