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God’s Word: Believe It Or Deny It… But Don’t Twist It!
INTRODUCTION:
Over the years I have seen people believe God’s Word and see their need to come to Christ for forgiveness and salvation from their sins. Also, I have seen many people make a decision to not believe God’s word, ignore its warnings and continue to live a life that is separated from Christ and characterized by the practice of sin. We all must make the choice to either believe the Word and apply it to our lives, or ignore its message and the offer of salvation that lies in its pages.
But sadly, there is another group of people whom I have seen that choose to make an attempt to change the Word of the Lord and twist its meaning and its message. They do this in an attempt to make it align with their own personal morals, philosophies and carnal desires. They come to a sinful faith in their version of God’s Word, while in affect denying the true gospel message that it contains.
In this study we will be looking at the Scriptural teachings on the need to refrain from attempting to change His Word to meet our carnal desires.
TODAY’S TEXT:
Psa 119:160 – Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
2 Tim 4:3-4 – For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2 Peter 3:16 – As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
TODAY’S LESSON:
Psa 119:160 – Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
Many years ago, King David understood that God’s Word, in its entirety was “true”. The Hebrew word translated true in this verse refers to something that is trustworthy and certain. Folks, the reliability of God’s Word is no small issue indeed. If we cannot depends on the Word in its entirety, we have no assurance of Christ’s existence, identity, or work done on our behalf. This leads us to understand that we then have absolutely no assurance of our salvation nor of an eternity that awaits us.
King David then continues by telling us that God’s Word “endureth” forever. In other words, it remains in existence, and affect, throughout all time and into eternity. What a blessing this is for all of us. We can know that not only is God’s Word reliable, but it remains reliable throughout the ages! Never will there be a time when God’s Word will no longer be dependable. It is only in this truth that we can have eternal confidence of our salvation and the home that awaits us on the New Heavens and Earth.
Sadly, those who seek to change God’s Word, and twist its meaning, are living in denial of its truthfulness and endurance.
2 Tim 4:3-4 – For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Paul, in his writings, prophesied of a day when men would “not endure sound doctrine”, “heap to themselves teachers having itching ears”, “turn away their ears from the truth”, and finally ‘be turned unto fables”. In other words, because their sinful natures and desires they did not desire to hear the truths of God’s Word. Instead, they sought out false teachers who substituted the truths of the Word with “fables”. The Hebrew word used for fables refers to fictional tales.
When a man is convicted due to their sinful condition, instead of turning from their sin and looking to Christ as their Lord and Savior, they simply attempt to change the truths of the Word which relieves their conscience and allows them to continue living their sinful lifestyles. When this takes place they no longer see their need to repent and come to Christ.
2 Peter 3:16 – As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
Peter confirms the writings of Paul when he says that, even in his day, there were those “that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” These men were “wresting”, i.e. twisting or perverting, the teachings of the Scriptures “unto their own destruction”.
Folks, as difficult as it may be to come face to face with our sinful condition and need of Christ, it is far better than to change God’s Word, twisting its content and meaning resulting in a soothed conscience in the midst of our sins which separates us from Christ, keeps us under His wrath, and condemns us eternally.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
Folks, the message of the Word is clear, either accept the Word as eternal truth from God, or look upon it as a collection of error filled human writings, but under no circumstances should we attempt to change it to make it more palatable to our personal whims and sinful tastes.
When we simply choose to believe the Word, or deny it, we are responding to the Scriptural responsibility that God has laid on us. This allows us to clearly see our standing before the Lord.
For those of us who believe His Word and apply it to our lives resulting in a Godly repentance and belief in Christ, we know our sins have been forgiven and we are secure in Him.
For those who choose to deny His Word and reject its teachings, they can clearly see that they have never accepted the gospel message, and therefore never come a saving faith in Christ. They are yet lost in their sins and stand guilty before the Almighty God who is the Eternal Judge over all mankind. This knowledge can then be the basis of consistent guilt and conviction which can later drive them to Christ.
However, when they try to twist the Word to meet their own personal preferences, they are, in effect, fooling themselves into thinking that they are right with God. They are telling themselves that they are living according to God’s Word and in good standing before Him. Yet, in reality, they are under the bondage of sin, possessing a carnal assurance of a nonexistent salvation. They have blinded themselves from the truth and have made themselves “two-fold more the children of hell”. They are living with a false sense of spiritual security when, in actuality, are doomed to eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire.
Lord help anyone of us who have chosen this path of self-deception and self-assurance for our lives.
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Ephesians 2:1-10 – “But God”
(Our Great Need Of Christ)
INTRODUCTION:
Over the years, through personal experience and observing the lives of others, I have seen fallen mankind’s absolute need of Christ clearly revealed. There can be no doubt that all of us, as a part of sinful mankind, is absolutely separated from God and unable to think, desire, say or do anything that is pleasing to God or glorifying to His name.
So, as members of fallen mankind, what can we do? How can we find peace and communion with God, when we are unable to do anything to purify ourselves or enter into fellowship with God of our own efforts?
We can do nothing to meet these great needs, “BUT GOD” can meet our every need!
In this lesson, we will be looking at what God’s Word teaches us about our great need of Christ and His wonderful grace. It is this very grace that enables fallen mankind to receive the forgiveness of sins, enter into His presence, please Him, and enjoy eternal communion with Him.
TODAY’S TEXT:
Eph 2:1-10
(1) And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
(2) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
(3) Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
(4) But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
(5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
(6) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
(7) That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
(8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
(9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.
(10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
TODAY’S LESSON:
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
All of mankind was conceived in a sinful, spiritually dead condition (Rom 3:23 & Rom 3:9), because of this, man is alienated from our perfectly holy God (Isa 59:2 & Micah 3:4).
Furthermore, due to the effects of sin in his life, mankind is much like a corpse. Just as a corpse can do nothing to regain the life that as once within it, likewise lost mankind can do nothing to restore spiritual life to its spiritually dead condition (Titus 3:4-7). This is why the above verse describes man as being “dead in trespasses and sins”.
If mankind was simply left to himself, he would continue in this sinful isolated state, never coming to an understanding of his own sinfulness, his isolated condition apart from God, nor his desperate need of Christ (John 12:39-40 & Rom 3:10-11).
But thanks to the Lord, He reaches down from heaven, intervenes in the heart of the lost man, and grants him spiritual life (2 Cor 4:6 & Acts 26:18 & Col 2:13). This is what is being referred to by the phrase “And you hath He quickened (given life)”
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
The writer of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul, describes the condition of every saved person prior to Christ’s intervention in their lives. By doing this he is teaching us that all mankind began “in the same boat”, we were ALL sinful, followers of Satan, with no hope of salvation within ourselves. This is the time period he is referring to by the phrase “in the time past”.
Paul describes the lost person’s lifestyle as following the path set by this sinful world and Satan (1 Cor 6:9-11 & Gal 1:4) when he states, “ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air”.
Lost mankind’s submission to the control of Satan and Satan’s activity in their lives is emphasized in Paul’s dual description of Satan: “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience”. Folks, Satan is alive and actively intervening in the affairs of all fallen mankind on earth (1 Pet 5:8 & John 8:44). For us to denying his existence or his activity among us is to deny the very teachings of God’s Word, which in effect, makes God a liar (Rom 3:4). This cannot be.
Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
None of saved mankind can be prideful, nor take credit for their own salvation (Rom 4:2 & Rom 3:27-28 & 2 Tim 1:9). We are clearly told in this verse that those who are saved through the Lord’s gracious intervention were equally sinful and separated from God as those who are not saved (Eph 5:8 & Titus 3:3-6). Paul clearly points to the lifestyle of the saved prior to their salvation experience when he says, “Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past”.
Paul tells us that those who are saved were previously living according to our sinful longings, living to fulfill the evil determinations that come from our fallen nature and corrupt minds…”in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind;”
Paul stresses the spiritually dead, sinful, guilty condition of the saved prior to their salvation when he says, “and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others”.
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
“But God” these are the sweetest words that a lost person can ever hear…
“But God” this is the only hope for all of mankind who are spiritually dead and unable to please the Lord of their own merit.
If lost mankind was left to themselves, they would be condemned by their own actions, under the wrath of God, and without hope of redemption (Jer 13:23 & Rom 8:7-9). But with the gracious intervention of God, they can experience forgiveness, deliverance and fellowship with God. Our wonderful God is overflowing in mercy and incredible love for His people. Paul says it this way, “God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith he loved us,”
His love is so great and His mercy flows so freely that even the chief of sinners could find forgiveness through His gracious intervention in their lives.
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Paul continues to address the saved and the wondrous change wrought in their lives through God’s grace. Even when the saved person was spiritually dead, the Lord saw fit to graciously grant him spiritual life (John 14:6 & 1 John 5:11). This is the “quickening” being talked about in the phrase “hath quickened us”.
The giving of spiritual life was given to us as a joint work of both God the Father and Christ (John 5:21). Spiritual life was given to us by our gracious Father, based upon the work of Christ on the cross, not our own goodness or works (Rom 5:21 & 1Pet 3:7)…”hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
The joint working of the Father and Christ does not end with the giving of spiritual life. His work continues in the life of the newly saved individual.
Paul talked about this continuing work when he said “hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places”. Based upon Christ’s work, the Father then raises the saved to a new lifestyle in Him (2 Cor 5:17 & Gal 6:15), and promises him an eternity of fellowship in the very presence of Christ (Rom 6:4-5 & John 14:3).
That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Why does the Father and Son work together granting spiritual life, a new lifestyle and eternity with Christ to the saved? Is it because our inherent goodness obligates Him to do so? Or, perhaps, it is because, through our good works we have gained these great blessings?
Absolutely not! Paul tells us that “in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his kindness”. It is nothing in us that motivates the Lord to grant to us spiritual life (Isa 40:17 & Psa 62:9). It is all based upon His character and greatness.
Two of the great motivations in the heart of the Father that drives Him to grant spiritual life to us is His love for us and His desire to be glorified (John 3:16, 2 Thess 1:11-12 & Rev 5:9-15). He graces us with spiritual life so that His great gracious kindness will be seen, remembered, and celebrated throughout history. In other words, He did all of this for us so that He might be glorified and honored when we see, and experience His great love and grace in our lives.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Paul now explains how spiritual life is obtained by the lost individual. Since the lost individual lacks inherent goodness, and their good works cannot merit their salvation, how is it acquired? It is entirely based upon the grace of God, as we exercise faith in Christ (Rom 4:16)…”For by grace ye are saved through faith” .
But when we read this it seems to say that we are saved through a work that we do… an exercise of faith. However, Paul makes certain that we do not get confused about this issue. He tells us that the faith we exercise is “not of yourselves, it is the gift of God”. Even the very faith we exercise in Christ does not simply come from within us, but it is a gift that comes from the Father (John 6:27-29 & Rom 12:3). Therefore, in a very true sense, our faith is not a work we perform, but it is a work the Father performs in us.
Once again, we can see the wondrous grace of God as He gives to one who is destitute of saving faith, the gift of faith and the ability to exercise that faith. When we come to this knowledge it eliminates any possibility that we might boast about our exercise of faith in Christ.
This is why Paul then clearly states that saving faith in the individual is “not of works, lest any man should boast”
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Since our salvation is a work of God within us, our life is like a poem (“workmanship”) that is brought into existence through the work of Christ and and declares His glory through the good works of the saved (Eph 1:4 & Gal 5:22-26). This is the meaning of Paul’s phrase “created in Christ Jesus unto good works.”
Remember that in verse 7, we saw that God was motivated to save His people so that He might be glorified throughout the ages for His great grace and kindness. This same principle can be seen in this verse as well.
Paul tells us that the performance of good works by the saved person “God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Before the salvation of His people, in eternity past, the Lord chose that when He saved an individual, their lifestyle would change to a way of life that would bring honor and glory to His name. This helps us to understand that not only the very act of salvation, but also its effects in the lives of those saved, will bring honor and glory to God alone (Jer 9:23-24).
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
So what is a lost person to do? How can a lost person receive the forgiveness of sin and be the recipient of God’s wonderful grace?
We have that questioned answered in John 6:27-29…
“Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.”
As the Lord shows you the sin that is in your life, and the of forgiveness and deliverance from that sin, simply believe on Him.
Believe in Christ as the Divine Son of God (1 John 5:7).
Believe in Christ as the One who came to the earth and died on the cross to pay the price for your sins (Phil 2:5-9).
Believe in Christ as the Only Way of salvation (Acts 4:10-12).
Believe in Christ as the new Master of your life (Phil 2:10-11).
This is what the Lord has commanded each of us to do. As the Lord intervenes in our life, showing us our great need and working in our hearts, we are to turn to Him and trust in Him as our Lord and Savior. This is how we respond to the workings of God in our life.
What amazing grace to know that He can graciously intervene in our life and draw us to Himself as we respond in faith to Him (john 6:43-45).
As we come to an understanding of all these things, we can only come to the conclusion that “To God be the glory, great things He hath done”!
Homepage… http://www.settledinheaven.org
Text Blog… http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com
Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com
“Settled In Heaven’s 6th Anniversary”
Psa 105:1-3 – “O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.”
Today, April 28th, is the sixth anniversary of Settled In Heaven Ministries. Over the past 6 years, the Lord has graciously allowed and enabled us to proclaim His Word through the SIH internet-based ministries. To honor Him and thank Him for His gracious intervention in this ministry, I would like us to look at three short verses from Psalm 105:
(1) O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.
Two of the greatest ways we can show our appreciation TO OTHERS for all that the Lord has done for us is:
- “call upon his name” –
The phrase “to call upon” can refer to a few different ideas. It can mean “to invite”, “to call for help” or “to proclaim publicly”. Any of these three can flow from a heart of appreciation for the Lord.
Do we invite our Lord to use His spirit to control every aspect of our life? Do we invite Him to come and use us as He sees fit? These are ways for Christians to express our thanks for all He has done for us.
Do we look to our Lord in times of need? Do we refuse to take the “easy way out” of problems, but instead, ask the Lord for grace to help us do what is pleasing and honorable to Him in any given situation? If so, we are saying “Thank You” to the Lord for all He has done for us.
Do we unashamedly tell others about our Lord and who He is? When the opportunity arises, are we willing to risk our relationship with a loved one or a friend to share with them their sinful condition, their inability to save themselves. and their desperate need of Christ? When we do these things we are declaring our gratefulness to Him through self-sacrifice showing His love to others.
- “make known his deeds among the people”
The second way that we can show our appreciation for the Lord and all He has done for us is by telling others what He has done for us. Not only His death on the cross for our sins, but the very personal things He has done for us during our lifetimes. The times He intervened by grace and healed our bodies (or our broken hearts), the times He protected us during times of danger, and the times He accompanied us through the storms of life granting us peace and enablement.
All of these are important messages that others need to hear from us, as they face many of the same issues that He has already brought us through. In doing so, we are declaring our thankfulness for the Lord and all He has done for us.
(2) Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works
Four of the greatest ways we can show our appreciation TO OURSELVES for all that the Lord has done for us is:
- “Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him:”
Not only are we to rehearse His greatness to others, but also we should display our thankfulness to Him by telling Him what He has done for us. In doing so, we are forcing ourselves to notice His acts of grace in our lives and humbles us It reminds us of our shortcomings, inabilities, and our continual need of Him.
- “talk ye of all his wondrous works.”
As we pray, we can speak to Him from hearts of gratitude and need throughout the day, constantly reminding ourselves of all He has done for us. By doing this, we are showing ourselves that we do recognize our indebtedness to Him and our need to constantly hold a spirit of gratefulness.
(3) Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
- “Glory ye in his holy name:”
We are to be encouraged and strengthened when we think of His holiness, his character, and the privilege we have been given to serve Him. We are not to be motivated to serve Him for the praise of men, but simply to see our Lord be glorified and honored in us.
- “let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.”
When we see ourselves seeking a closer relationship with the Lord, we know with certainty, our seeking is due to His intervention in our lives. What a cause for rejoicing and appreciation on behalf of the people of God
SIH ministries is our feeble attempt to say “Thank You” to the Lord for all He has done for us throughout our lifetime. As we look back at what has taken place over the years, all we can do is echo the words of King David who said…
“To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.” (Psa 40:1-3)
That is what has been; currently is; and, by God grace, will continue to be the desire of our hearts… to say thank you to the Lord for all He has done for us by declaring His greatness. And through it all, to lead men to Christ for salvation and to place a greater reverence of the Lord in the hearts of His people.
Secondly I would just like to thank all of you who have so faithfully taken part in the ministries here at SIH…. Thanks to the followers, commenters, likers, visitors, readers, rebloggers and social site sharers. Believe me, you all have been a great human encouragement as we have sought to faithfully post on a daily basis.
Thirdly, please be in prayer for the ministries here at SIH. By God’s grace, over the years we have tried to be constantly adding to our ministries in an attempt to reach the most number of people with His Word.
To date, in addition to our internet homepage ( http://www.settledinheaven.org/ ), Settled In Heaven can be found on the following websites:
WordPress (https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/ )
YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/SettledInHeaven )
Also, you can follow SIH on the following social sites:
FaceBook (https://www.facebook.com/settledinheaven )
Google+ (https://plus.google.com/109554571051856737762/ )
Twitter (https://twitter.com/settledinheaven )
Tumblr (http://settledinheaven.tumblr.com/ )
LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/pub/rob–barkman/47/819/4a4 )
Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/settledinheaven/ )
GodInterest (http://godinterest.com/profile/136480 )
Lord willing, within the next year, SIH will be greatly expanding our ministries on:
GodTube (http://www.godtube.com/settledinheaven/ )
LiveJournal (http://settledinheaven.livejournal.com/ )
May the Lord bless you for your faithfulness to Him and…
MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AS YOU STUDY HIS WORD!
Ecclesiastes: Chapter 12 Verses 13-14
What Is Your Life If Not Lived For The Lord? (Part 41 )
INTRODUCTION:
Solomon addresses himself as “the Preacher”. He is the one that will proclaim the spiritual truths of God to those in his nation and to Christians throughout time.
Keep in mind, Solomon learned these truths by trying to find the meaning to life through experiencing all this world has to offer. Solomon was uniquely suited to learn these lessons and share these truths with the people of God…
First of all, very few men possess sufficient wealth and power to be able to sample all this world has to offer (1 Kings 10:23).
Secondly, only Solomon and a few others throughout time, have been universally respected causing his teachings to be taken very seriously and thoughtfully by all (1 Kings 4:30-34). (Keep in mind, even Christ Himself and His teachings were rejected by many of those around Him.)
Solomon was God’s man, in God’s place, at God’s time, by God’s grace, to learn this most important truth and proclaim it with authority to those he loved. May we all listen carefully as Solomon reveals to us the true meaning to life and answer the question… “What Is Our Life If Not Lived for The Lord ?”.
TODAY’S TEXT:
Eccl 12:13-14 – Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Solomon now shares with us the end lessoned learned from all his research and life experiences…
Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Solomon’s conclusion is three-fold…
- fear God – recognize His greatness and His authority over us. Humbly recognize we cannot stand before Him of our own merit. Recognize our inward and outward sins we have committed against Him. Recognize our dangerous condition apart from His grace shown to us.
- keep his commandments – seek out, protect and follow his desires for our lives. Keep in mind He only desires what will be for our good. We only gain by following His instructions for our lives.
- these are the “whole duty” of man – Please note “duty” is not in the original manuscripts. Solomon is telling us that fearing God and keeping His commands is the “whole of man”. In others words, they should be the center of our lives. They are the whole purpose for our existence. These are our “whole” life.
These three give our lives true meaning and purpose, apart from them all of our accomplishments and life experiences are truly vain.
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Solomon not only shares with us the need to fear God and keep His commandments, but he also gives us a motivation to do these things. The future judgment. The Bible makes it clear that in the future every man will stand before the Lord and answer for what we have done with our lives….
2Co 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
May we all heed Solomon’s advice to us all and “fear God and keep His commands”. Folks this is what our life is all about. May we all be motivated to fear and obey Him knowing that we will stand before Him in eternity and answer for all we have done with our lives.
The first, and most important way we are to fear Him and keep His commandments is by turning from our sins and coming to Christ believing in Him as our Lord and Savior. It is through faith in Him that we will receive the forgiveness of our sins and eternal life in Him.
Solomon’s pursuit of the meaning of life included:
| 1. | 2:1-3 | The pursuit of carnal desires (the base pleasures found in a fallen world) |
| 2. | 2:4-11 | The pursuit of material possessions through human labors |
| 3. | 2:12-17 | The pursuit of worldly wisdom, madness and folly |
| 4. | 2:18-23 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #1 |
| 5. | 2:24-26 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #2 |
| 6. | 3:1-8 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #1 |
| 7. | 3:9-15 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #2 |
| 8. | 3:16-22 | A recognition of our need of Christ to see the nature and purpose of our life. |
| 9. | 4:1-3 | A recognition that never being born is better than the sufferings of this life. |
| 10. | 4:4-16 | The pursuit of earthly wisdom, diligence and living responsibly |
| 11. | 5:1-7 | The pursuit of worldly vows, contracts, and promises |
| 12. | 5:8-17 | The pursuit of worldly riches |
| 13. | 5:18-20 | A recognition that enjoyment of this earthly life is God’s gracious gift to man |
| 14. | 6:1-2 | A recognition of man’s inability to enjoy that which God has given to him. |
| 15. | 6:3-10 | A recognition of man’s sinfulness, mortality and need of humility before God |
| 16. | 6:11-12 | A recognition of the vanity of all that lies under the sun. |
| 17. | 7:1-10 | The pursuit of prideful living |
| 18. | 7:11-23 | A recognition of the value of Godly wisdom |
| 19. | 7:24-29 | The pursuit of Godly enabling |
| 20. | 8:1-5 | The pursuit of proper submission to authority based upon Godly wisdom |
| 21. | 8:6-15 | A recognition man needs Godly wisdom because he cannot control his own life nor see the eternal benefits of service to the Lord. |
| 22. | 8:16-17 | A recognition that men cannot fully understand the work of God on earth |
| 23. | 9:1-3 | A recognition that righteous and wicked share common life events |
| 24. | 9:4-12 | A recognition that life is better then death |
| 25. | 9:13-18 | A recognition of the excellence and rejection of Godly wisdom |
| 26. | 10:1-15 | A recognition of the dangers of foolishness |
| 27. | 10:16-17 | A recognition of principles for good rulership |
| 28. | 10:18 | A recognition of the dangers of slothfulness |
| 29. | 10:19 | A recognition of the value of money |
| 30. | 11:1-6 | A recognition of the need to sow our seed for the benefit of others. |
| 31. | 11:7-8 | A recognition of the need to enjoy the days of blessings and expect the troublesome times of life. |
| 32. | 11:9-10 | A recognition of the need to use the blessings of youth in service to the Lord. |
| 33. | 12:1-7 | A recognition of the devastating effects of the aging process on all mankind. |
| 34. | 12:8-12 | A recognition of the vanity of all the world’s offerings and the need to appreciate Solomon’s dedication to proclaim the truth to us. |
| 35. | 12:13-14 | The Conclusion of The Whole Matter |
Homepage… http://www.settledinheaven.org
Text Blog… http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com
Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com
Ecclesiastes: Chapter 12 Verses 8-12
What Is Your Life If Not Lived For The Lord? (Part 40)
INTRODUCTION:
Solomon addresses himself as “the Preacher”. He is the one that will proclaim the spiritual truths of God to those in his nation and to Christians throughout time.
Keep in mind, Solomon learned these truths by trying to find the meaning to life through experiencing all this world has to offer. Solomon was uniquely suited to learn these lessons and share these truths with the people of God…
First of all, very few men possess sufficient wealth and power to be able to sample all this world has to offer (1 Kings 10:23).
Secondly, only Solomon and a few others throughout time, have been universally respected causing his teachings to be taken very seriously and thoughtfully by all (1 Kings 4:30-34). (Keep in mind, even Christ Himself and His teachings were rejected by many of those around Him.)
Solomon was God’s man, in God’s place, at God’s time, by God’s grace, to learn this most important truth and proclaim it with authority to those he loved. May we all listen carefully as Solomon reveals to us the true meaning to life and answer the question… “What Is Our Life If Not Lived for The Lord ?”.
TODAY’S TEXT:
Eccl 12:8-12
(8) Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity. (9) And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. (10) The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. (11) The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. (12) And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.
Everything offered by this world is short-lived and worthless if it is not dedicated to the Lord in His service. Solomon emphasizes the vanity of this world’s offerings by using the phrase “vanity of vanities…. In other words, “worthless above all that is worthless” or “worthless to the extreme”.
And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.
In addition to this, because Solomon was a wise man, he continued to instruct people concerning his observations about the world in which we live. He listened attentively and researched his subject thoroughly. Then he sat down and recorded his findings in a series of wise sayings. He took the time to choose words that would be accepted by his students. His completed project was filled with proper words that revealed the truth to those who heard them.
The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
When wise men speak words of truth, their words are like prods and sharp nails that drive their listeners to take action. All of these words of truth proceed from one shepherd (Christ) given to ministers throughout time to share with the people of God.
Solomon’s students are to allow his words to be warnings and sources of instruction… spending your life researching these subjects have no end to it. There is always more to be learned. Likewise, these types of lifetime studies will weary the flesh of man. There is no reason for each of us to experience all that Solomon experienced and study all that Solomon has already studied for us. We are to take his teachings, apply them to our lives, and serve the Lord, instead of wasting our lives researching what Solomon has already researched for us.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
May we all be thankful for Solomon, whom the Lord raised up to invest his life and learning a very important lesson for all of us…. “vanity of vanities all is vanity”.
y we accept his words as truth and seek to live our lives in the pursuit of Godly service and not waste our lives living for the vain things of this world.
Solomon’s pursuit of the meaning of life included:
| 1. | 2:1-3 | The pursuit of carnal desires (the base pleasures found in a fallen world) |
| 2. | 2:4-11 | The pursuit of material possessions through human labors |
| 3. | 2:12-17 | The pursuit of worldly wisdom, madness and folly |
| 4. | 2:18-23 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #1 |
| 5. | 2:24-26 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #2 |
| 6. | 3:1-8 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #1 |
| 7. | 3:9-15 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #2 |
| 8. | 3:16-22 | A recognition of our need of Christ to see the nature and purpose of our life. |
| 9. | 4:1-3 | A recognition that never being born is better than the sufferings of this life. |
| 10. | 4:4-16 | The pursuit of earthly wisdom, diligence and living responsibly |
| 11. | 5:1-7 | The pursuit of worldly vows, contracts, and promises |
| 12. | 5:8-17 | The pursuit of worldly riches |
| 13. | 5:18-20 | A recognition that enjoyment of this earthly life is God’s gracious gift to man |
| 14. | 6:1-2 | A recognition of man’s inability to enjoy that which God has given to him. |
| 15. | 6:3-10 | A recognition of man’s sinfulness, mortality and need of humility before God |
| 16. | 6:11-12 | A recognition of the vanity of all that lies under the sun. |
| 17. | 7:1-10 | The pursuit of prideful living |
| 18. | 7:11-23 | A recognition of the value of Godly wisdom |
| 19. | 7:24-29 | The pursuit of Godly enabling |
| 20. | 8:1-5 | The pursuit of proper submission to authority based upon Godly wisdom |
| 21. | 8:6-15 | A recognition man needs Godly wisdom because he cannot control his own life nor see the eternal benefits of service to the Lord. |
| 22. | 8:16-17 | A recognition that men cannot fully understand the work of God on earth |
| 23. | 9:1-3 | A recognition that righteous and wicked share common life events |
| 24. | 9:4-12 | A recognition that life is better then death |
| 25. | 9:13-18 | A recognition of the excellence and rejection of Godly wisdom |
| 26. | 10:1-15 | A recognition of the dangers of foolishness |
| 27. | 10:16-17 | A recognition of principles for good rulership |
| 28. | 10:18 | A recognition of the dangers of slothfulness |
| 29. | 10:19 | A recognition of the value of money |
| 30. | 11:1-6 | A recognition of the need to sow our seed for the benefit of others. |
| 31. | 11:7-8 | A recognition of the need to enjoy the days of blessings and expect the troublesome times of life. |
| 32. | 11:9-10 | A recognition of the need to use the blessings of youth in service to the Lord. |
| 33. | 12:1-7 | A recognition of the devastating effects of the aging process on all mankind. |
| 34. | 12:8-12 | A recognition of the vanity of all the world’s offerings and the need to appreciate Solomon’s dedication to proclaim the truth to us. |
Homepage… http://www.settledinheaven.org
Text Blog… http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com
Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com
Ecclesiastes: Chapter 12 Verses 1-7
What Is Your Life If Not Lived For The Lord? (Part 39 )
INTRODUCTION:
Solomon addresses himself as “the Preacher”. He is the one that will proclaim the spiritual truths of God to those in his nation and to Christians throughout time.
Keep in mind, Solomon learned these truths by trying to find the meaning to life through experiencing all this world has to offer. Solomon was uniquely suited to learn these lessons and share these truths with the people of God…
First of all, very few men possess sufficient wealth and power to be able to sample all this world has to offer (1 Kings 10:23).
Secondly, only Solomon and a few others throughout time, have been universally respected causing his teachings to be taken very seriously and thoughtfully by all (1 Kings 4:30-34). (Keep in mind, even Christ Himself and His teachings were rejected by many of those around Him.)
Solomon was God’s man, in God’s place, at God’s time, by God’s grace, to learn this most important truth and proclaim it with authority to those he loved. May we all listen carefully as Solomon reveals to us the true meaning to life and answer the question… “What Is Our Life If Not Lived for The Lord ?”.
TODAY’S TEXT:
Eccl 12:1-7
Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; (2) While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain: (3) In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened, (4) And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low; (5) Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets: (6) Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. (7) Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
Folks, as we grow older we find ourselves changing and, in most cases, the change is not for the better. These changes take place due to mankind’s fallen condition and the effects of sin that touch each of our lives. Solomon, as he observes the world around him, explains the need to serve the Lord while we are yet in our youth…
Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say,
In Eccl 12:1-8, King Solomon reminds us of the need to always keep our Creator, and His desires for us, in the forefront of our minds, especially during our days of youth.
Solomon backs up his statement by explaining that as we progress in life it gradually becomes more difficult to serve the Lord. He gives this advancing time of life the description of “the evil days” (ie the days of adversity and distress). He calls them evil days in the context of aging’s devastating effects on both our physical and mental health.
He goes further and explains the effects that aging brings upon us, He does this by using the symbolism of a vibrant city, and its individual citizens, that slowly become inactive and finally deserted…
I have no pleasure in them;
Physical aches and pains take the pleasure out of many of the activities that we used to find enjoyable. As the aging process continues, for many of us, pleasurable days seem to become scarcer with each passing day.
While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened,
As we age, our eyesight grows dim, causing many sources of light to become darkened as we find it much harder to see.
nor the clouds return after the rain:
Old age has a tendency to bring with it a series of health problems that return on a consistent basis. Instead of having physical issues “every now and then”, they begin to appear more frequently, and in many cases become chronic.
In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble,
Our immune system begins to struggle and we find ourselves becoming ill more frequently, and acquiring illnesses that we had previously resisted.
and the strong men shall bow themselves,
Our physical strength begins to wane, as we can no longer do the heavy manual labor that we were used to doing. Our weakness progresses until we cannot hold ourselves erect and we begin to stoop.
and the grinders cease because they are few,
Our teeth decay and we lose them until only a few remain.
and those that look out of the windows be darkened,
We can no longer see clearly with our eyes. Not only do we need more light to see (vs 2), but also our eyes become cloudy with cataracts and other eye ailments.
And the doors shall be shut in the streets,
The doors of our mouths and lips are closed (Psa 141:3, Micah 7:5), no longer able to receive or digest the nutrients we need to survive. We are no longer able to eat the foods we enjoy due to digestive distresses and, eventually, we struggle to eat any food at all.
when the sound of the grinding is low,
Aging brings upon us gradual hearing loss (and deafness) that does not allow us to hear ourselves chewing our food.
and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird,
Arising early due to an inability to sleep due to worries and light sleeping that is awakened by any small noise are common as we grow older.
and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;
Our natural talents and abilities are gradually lost. Those who could sing joyous songs can no longer praise their Lord and bring joy to the heart of their listeners, as their talent to sing is taken away from them.
Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way,
Fear of accidents, falling, etc seem to dominate old age. In our youth we could climb ladders to high places, now we are afraid of falling off a simple stepstool. These fears have a tendency to stop us from attempting to perform activities to which we did not give a second thought.
and the almond tree shall flourish,
The almond tree has gray white blossoms. This speaks of us losing our youthful hair color as gray hair replaces it.
and the grasshopper shall be a burden,
In our youth, we could easily deal with small pests by catching them and/or stepping upon them etc. Now, as we get older, our reflexes are slowed. These creatures evade our efforts to catch them and we have difficulty stepping upon them.
and desire shall fail:
As our age advances, we find our desire for activity and service reduced due to the pain and suffering that accompanies them. Even our very “zest for life” is stolen by the aging process, stealing away our enjoyment of life itself.
These effects of aging come to dwell within our bodies like companions who move into our home and begin to reside with us. With the passage of time, these companions increase in number and length of their stay, until they finally reside with us on a permanent basis. They leave us only when, through their presence within us, they bring our life to an end…
because man goeth to his long home,
Our physical death
and the mourners go about the streets:
Our funeral
Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.
Our death described as:
- the silver cord binding our spirit to our body is broken, releasing our spirit to depart.
- the golden bowl of our body is broken taking away its usefulness and ability to perform the purposes of its creation, to glorify God in all we do.
- the pitcher of our body is no longer able to retain the spirit within it.
- the wheel of our body is no longer useful to anyone desiring water from the cistern. Once dead our ability to serve others come to a complete end.
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
As aging brings about physical death, the spirit departs from our physical body. At that point in time, our body returns back to the ground and our spirit enters into the presence of God for its eventual judgment and consignment to its eternal dwelling place.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
In this passage, Solomon explains in great detail the devastating effects of the aging process on all of us. He does this in an effort to emphasize the need to live for the Lord while we are young and not hindered by the many ills that aging brings upon us.
May we all take Solomon’s words to heart and seek to serve our Lord throughout our lifetimes. No matter what our current age, we should serve the Lord now… before the aging process takes a greater effect on each one of us with the passing of time.
Solomon’s pursuit of the meaning of life included:
| 1. | 2:1-3 | The pursuit of carnal desires (the base pleasures found in a fallen world) |
| 2. | 2:4-11 | The pursuit of material possessions through human labors |
| 3. | 2:12-17 | The pursuit of worldly wisdom, madness and folly |
| 4. | 2:18-23 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #1 |
| 5. | 2:24-26 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #2 |
| 6. | 3:1-8 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #1 |
| 7. | 3:9-15 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #2 |
| 8. | 3:16-22 | A recognition of our need of Christ to see the nature and purpose of our life. |
| 9. | 4:1-3 | A recognition that never being born is better than the sufferings of this life. |
| 10. | 4:4-16 | The pursuit of earthly wisdom, diligence and living responsibly |
| 11. | 5:1-7 | The pursuit of worldly vows, contracts, and promises |
| 12. | 5:8-17 | The pursuit of worldly riches |
| 13. | 5:18-20 | A recognition that enjoyment of this earthly life is God’s gracious gift to man |
| 14. | 6:1-2 | A recognition of man’s inability to enjoy that which God has given to him. |
| 15. | 6:3-10 | A recognition of man’s sinfulness, mortality and need of humility before God |
| 16. | 6:11-12 | A recognition of the vanity of all that lies under the sun. |
| 17. | 7:1-10 | The pursuit of prideful living |
| 18. | 7:11-23 | A recognition of the value of Godly wisdom |
| 19. | 7:24-29 | The pursuit of Godly enabling |
| 20. | 8:1-5 | The pursuit of proper submission to authority based upon Godly wisdom |
| 21. | 8:6-15 | A recognition man needs Godly wisdom because he cannot control his own life nor see the eternal benefits of service to the Lord. |
| 22. | 8:16-17 | A recognition that men cannot fully understand the work of God on earth |
| 23. | 9:1-3 | A recognition that righteous and wicked share common life events |
| 24. | 9:4-12 | A recognition that life is better then death |
| 25. | 9:13-18 | A recognition of the excellence and rejection of Godly wisdom |
| 26. | 10:1-15 | A recognition of the dangers of foolishness |
| 27. | 10:16-17 | A recognition of principles for good rulership |
| 28. | 10:18 | A recognition of the dangers of slothfulness |
| 29. | 10:19 | A recognition of the value of money |
| 30. | 11:1-6 | A recognition of the need to sow our seed for the benefit of others. |
| 31. | 11:7-8 | A recognition of the need to enjoy the days of blessings and expect the troublesome times of life. |
| 32. | 11:9-10 | A recognition of the need to use the blessings of youth in service to the Lord. |
| 33. | 12:1-7 | A recognition of the devastating effects of the aging process on all mankind. |
Homepage… http://www.settledinheaven.org
Text Blog… http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com
Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com
Giving Now Insures Our Tomorrow
Eccl 11:1-6 – Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. (2) Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. (3) If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be. (4) He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. (5) As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. (6) In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
https://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/2016/04/15/ecclesiastes-chapter-11-verses-1-6
Ecclesiastes: Chapter 11 Verses 1-6
What Is Your Life If Not Lived For The Lord? (Part 36 )
INTRODUCTION:
Solomon addresses himself as “the Preacher”. He is the one that will proclaim the spritiual truths of God to those in his nation and to Christians throughout time.
Keep in mind, Solomon learned these truths by trying to find the meaning to life through experiencing all this world has to offer. Solomon was uniquely suited to learn these lessons and share these truths with the people of God…
First of all, very few men possess sufficient wealth and power to be able to sample all this world has to offer (1 Kings 10:23).
Secondly, only Solomon and a few others throughout time, have been universally respected causing his teachings to be taken very seriously and thoughtfully by all (1 Kings 4:30-34). (Keep in mind, even Christ Himself and His teachings were rejected by many of those around Him.)
Solomon was God’s man, in God’s place, at God’s time, by God’s grace, to learn this most important truth and proclaim it with authority to those he loved. May we all listen carefully as Solomon reveals to us the true meaning to life and answer the question… “What Is Our Life If Not Lived for The Lord ?”.
TODAY’S TEXT:
Eccl 11:1-6
Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. (2) Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. (3) If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be. (4) He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. (5) As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. (6) In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.
Solomon is teaching us a very important principle about the need to give of ourselves to others. We should be willing to “pass on a blessing” to others with no thought of personal gain. It is much like throwing the bread God has supplied to us upon the waters, knowing it will float away from us, so that others may receive it downstream.
In other words, with which the Lord has blessed us, we are to share with others based upon our love and appreciation for the Lord. Then he adds to us an additional blessing… the promise that we will regain the bread “after many days”.
Solomon goes onto to explain, by giving to others now, we are assured of the Lord’s future care for us when harmful times will come upon the earth. In a sense, giving to others NOW is an insurance policy for our FUTURE needs to be supplied.
[Just as a side note. The word for “bread” is the Hebrew word for “seed or corn or that which is eaten”. It represents the staples of the Jewish diet. This is why it is summarized by the term “bread”.
Also keep in mind the Word of God is pictured in the Bible as seed that is sown (Lk 8:11). Likewise in the Bible “waters” represent lost humanity (Rev 17:15).
Based upon this, symbolically, casting our bread upon the waters carries with it the idea of sharing the Word of God, the gospel message, among the lost of this world. Not only are we to share our physical possessions with those in need, we are also to share God’s Word with those who so desperately need it as well].
If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be. He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.
Much like the rain that falls on the earth and the tree that falls in the forest, trials, heartaches, and other difficult times take place on this fallen earth. They are all a result of sin and the corruption of God’s creation.
The farmer that constantly watches the sky waiting for a perfect day to work in the fields will never have a crop. Why? Because he will never find the perfect day to sow his seed. Likewise, if we wait to give of ourselves and share the gospel until the perfect opportunity arises we will never serve the Lord. There will always be found hindrances to our service in the midst of a fallen, sinful world.
Why won’t the Lord give us perfect times to serve Him? That’s a good question that only He can answer for us in eternity. Keep in mind there are many things we do not understand that takes place on the earth, the blowing of the wind, the workings of the Spirit, the growth of a child in the womb, and, yet we do know the Lord controls it all. The difficult times that attempt to hinder our service for Christ, is another one of those earthly events that we do not understand, but can know the Lord allows for a reason.
In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.
Solomon summarizes his teachings. Because we do not know what the future holds for us, either poverty or wealth, we are to use what we have NOW to serve the Lord. In doing so, we are serving the Lord while we can and helping others who have immediate needs in their lives.
If our future holds plenty, we have just formed good habits that will encouraged continued service to the Lord.
If our future holds poverty for us, then we have served the Lord while we can and be assured the Lord will care for our needs during this time of drought.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
May we all learn the practical lesson of giving in the Lord’s service to help others in need. Whether giving of our material possessions or spiritual truths, we all can give of ourselves in an effort to help those who are needy around us. in doing so, we are being faithful to the Lord and assuring for us His future care in times of need.
Solomon’s pursuit of the meaning of life included:
| 1. | 2:1-3 | The pursuit of carnal desires (the base pleasures found in a fallen world) |
| 2. | 2:4-11 | The pursuit of material possessions through human labors |
| 3. | 2:12-17 | The pursuit of worldly wisdom, madness and folly |
| 4. | 2:18-23 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #1 |
| 5. | 2:24-26 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #2 |
| 6. | 3:1-8 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #1 |
| 7. | 3:9-15 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #2 |
| 8. | 3:16-22 | A recognition of our need of Christ to see the nature and purpose of our life. |
| 9. | 4:1-3 | A recognition that never being born is better than the sufferings of this life. |
| 10. | 4:4-16 | The pursuit of earthly wisdom, diligence and living responsibly |
| 11. | 5:1-7 | The pursuit of worldly vows, contracts, and promises |
| 12. | 5:8-17 | The pursuit of worldly riches |
| 13. | 5:18-20 | A recognition that enjoyment of this earthly life is God’s gracious gift to man |
| 14. | 6:1-2 | A recognition of man’s inability to enjoy that which God has given to him. |
| 15. | 6:3-10 | A recognition of man’s sinfulness, mortality and need of humility before God |
| 16. | 6:11-12 | A recognition of the vanity of all that lies under the sun. |
| 17. | 7:1-10 | The pursuit of prideful living |
| 18. | 7:11-23 | A recognition of the value of Godly wisdom |
| 19. | 7:24-29 | The pursuit of Godly enabling |
| 20. | 8:1-5 | The pursuit of proper submission to authority based upon Godly wisdom |
| 21. | 8:6-15 | A recognition man needs Godly wisdom because he cannot control his own life nor see the eternal benefits of service to the Lord. |
| 22. | 8:16-17 | A recognition that men cannot fully understand the work of God on earth |
| 23. | 9:1-3 | A recognition that righteous and wicked share common life events |
| 24. | 9:4-12 | A recognition that life is better then death |
| 25. | 9:13-18 | A recognition of the excellence and rejection of Godly wisdom |
| 26. | 10:1-15 | A recognition of the dangers of foolishness |
| 27. | 10:16-17 | A recognition of principles for good rulership |
| 28. | 10:18 | A recognition of the dangers of slothfulness |
| 29. | 10:19 | A recognition of the value of money |
| 30. | 11:1-6 | A recognition of the need to sow our seed for the benefit of others. |
Homepage… http://www.settledinheaven.org
Text Blog… http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com
Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com
Ecclesiastes: Chapter 10 Verses 19
What Is Your Life If Not Lived For The Lord? (Part 34olomon addresses himself as “the Preacher”. He is the one that will proclaim the spritiual truths of God to those in his nation and to Christians throughout time.
Keep in mind, Solomon learned these truths by trying to find the meaning to life through experiencing all this world has to offer. Solomon was uniquely suited to learn these lessons and share these truths with the people of God…
First of all, very few men possess sufficient wealth and power to be able to sample all this world has to offer (1 Kings 10:23).
Secondly, only Solomon and a few others throughout time, have been universally respected causing his teachings to be taken very seriously and thoughtfully by all (1 Kings 4:30-34). (Keep in mind, even Christ Himself and His teachings were rejected by many of those around Him.)
Solomon was God’s man, in God’s place, at God’s time, by God’s grace, to learn this most important truth and proclaim it with authority to those he loved. May we all listen carefully as Solomon reveals to us the true meaning to life and answer the question… “What Is Our Life If Not Lived for The Lord ?”.
TODAY’S TEXT:
Eccl 10:19
A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.
Solomon now addresses the value of money that is found in its universal usage. Most things found in this world have limited usages. For example, one of the few purposes for a feast is to make merry. Likewise, wine has limited uses including merriment.
However, money, on the other hand, can supply almost anything that this world has to offer. For example money can be used to purchase the wine and makings of a feast we just saw in our example, it can also be used to purchase a multitude of other things as well.
Based on this principle, if given a choice, it is far better to possess money and be able to meet an innumerable number of needs, than to possess the makings for feasts or wine that can only meet a few specific life needs.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
Please note in this section of Scripture, Solomon is not justifying the love of money, nor the possession of money as the goal for living our lives on earth. He is simply explaining the legitimate, universal purpose of money and its ability to help us to meet our personal and family responsibilities.
Many times, as Christians, we have a tendency to “throw the baby out with the bathwater” by taking many things to an extreme. Some Christians belief about money is a perfect example of this. Folks, it is a fact of life that we all must have money to survive. Our world systems are based upon money as the most common means of purchasing goods and services.
So does this justify loving money and living our lives in its pursuits? Absolutely not.
However, just because money is a worldly tool that can open the door to many sins, and become a sinful obsession… that does not justify the total forsaking of it in the life of a Christian.
Just as in many of today’s practical issues of Godly service, moderation is needed. It is not proper to live our lives for money, putting it first before all else. However, it is proper to work for a living and seek to provide for our families, and lay up for our future worldly needs. It is a part of our responsibility to our families and our Lord.
Solomon’s pursuit of the meaning of life included:
| 1. | 2:1-3 | The pursuit of carnal desires (the base pleasures found in a fallen world) |
| 2. | 2:4-11 | The pursuit of material possessions through human labors |
| 3. | 2:12-17 | The pursuit of worldly wisdom, madness and folly |
| 4. | 2:18-23 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #1 |
| 5. | 2:24-26 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #2 |
| 6. | 3:1-8 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #1 |
| 7. | 3:9-15 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #2 |
| 8. | 3:16-22 | A recognition of our need of Christ to see the nature and purpose of our life. |
| 9. | 4:1-3 | A recognition that never being born is better than the sufferings of this life. |
| 10. | 4:4-16 | The pursuit of earthly wisdom, diligence and living responsibly |
| 11. | 5:1-7 | The pursuit of worldly vows, contracts, and promises |
| 12. | 5:8-17 | The pursuit of worldly riches |
| 13. | 5:18-20 | A recognition that enjoyment of this earthly life is God’s gracious gift to man |
| 14. | 6:1-2 | A recognition of man’s inability to enjoy that which God has given to him. |
| 15. | 6:3-10 | A recognition of man’s sinfulness, mortality and need of humility before God |
| 16. | 6:11-12 | A recognition of the vanity of all that lies under the sun. |
| 17. | 7:1-10 | The pursuit of prideful living |
| 18. | 7:11-23 | A recognition of the value of Godly wisdom |
| 19. | 7:24-29 | The pursuit of Godly enabling |
| 20. | 8:1-5 | The pursuit of proper submission to authority based upon Godly wisdom |
| 21. | 8:6-15 | A recognition man needs Godly wisdom because he cannot control his own life nor see the eternal benefits of service to the Lord. |
| 22. | 8:16-17 | A recognition that men cannot fully understand the work of God on earth |
| 23. | 9:1-3 | A recognition that righteous and wicked share common life events |
| 24. | 9:4-12 | A recognition that life is better then death |
| 25. | 9:13-18 | A recognition of the excellence and rejection of Godly wisdom |
| 26. | 10:1-15 | A recognition of the dangers of foolishness |
| 27. | 10:16-17 | A recognition of principles for good rulership |
| 28. | 10:18 | A recognition of the dangers of slothfulness |
| 29. | 10:19 | A recognition of the value of money |
Homepage… http://www.settledinheaven.org
Text Blog… http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com
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Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com
Ecclesiastes: Chapter 10 Verses 18
What Is Your Life If Not Lived For The Lord? (Part 32)
INTRODUCTION:
Solomon addresses himself as “the Preacher”. He is the one that will proclaim the spritiual truths of God to those in his nation and to Christians throughout time.
Keep in mind, Solomon learned these truths by trying to find the meaning to life through experiencing all this world has to offer. Solomon was uniquely suited to learn these lessons and share these truths with the people of God…
First of all, very few men possess sufficient wealth and power to be able to sample all this world has to offer (1 Kings 10:23).
Secondly, only Solomon and a few others throughout time, have been universally respected causing his teachings to be taken very seriously and thoughtfully by all (1 Kings 4:30-34). (Keep in mind, even Christ Himself and His teachings were rejected by many of those around Him.)
Solomon was God’s man, in God’s place, at God’s time, by God’s grace, to learn this most important truth and proclaim it with authority to those he loved. May we all listen carefully as Solomon reveals to us the true meaning to life and answer the question… “What Is Our Life If Not Lived for The Lord ?”.
TODAY’S TEXT:
Eccl 10:18
(18) By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.
Solomon warns that those who are “slothful”, in other words those who are not watchful but lax in their duties, will allow things to fall apart all around them. They will see the needs and, yet, not attempt to meet them.
The end result of this lazy attitude is that, due to his resting hands, the entire house will come apart and fall to the ground.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
Folks, Solomon’s wisdom showed to him the need to “keep up with” his responsibilities. In this case, he uses the idea of ignoring home repairs to illustrate the need for diligence in our duties. Just like a man who ignores the work that must be done in his home, eventually losing the house as it gradually falls apart; he sees the life of a lazy person (one who fails to faithfully fulfill the responsibilities given to him) falling into utter ruin.
May we all see our need to live wise lives being faithful in our duties and aware of the needs around us.
Solomon’s pursuit of the meaning of life included:
| 1. | 2:1-3 | The pursuit of carnal desires (the base pleasures found in a fallen world) |
| 2. | 2:4-11 | The pursuit of material possessions through human labors |
| 3. | 2:12-17 | The pursuit of worldly wisdom, madness and folly |
| 4. | 2:18-23 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #1 |
| 5. | 2:24-26 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #2 |
| 6. | 3:1-8 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #1 |
| 7. | 3:9-15 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #2 |
| 8. | 3:16-22 | A recognition of our need of Christ to see the nature and purpose of our life. |
| 9. | 4:1-3 | A recognition that never being born is better than the sufferings of this life. |
| 10. | 4:4-16 | The pursuit of earthly wisdom, diligence and living responsibly |
| 11. | 5:1-7 | The pursuit of worldly vows, contracts, and promises |
| 12. | 5:8-17 | The pursuit of worldly riches |
| 13. | 5:18-20 | A recognition that enjoyment of this earthly life is God’s gracious gift to man |
| 14. | 6:1-2 | A recognition of man’s inability to enjoy that which God has given to him. |
| 15. | 6:3-10 | A recognition of man’s sinfulness, mortality and need of humility before God |
| 16. | 6:11-12 | A recognition of the vanity of all that lies under the sun. |
| 17. | 7:1-10 | The pursuit of prideful living |
| 18. | 7:11-23 | A recognition of the value of Godly wisdom |
| 19. | 7:24-29 | The pursuit of Godly enabling |
| 20. | 8:1-5 | The pursuit of proper submission to authority based upon Godly wisdom |
| 21. | 8:6-15 | A recognition man needs Godly wisdom because he cannot control his own life nor see the eternal benefits of service to the Lord. |
| 22. | 8:16-17 | A recognition that men cannot fully understand the work of God on earth |
| 23. | 9:1-3 | A recognition that righteous and wicked share common life events |
| 24. | 9:4-12 | A recognition that life is better then death |
| 25. | 9:13-18 | A recognition of the excellence and rejection of Godly wisdom |
| 26. | 10:1-15 | A recognition of the dangers of foolishness |
| 27. | 10:16-17 | A recognition of principles for good rulership |
| 28. | 10:18 | A recognition of the dangers of slothfulness |
Homepage… http://www.settledinheaven.org
Text Blog… http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com
Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com
Ecclesiastes: Chapter 10 Verses 16-17
What Is Your Life If Not Lived For The Lord? (Part 31)
INTRODUCTION:
Solomon addresses himself as “the Preacher”. He is the one that will proclaim the spritiual truths of God to those in his nation and to Christians throughout time.
Keep in mind, Solomon learned these truths by trying to find the meaning to life through experiencing all this world has to offer. Solomon was uniquely suited to learn these lessons and share these truths with the people of God…
First of all, very few men possess sufficient wealth and power to be able to sample all this world has to offer (1 Kings 10:23).
Secondly, only Solomon and a few others throughout time, have been universally respected causing his teachings to be taken very seriously and thoughtfully by all (1 Kings 4:30-34). (Keep in mind, even Christ Himself and His teachings were rejected by many of those around Him.)
Solomon was God’s man, in God’s place, at God’s time, by God’s grace, to learn this most important truth and proclaim it with authority to those he loved. May we all listen carefully as Solomon reveals to us the true meaning to life and answer the question… “What Is Our Life If Not Lived for The Lord ?”.
TODAY’S TEXT:
Eccl 10:16-17
(16) Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! (17) Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and for drunkenness!
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!
Solomon declares coming doom upon the nation who is ruled by those who lack wisdom and experience. He goes further and warns those nations of allowing to selfish individuals who put themselves first to hold high positions of authority.
Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!
In comparison Solomon believed that nations whose rulers, as children, were brought up by parents who were pure and shining people (who displayed wisdom and Godliness in their lives) would have blessings awaiting them. He adds that a nation will be blessed when their authority holders put their nation first, are unselfish, and exercise self-control.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
Solomon understood that the leaders of a nation will directly affect level of prosperity and success in its endeavors. A nation that is ruled by foolish and ungodly men cannot expect to be blessed of God. Likewise, a nation who chooses and follows wise and godly leaders can look to the Lord in confidence, knowing they will be blessed of Him.
May the Lord help each of us to come to understand these truths and apply them to our lives as we seek out those who will lead us.
Solomon’s pursuit of the meaning of life included:
| 1. | 2:1-3 | The pursuit of carnal desires (the base pleasures found in a fallen world) |
| 2. | 2:4-11 | The pursuit of material possessions through human labors |
| 3. | 2:12-17 | The pursuit of worldly wisdom, madness and folly |
| 4. | 2:18-23 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #1 |
| 5. | 2:24-26 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #2 |
| 6. | 3:1-8 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #1 |
| 7. | 3:9-15 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #2 |
| 8. | 3:16-22 | A recognition of our need of Christ to see the nature and purpose of our life. |
| 9. | 4:1-3 | A recognition that never being born is better than the sufferings of this life. |
| 10. | 4:4-16 | The pursuit of earthly wisdom, diligence and living responsibly |
| 11. | 5:1-7 | The pursuit of worldly vows, contracts, and promises |
| 12. | 5:8-17 | The pursuit of worldly riches |
| 13. | 5:18-20 | A recognition that enjoyment of this earthly life is God’s gracious gift to man |
| 14. | 6:1-2 | A recognition of man’s inability to enjoy that which God has given to him. |
| 15. | 6:3-10 | A recognition of man’s sinfulness, mortality and need of humility before God |
| 16. | 6:11-12 | A recognition of the vanity of all that lies under the sun. |
| 17. | 7:1-10 | The pursuit of prideful living |
| 18. | 7:11-23 | A recognition of the value of Godly wisdom |
| 19. | 7:24-29 | The pursuit of Godly enabling |
| 20. | 8:1-5 | The pursuit of proper submission to authority based upon Godly wisdom |
| 21. | 8:6-15 | A recognition man needs Godly wisdom because he cannot control his own life nor see the eternal benefits of service to the Lord. |
| 22. | 8:16-17 | A recognition that men cannot fully understand the work of God on earth |
| 23. | 9:1-3 | A recognition that righteous and wicked share common life events |
| 24. | 9:4-12 | A recognition that life is better then death |
| 25. | 9:13-18 | A recognition of the excellence and rejection of Godly wisdom |
| 26. | 10:1-15 | A recognition of the dangers of foolishness |
| 27. | 10:16-17 | A recognition of principles for good rulership |
Homepage… http://www.settledinheaven.org
Text Blog… http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com
Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com
Ecclesiastes: Chapter 10 Verses 1-15
What Is Your Life If Not Lived For The Lord? (Part 30)
INTRODUCTION:
Solomon addresses himself as “the Preacher”. He is the one that will proclaim the spritiual truths of God to those in his nation and to Christians throughout time.
Keep in mind, Solomon learned these truths by trying to find the meaning to life through experiencing all this world has to offer. Solomon was uniquely suited to learn these lessons and share these truths with the people of God…
First of all, very few men possess sufficient wealth and power to be able to sample all this world has to offer (1 Kings 10:23).
Secondly, only Solomon and a few others throughout time, have been universally respected causing his teachings to be taken very seriously and thoughtfully by all (1 Kings 4:30-34). (Keep in mind, even Christ Himself and His teachings were rejected by many of those around Him.)
Solomon was God’s man, in God’s place, at God’s time, by God’s grace, to learn this most important truth and proclaim it with authority to those he loved. May we all listen carefully as Solomon reveals to us the true meaning to life and answer the question… “What Is Our Life If Not Lived for The Lord ?”.
TODAY’S TEXT:
Eccl 10:1-15
Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour. (2) A wise man’s heart is at his right hand; but a fool’s heart at his left. (3) Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool. (4) If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences. (5) There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler: (6) Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. (7) I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth. (8) He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him. (9) Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby. (10) If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct. (11) Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better. (12) The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. (13) The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. (14) A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him? (15) The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.
All it takes is one dead fly to contaminate a jar of medicine, just like it only takes one foolish act to destroy the reputation of those who are known for living a wise and honorable life.
This is due to the nature of human beings. We all have a tendency to remember the stupid foolish acts of others instead of remembering their life in its entirety.
A wise man’s heart is at his right hand; but a fool’s heart at his left. Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.
Most of us have much better control of our right hands than our left hands. This principle is used as a picture to represent that a wise man is in control of his actions, in comparison to the fool who lacks self-control.
A fool reveals to others that he is a fool through his actions. As he progresses through life his wisest choices show himself to be a fool.
If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.
When those in authority oppose you, remind yourself that you are under their authority. Do not try to exalt yourself against them. When we submit to higher authorities, it encourages peace between our authorities and ourselves.
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler: Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.
There is a harmful action that Solomon saw that was commonly displayed by rulers…a ruler exalting a fool while demoting those who have proven themselves to be rich in wisdom. To illustrate this great inequity, Solomon described it as seeing” servants upon horses and princes walking as servants upon the earth”.
He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him. Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.
When a person sets out to be harmful to others, it will eventually come back upon his head. This speaks of our imperfect human justice system, but especially the last days when all men must stand before the Lord and answer for the life they have lived upon the earth.
One exhibit of Godly wisdom is the understanding of these principles and allowing them to direct our lives. In doing so, the wise man refrains from taking vengeance on others, realizing their will be a price to say on earth as well as in eternity.
If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.
An example of wisdom would be to sharpen an ax before using it. Why is this? Because a sharp ax takes much less effort to cut wood than using a dull ax. This is an example of the beneficial, practical, use of wisdom as we cut wood.
This helps us to understand that using wisdom does not simply aid our spiritual testimony, but it also aids us in our practical day to day walk on earth.
Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better. The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
Other examples of this same principle are enchanting a serpent so it does not bite, and the need to direct a foolish “babbler” before he does others harm with the words of his mouth. Solomon reminds us that one of the greatest benefits to having Godly wisdom is the use of gracious words in comparison to the words of fools that end up hurting others and destroying themselves.
The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him? The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.
When fools begin speaking words of foolishness they result in doing great harm to others. The result of the fool’s words are described as “damaging ravings’. A fool never runs out of things to say. He makes great promises and predictions that reveal his foolishness to all. This is because he cannot know what tomorrow will hold or what will take place later in life.
The labor of a foolish man wears out all those who labor with him because he does not know how to accomplish the goal they are setting to accomplish.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
Folks, in this section of Scripture, we find Solomon teaching us many harmful aspects to foolishness that is allowed to affect our lives:
- Foolishness does great harm to our Christian testimony.
- Foolishness not exercise control of our life, and displays itself in our life
- Foolishness leads us to willfully opposes a ruler and bring down his wrath upon us.
- Foolishness leads to the exaltation of fools and demotion of wise men.
- Foolishness harms others and returns to the head of the foolish.
- Wisdom holds both spiritual and temporal benefits to the wise
- Foolish words discourages others while harming the fool
- Foolishness leads to unmet goals and weariness of its followers.
Solomon’s pursuit of the meaning of life included:
| 1. | 2:1-3 | The pursuit of carnal desires (the base pleasures found in a fallen world) |
| 2. | 2:4-11 | The pursuit of material possessions through human labors |
| 3. | 2:12-17 | The pursuit of worldly wisdom, madness and folly |
| 4. | 2:18-23 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #1 |
| 5. | 2:24-26 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #2 |
| 6. | 3:1-8 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #1 |
| 7. | 3:9-15 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #2 |
| 8. | 3:16-22 | A recognition of our need of Christ to see the nature and purpose of our life. |
| 9. | 4:1-3 | A recognition that never being born is better than the sufferings of this life. |
| 10. | 4:4-16 | The pursuit of earthly wisdom, diligence and living responsibly |
| 11. | 5:1-7 | The pursuit of worldly vows, contracts, and promises |
| 12. | 5:8-17 | The pursuit of worldly riches |
| 13. | 5:18-20 | A recognition that enjoyment of this earthly life is God’s gracious gift to man |
| 14. | 6:1-2 | A recognition of man’s inability to enjoy that which God has given to him. |
| 15. | 6:3-10 | A recognition of man’s sinfulness, mortality and need of humility before God |
| 16. | 6:11-12 | A recognition of the vanity of all that lies under the sun. |
| 17. | 7:1-10 | The pursuit of prideful living |
| 18. | 7:11-23 | A recognition of the value of Godly wisdom |
| 19. | 7:24-29 | The pursuit of Godly enabling |
| 20. | 8:1-5 | The pursuit of proper submission to authority based upon Godly wisdom |
| 21. | 8:6-15 | A recognition man needs Godly wisdom because he cannot control his own life nor see the eternal benefits of service to the Lord. |
| 22. | 8:16-17 | A recognition that men cannot fully understand the work of God on earth |
| 23. | 9:1-3 | A recognition that righteous and wicked share common life events |
| 24. | 9:4-12 | A recognition that life is better then death |
| 25. | 9:13-18 | A recognition of the excellence and rejection of Godly wisdom |
| 26. | 10:1-15 | A recognition of the dangers of foolishness |
Homepage… http://www.settledinheaven.org
Text Blog… http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com
Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com
Ecclesiastes: Chapter 9 Verses 13-18
What Is Your Life If Not Lived For The Lord? (Part 29)
INTRODUCTION:
Solomon addresses himself as “the Preacher”. He is the one that will proclaim the spritiual truths of God to those in his nation and to Christians throughout time.
Keep in mind, Solomon learned these truths by trying to find the meaning to life through experiencing all this world has to offer. Solomon was uniquely suited to learn these lessons and share these truths with the people of God…
First of all, very few men possess sufficient wealth and power to be able to sample all this world has to offer (1 Kings 10:23).
Secondly, only Solomon and a few others throughout time, have been universally respected causing his teachings to be taken very seriously and thoughtfully by all (1 Kings 4:30-34). (Keep in mind, even Christ Himself and His teachings were rejected by many of those around Him.)
Solomon was God’s man, in God’s place, at God’s time, by God’s grace, to learn this most important truth and proclaim it with authority to those he loved. May we all listen carefully as Solomon reveals to us the true meaning to life and answer the question… “What Is Our Life If Not Lived for The Lord ?”.
TODAY’S TEXT:
Eccl 9:13-18
(13) This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me: (14) There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: (15) Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. (16) Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. (17) The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. (18) Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me: There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.
As Solomon observed the role of one seemingly insignificant woman who saved the city of Abel which was on the brink of defeat, he was reminded of the great value of wisdom…
2Sa 20:15-22 – “And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down. Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee. And when he was come near unto her, the woman said, Art thou Joab? And he answered, I am he. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thine handmaid. And he answered, I do hear. Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter. I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD? And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy. The matter is not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the king, even against David: deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall. Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.”
This poor woman exercised wisdom by searching out the reason behind Joab’s attack on her city and came up with a solution that saved the inhabitants of her city while satisfying Joab’s demands.
Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.
Based upon this event, and probably others, Solomon comes to the conclusion that wisdom holds much more value than brute force. The words of men who speak wisely without drawing attention to themselves should be given much more weight than the words of foolish rulers who cry aloud, attracting attention and demanding to be heard by all.
However, the world does not recognize this principle so it rejects wisdom. Many times the problems that face this world could easily be resolved through wisdom, however, they remain unresolved because the “wise way” is not the “method of choice” in today’s society. Our foolish rulers scream and demand to be heard and followed when most of them are leading us down the path of spiritual defeat. These type of fools can do much harm to our world and to the wisdom that quietly resides in it.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
Folks, in today’s society we need to take heed to the words of wise men, not necessarily those who possess great authority, fame, or riches. Sadly, it seems as if these are the very people that our society seeks to hear and follow.
May the Lord raise up not only Godly men of wisdom but an attitude of willingness to hear and follow their words in the face of the multitude of trials that face our country, churches, and families.
Solomon’s pursuit of the meaning of life included:
| 1. | 2:1-3 | The pursuit of carnal desires (the base pleasures found in a fallen world) |
| 2. | 2:4-11 | The pursuit of material possessions through human labors |
| 3. | 2:12-17 | The pursuit of worldly wisdom, madness and folly |
| 4. | 2:18-23 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #1 |
| 5. | 2:24-26 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #2 |
| 6. | 3:1-8 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #1 |
| 7. | 3:9-15 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #2 |
| 8. | 3:16-22 | A recognition of our need of Christ to see the nature and purpose of our life. |
| 9. | 4:1-3 | A recognition that never being born is better than the sufferings of this life. |
| 10. | 4:4-16 | The pursuit of earthly wisdom, diligence and living responsibly |
| 11. | 5:1-7 | The pursuit of worldly vows, contracts, and promises |
| 12. | 5:8-17 | The pursuit of worldly riches |
| 13. | 5:18-20 | A recognition that enjoyment of this earthly life is God’s gracious gift to man |
| 14. | 6:1-2 | A recognition of man’s inability to enjoy that which God has given to him. |
| 15. | 6:3-10 | A recognition of man’s sinfulness, mortality and need of humility before God |
| 16. | 6:11-12 | A recognition of the vanity of all that lies under the sun. |
| 17. | 7:1-10 | The pursuit of prideful living |
| 18. | 7:11-23 | A recognition of the value of Godly wisdom |
| 19. | 7:24-29 | The pursuit of Godly enabling |
| 20. | 8:1-5 | The pursuit of proper submission to authority based upon Godly wisdom |
| 21. | 8:6-15 | A recognition man needs Godly wisdom because he cannot control his own life nor see the eternal benefits of service to the Lord. |
| 22. | 8:16-17 | A recognition that men cannot fully understand the work of God on earth |
| 23. | 9:1-3 | A recognition that righteous and wicked share common life events |
| 24. | 9:4-12 | A recognition that life is better then death |
| 25. | 9:13-18 | A recognition of the excellence and rejection of Godly wisdom |
Homepage… http://www.settledinheaven.org
Text Blog… http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com
Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com
Ecclesiastes: Chapter 9 Verses 4-12
What Is Your Life If Not Lived For The Lord? (Part 28)
INTRODUCTION:
Solomon addresses himself as “the Preacher”. He is the one that will proclaim the spritiual truths of God to those in his nation and to Christians throughout time.
Keep in mind, Solomon learned these truths by trying to find the meaning to life through experiencing all this world has to offer. Solomon was uniquely suited to learn these lessons and share these truths with the people of God…
First of all, very few men possess sufficient wealth and power to be able to sample all this world has to offer (1 Kings 10:23).
Secondly, only Solomon and a few others throughout time, have been universally respected causing his teachings to be taken very seriously and thoughtfully by all (1 Kings 4:30-34). (Keep in mind, even Christ Himself and His teachings were rejected by many of those around Him.)
Solomon was God’s man, in God’s place, at God’s time, by God’s grace, to learn this most important truth and proclaim it with authority to those he loved. May we all listen carefully as Solomon reveals to us the true meaning to life and answer the question… “What Is Our Life If Not Lived for The Lord ?”.
TODAY’S TEXT:
Eccl 9:4-12
(4) For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion. (5) For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. (6) Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun. (7) Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. (8) Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment. (9) Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun. (10) Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. (11) I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. (12) For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion. For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.
Solomon came to understand that as long as we possess physical life we have hope of forgiveness, salvation and an eternity with the Lord. It is far better to hold a position of low estate (such as a menial dog) who is alive, than to be a lion (a regal, universally respected beast) who no longer living upon this earth.
Those who are alive know they are facing death and can prepare for it by turning to Christ, in faith.
This is compared to those who are dead who have no knowledge of what is taking place on the earth. They no longer have any opportunity for salvation and service to Christ which will lead to their eternal rewards. They are so separated from this earth, that memories of their existence and works have been forgotten. Their earthly works have ceased and they no longer can share in anything that takes place on the earth.
What must be done to prepare for eternity and serve Christ must be done while we are yet alive on the earth.
Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment. Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
Solomon now addresses those who have prepared for eternity and now can enjoy their remaining time on earth. There is no reason for the Christian to not be joyous. The Lord has blessed us with our physical life and the opportunity to prepare for eternity. He then graced us with repentance and faith enabling us to receive forgiveness and the hope of eternal life. Joyful living, enjoying creation around us, and having opportunities for continuing service to Christ are the blessings that Christians are given “under the sun”.
In previous chapters, Solomon has been showing us that for men without Christ physical life is vain. However, in this chapter he is explaining that, for those who have trusted in Christ, life can be of great joy and pleasure when it is used in service to Christ.
This is why, as Christians, we are to do everything to the best of our ability. All that we do is important in this earth, because we are a reflection of Christ on this earth. Everything we do (in one way or another) can, and should, reveal Christ to those around us. Therefore we are to do our best in everything we do.
I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.
In comparison to the saved, Solomon turns his attention back to the general condition of mankind on this earth. He sees that, in many ways, the world is not fair. This world does not always rightly reward those who excel. It seems as if reaping due rewards for our labors and excellence is under the control of chance… “being in the right place at the right time’.
However, as Christians, we understand that the Lord is in control of all, including the rewarding of those who excel. Eventually all will be made right by the Lord. This is much like fishes and birds who freely live without care, eventually, suddenly are taken into a net or snare. Likewise all men who seem to not feel the results and rewards of their actions will suddenly be brought to justice by the Lord.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
When a man does not use the opportunity of physical life to come to Christ, life on earth is vain and without lasting value. All is wasted effort with no lasting, eternal rewards. For those who use their physical life to prepare for eternity by trusting in Christ, they can find great joy and satisfaction as they live a life sharing Christ with others.
Keep in mind, although there are no guaranteed earthly rewards for our labors, the Lord is in control. In eternity, we are promised for justice to be done and rewards to be given for our faithfulness. We are to do all we can, to the best of our abilities to show Christ to others, as we live our daily lives on earth. We can know by faith, that our efforts will be rewarded and the Lord will sovereignly, by His grace, use our testimony to save others around us.
Solomon’s pursuit of the meaning of life included:
| 1. | 2:1-3 | The pursuit of carnal desires (the base pleasures found in a fallen world) |
| 2. | 2:4-11 | The pursuit of material possessions through human labors |
| 3. | 2:12-17 | The pursuit of worldly wisdom, madness and folly |
| 4. | 2:18-23 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #1 |
| 5. | 2:24-26 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #2 |
| 6. | 3:1-8 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #1 |
| 7. | 3:9-15 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #2 |
| 8. | 3:16-22 | A recognition of our need of Christ to see the nature and purpose of our life. |
| 9. | 4:1-3 | A recognition that never being born is better than the sufferings of this life. |
| 10. | 4:4-16 | The pursuit of earthly wisdom, diligence and living responsibly |
| 11. | 5:1-7 | The pursuit of worldly vows, contracts, and promises |
| 12. | 5:8-17 | The pursuit of worldly riches |
| 13. | 5:18-20 | A recognition that enjoyment of this earthly life is God’s gracious gift to man |
| 14. | 6:1-2 | A recognition of man’s inability to enjoy that which God has given to him. |
| 15. | 6:3-10 | A recognition of man’s sinfulness, mortality and need of humility before God |
| 16. | 6:11-12 | A recognition of the vanity of all that lies under the sun. |
| 17. | 7:1-10 | The pursuit of prideful living |
| 18. | 7:11-23 | A recognition of the value of Godly wisdom |
| 19. | 7:24-29 | The pursuit of Godly enabling |
| 20. | 8:1-5 | The pursuit of proper submission to authority based upon Godly wisdom |
| 21. | 8:6-15 | A recognition man needs Godly wisdom because he cannot control his own life nor see the eternal benefits of service to the Lord. |
| 22. | 8:16-17 | A recognition that men cannot fully understand the work of God on earth |
| 23. | 9:1-3 | A recognition that righteous and wicked share common life events |
| 24. | 9:4-12 | A recognition that life is better then death |
Homepage… http://www.settledinheaven.org
Text Blog… http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com
Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com
Ecclesiastes: Chapter 9 Verses 1-3
What Is Your Life If Not Lived For The Lord? (Part 27)
INTRODUCTION:
Solomon addresses himself as “the Preacher”. He is the one that will proclaim the spiritual truths of God to those in his nation and to Christians throughout time.
Keep in mind, Solomon learned these truths by trying to find the meaning to life through experiencing all this world has to offer. Solomon was uniquely suited to learn these lessons and share these truths with the people of God…
First of all, very few men possess sufficient wealth and power to be able to sample all this world has to offer (1 Kings 10:23).
Secondly, only Solomon and a few others throughout time, have been universally respected causing his teachings to be taken very seriously and thoughtfully by all (1 Kings 4:30-34). (Keep in mind, even Christ Himself and His teachings were rejected by many of those around Him.)
Solomon was God’s man, in God’s place, at God’s time, by God’s grace, to learn this most important truth and proclaim it with authority to those he loved. May we all listen carefully as Solomon reveals to us the true meaning to life and answer the question… “What Is Our Life If Not Lived for The Lord ?”.
TODAY’S TEXT:
Eccl 9:1-3
For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them. (2) All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath. (3) This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God:
Solomon set his desires to publically declare that those who are righteous, possessing Godly wisdom, and all that they do are protected and led by the hand of God. God is actively intervening in the lives of His people. He is leading them and watching over them as they seek to serve the Lord as they live their lives on earth.
no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them. All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.
The full spectrum of life events is experienced by both the righteous and the wicked. Many times we cannot see the love and care of God coming upon His people. His people, just like the wicked, still face trials, hardships, and sorrows in this life.
Because of this we cannot perceive whom God loves or hates through the events that take place on earth. In spite of this, we can be certain that God’s love and care remains upon His people.
This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.
There is one destructive characteristic that is shared by all mankind and there is one event that touches the lives of everyone.
All men share in possessing the character of a fallen sinful creature. Their desires are full of wickedness and obsessive pride rules in the heart of all. Because of their fallen, sinful nature all mankind faces removal from this earth through physical death.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
Folks, as God’s people, we should rest assured that God loves us, protects us, and leads us on a daily basis. Although we realize that all of life’s events are shared by both lost and saved, it is no reason for us to doubt the Lord’s personal intervention and enablement of His people.
As we look about us we are constantly reminded of the great need of shining as lights in the midst of a sin darkened world. All men are touched by sin, condemned to physical death, and in desperate need of Christ in their lives.
May we all seek to show Christ to others through our words, actions and lifestyles, exercising confidence that He is with us protecting us and leading us every step of the way.
Solomon’s pursuit of the meaning of life included:
| 1. | 2:1-3 | The pursuit of carnal desires (the base pleasures found in a fallen world) |
| 2. | 2:4-11 | The pursuit of material possessions through human labors |
| 3. | 2:12-17 | The pursuit of worldly wisdom, madness and folly |
| 4. | 2:18-23 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #1 |
| 5. | 2:24-26 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #2 |
| 6. | 3:1-8 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #1 |
| 7. | 3:9-15 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #2 |
| 8. | 3:16-22 | A recognition of our need of Christ to see the nature and purpose of our life. |
| 9. | 4:1-3 | A recognition that never being born is better than the sufferings of this life. |
| 10. | 4:4-16 | The pursuit of earthly wisdom, diligence and living responsibly |
| 11. | 5:1-7 | The pursuit of worldly vows, contracts, and promises |
| 12. | 5:8-17 | The pursuit of worldly riches |
| 13. | 5:18-20 | A recognition that enjoyment of this earthly life is God’s gracious gift to man |
| 14. | 6:1-2 | A recognition of man’s inability to enjoy that which God has given to him. |
| 15. | 6:3-10 | A recognition of man’s sinfulness, mortality and need of humility before God |
| 16. | 6:11-12 | A recognition of the vanity of all that lies under the sun. |
| 17. | 7:1-10 | The pursuit of prideful living |
| 18. | 7:11-23 | The recognition of the value of Godly wisdom |
| 19. | 7:24-29 | The pursuit of Godly enabling |
| 20. | 8:1-5 | The pursuit of proper submission to authority based upon Godly wisdom |
| 21. | 8:6-15 | The recognition man needs Godly wisdom because he cannot control his own life nor see the eternal benefits of service to the Lord. |
| 22. | 8:16-17 | The recognition that men cannot fully understand the work of God on earth |
| 23. | 9:1-3 | The Recognition That Righteous and Wicked Share Common Life Events |
Homepage… http://www.settledinheaven.org
Text Blog… http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com
Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com
Ecclesiastes: Chapter 8 Verses 16-17
What Is Your Life If Not Lived For The Lord? (Part 26)
INTRODUCTION:
Solomon addresses himself as “the Preacher”. He is the one that will proclaim the spritiual truths of God to those in his nation and to Christians throughout time.
Keep in mind, Solomon learned these truths by trying to find the meaning to life through experiencing all this world has to offer. Solomon was uniquely suited to learn these lessons and share these truths with the people of God…
First of all, very few men possess sufficient wealth and power to be able to sample all this world has to offer (1 Kings 10:23).
Secondly, only Solomon and a few others throughout time, have been universally respected causing his teachings to be taken very seriously and thoughtfully by all (1 Kings 4:30-34). (Keep in mind, even Christ Himself and His teachings were rejected by many of those around Him.)
Solomon was God’s man, in God’s place, at God’s time, by God’s grace, to learn this most important truth and proclaim it with authority to those he loved. May we all listen carefully as Solomon reveals to us the true meaning to life and answer the question… “What Is Our Life If Not Lived for The Lord ?”.
TODAY’S TEXT:
Eccl 8:16-17 – When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:) Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:)
Solomon looked for wisdom to understand the purpose behind the events that take place in this world. He did so because he saw that there were men that had many sleepless nights pursing the answer to this question.
We all have a great desire to understand the “why?” behind the events that we see taking place around us. Why does the good man suffer? Why does the wicked man seem to go untouched in this world? Why are there wars? Why do tragedies of nature (hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, etc) take place? The list is endless.
Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.
Solomon then looked to the Lord for the answers to the “why?” questions of life. He found that man cannot begin to come to an answer to all the whys. The workings of God are far higher than that which is under the sun. Even the wisest of Godly men can never come to a complete understanding of God’s works. It will only be with the glorification of the saints’ bodies that we will be able to understand the works of God in their fullness.
Psa 77:19 – “Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.”
Rom 11:33 – “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!”
Job 11:7 – “Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?”
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
Folks, although all of us have “Why?” questions concerning the events that take place in the world around us, none of us will be able to find a complete answer to our questions this side of heaven.
Our Lord is so great, He controls all that is around us (Daniel 4:35). By faith, we can know with certainty, that every event that takes place, both the good and the bad events, take place for His glory and the good of His people (James 1:3-4, Romans 8:28).
May we all learn to trust Him more during every one of life’s events, knowing that, although we can never understand all the details of His workings, He is always with us working for our good…. and let that be enough.
Solomon’s pursuit of the meaning of life included:
| 1. | 2:1-3 | The pursuit of carnal desires (the base pleasures found in a fallen world) |
| 2. | 2:4-11 | The pursuit of material possessions through human labors |
| 3. | 2:12-17 | The pursuit of worldly wisdom, madness and folly |
| 4. | 2:18-23 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #1 |
| 5. | 2:24-26 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #2 |
| 6. | 3:1-8 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #1 |
| 7. | 3:9-15 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #2 |
| 8. | 3:16-22 | A recognition of our need of Christ to see the nature and purpose of our life. |
| 9. | 4:1-3 | A recognition that never being born is better than the sufferings of this life. |
| 10. | 4:4-16 | The pursuit of earthly wisdom, diligence and living responsibly |
| 11. | 5:1-7 | The pursuit of worldly vows, contracts, and promises |
| 12. | 5:8-17 | The pursuit of worldly riches |
| 13. | 5:18-20 | A recognition that enjoyment of this earthly life is God’s gracious gift to man |
| 14. | 6:1-2 | A recognition of man’s inability to enjoy that which God has given to him. |
| 15. | 6:3-10 | A recognition of man’s sinfulness, mortality and need of humility before God |
| 16. | 6:11-12 | A recognition of the vanity of all that lies under the sun. |
| 17. | 7:1-10 | The pursuit of prideful living |
| 18. | 7:11-23 | The recognition of the value of Godly wisdom |
| 19. | 7:24-29 | The pursuit of Godly enabling |
| 20. | 8:1-5 | The pursuit of proper submission to authority based upon Godly wisdom |
| 21. | 8:6-15 | The recognition man needs Godly wisdom because he cannot control his own life nor see the eternal benefits of service to the Lord. |
| 22. | 8:16-17 | The recognition that men cannot fully understand the work of God on earth |
Homepage… http://www.settledinheaven.org
Text Blog… http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com
Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com
Ecclesiastes: Chapter 8 Verses 6-15
What Is Your Life If Not Lived For The Lord? (Part 25)
INTRODUCTION:
Solomon addresses himself as “the Preacher”. He is the one that will proclaim the spritiual truths of God to those in his nation and to Christians throughout time.
Keep in mind, Solomon learned these truths by trying to find the meaning to life through experiencing all this world has to offer. Solomon was uniquely suited to learn these lessons and share these truths with the people of God…
First of all, very few men possess sufficient wealth and power to be able to sample all this world has to offer (1 Kings 10:23).
Secondly, only Solomon and a few others throughout time, have been universally respected causing his teachings to be taken very seriously and thoughtfully by all (1 Kings 4:30-34). (Keep in mind, even Christ Himself and His teachings were rejected by many of those around Him.)
Solomon was God’s man, in God’s place, at God’s time, by God’s grace, to learn this most important truth and proclaim it with authority to those he loved. May we all listen carefully as Solomon reveals to us the true meaning to life and answer the question… “What Is Our Life If Not Lived for The Lord ?”.
TODAY’S TEXT:
Eccl 8:6-15 –
(6) Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him. (7) For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be? (8) There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it. (9) All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt. (10) And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity. (11) Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. (12) Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him: (13) But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God. (14) There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity. (15) Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
Eccl 8:6-15 –
Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him. For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?
To fulfill every purpose of the Lord under the sun, there must be a time (an opportunity open for us to serve) and a judgement (answering to the Lord for our level of faithfulness in that opportunity). These can be seen through the exercise of Godly wisdom. Those who are wise can see beyond this physical world. They can understand the need to be faithful in the opportunities opened to us, they understand that eternity holds a time of reckoning between God and every man on earth.
Lost mankind, due to their inability to please the Lord in any area of opportunity, finds themselves in a miserable condition. Apart from God’s gracious intervention in their lives, they are condemned to living lives of disobedience with God’s hand of judgment awaiting them…
Job 14:1-5 Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. And dost thou open thine eyes upon such an one, and bringest me into judgment with thee? Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one. Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass;
There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.
Not only does man lack the ability to serve the Lord, but he also lacks the ability to avoid death, or delay its coming. Physical death is like a war against man that he always loses. There is no escaping that war, all men eventually face physical death.
Even Satan himself, and all the powers of wickedness in this world, cannot deliver men from death.
All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt. And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity.
Solomon saw that wicked men abused those who are under their authority. He saw them live their lives selfishly, only considering their own lustful desires. Not only did Solomon see these things, but he also desired to come to understand why these things are so.
Even though the wicked cruelly ruled over those under their authority, Solomon saw that death took them from this world. Although they lived selfishly, doing all they could to escape death’s grasp, it was all to no avail.
Solomon saw that living selfish lives misusing others only holds short-term gain and, when all is said and done, holds no eternal gain.
Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him: But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.
Solomon saw that fallen mankind loved for immediate gratification without considering the long term results of their actions.
One reason for this is because, many times, the human governments of this world do not faithfully uphold their God-given responsibility to swiftly punish the wicked acts of man. This allows men to commit many transgressions without receiving any punishment for those sins.
Also please keep in mind, although the Lord promises to always punish the sin of the lost, due to His longsuffering and mercy, He withholds His eternal judgment until the death of the transgressor. He does this to give lost men an opportunity to repent of their sins and trust Him as Lord and Savior.
Because of man’s judgment being delayed, lost men can sin freely and seem to live long happy lives with no retribution for their actions. In spite of all of this, Solomon knew that eventually lost men would stand before the Lord and feel the results of their sins. The Lord would not bless them with extended life nor happiness, at their appointed time He would take them and place them in eternal judgment.
In contrast, those who serve the Lord (which proves they have experienced genuine salvation work in their hearts), will most certainly be blessed of God eternally.
There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity.
Solomon also noted that many of the same events of life under the sun happen to both the wicked and the righteous. Based upon Solomon’s observations of our physical world, he sees that there is no reason to serve the Lord and live righteous lives.
Because of this Solomon comes to the conclusion that, if we limit our investigation to this physical world,….
Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.
Men should simply enjoy their physical life on earth and “party it up” because there is no benefit to service to the Lord.
However, we must keep in mind that, Solomon tells us all of this to emphasize the importance of Godly wisdom for our lives. When we possess Godly wisdom, our sight is not limited to the things found in the world “under the sun”. With Godly wisdom, we have the ability to understand that the benefits of serving the Lord are found in eternity and not necessarily in the world in which we live.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
May we all have reaffirmed in our hearts the importance of having Godly wisdom in a world that is not under our control nor rewards faithful servants of the Lord. For it is with this Godly wisdom that we can see the true benefits to faithful service to the Lord.
Solomon’s pursuit of the meaning of life included:
| 1. | 2:1-3 | The pursuit of carnal desires (the base pleasures found in a fallen world) |
| 2. | 2:4-11 | The pursuit of material possessions through human labors |
| 3. | 2:12-17 | The pursuit of worldly wisdom, madness and folly |
| 4. | 2:18-23 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #1 |
| 5. | 2:24-26 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #2 |
| 6. | 3:1-8 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #1 |
| 7. | 3:9-15 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #2 |
| 8. | 3:16-22 | A recognition of our need of Christ to see the nature and purpose of our life. |
| 9. | 4:1-3 | A recognition that never being born is better than the sufferings of this life. |
| 10. | 4:4-16 | The pursuit of earthly wisdom, diligence and living responsibly |
| 11. | 5:1-7 | The pursuit of worldly vows, contracts, and promises |
| 12. | 5:8-17 | The pursuit of worldly riches |
| 13. | 5:18-20 | A recognition that enjoyment of this earthly life is God’s gracious gift to man |
| 14. | 6:1-2 | A recognition of man’s inability to enjoy that which God has given to him. |
| 15. | 6:3-10 | A recognition of man’s sinfulness, mortality and need of humility before God |
| 16. | 6:11-12 | A recognition of the vanity of all that lies under the sun. |
| 17. | 7:1-10 | The pursuit of prideful living |
| 18. | 7:11-23 | The recognition of the value of Godly wisdom |
| 19. | 7:24-29 | The pursuit of Godly enabling |
| 20. | 8:1-5 | The pursuit of proper submission to authority based upon Godly wisdom |
| 21. | 8:6-15 | The recognition man needs Godly wisdom because he cannot control his own life nor see the eternal benefits of service to the Lord. |
Homepage… http://www.settledinheaven.org
Text Blog… http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com
Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com
Ecclesiastes: Chapter 8 Verses 1-5
What Is Your Life If Not Lived For The Lord? (Part 24)
INTRODUCTION:
Solomon addresses himself as “the Preacher”. He is the one that will proclaim the spritiual truths of God to those in his nation and to Christians throughout time.
Keep in mind, Solomon learned these truths by trying to find the meaning to life through experiencing all this world has to offer. Solomon was uniquely suited to learn these lessons and share these truths with the people of God…
First of all, very few men possess sufficient wealth and power to be able to sample all this world has to offer (1 Kings 10:23).
Secondly, only Solomon and a few others throughout time, have been universally respected causing his teachings to be taken very seriously and thoughtfully by all (1 Kings 4:30-34). (Keep in mind, even Christ Himself and His teachings were rejected by many of those around Him.)
Solomon was God’s man, in God’s place, at God’s time, by God’s grace, to learn this most important truth and proclaim it with authority to those he loved. May we all listen carefully as Solomon reveals to us the true meaning to life and answer the question… “What Is Our Life If Not Lived for The Lord ?”.
TODAY’S TEXT:
Eccl 8:1-5 – Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God. Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him. Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou? Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man’s heart discerneth both time and judgment.
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing?
True Godly wisdom is a rare thing. Many have a worldy type of wisdom, but few have a wisdom that can understand and explain the workings of the Lord and the application of His truths to our lives.
a man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.
With the receipt of Godly wisdom comes joy, and kindness of heart as the wise man applies God’s Word to his own life and learns the importance of treating others with a Godly love and grace.
I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.
Solomon gives us the advice to obey the higher authorities of this world as long as they do not contradict the promises of obedience we have given to the Lord. We are to remain loyal servants of the king, standing in his presence awaiting his commands. If we find ourselves disobeying his commands we are to not remain in disobedience but turn back to him with a repentant heart.
Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him. Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou? Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man’s heart discerneth both time and judgment.
Why must we take great care in obeying higher authorities? It is because they possess great authority. When they are set against us, they can do great harm to us and those around us. The king’s authority allows him to simply speak and have his words come to pass. No one can question his doings.
This is why we all need to obey the higher powers. Then the king will not turn against us. When a man is truly wise he will know when it is proper to obey the king and what judgment he will face if he disobeys.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
Possessing Godly wisdom will change our lives. It will give us the ability to see things as they actually are, through the lens of the will of God for our lives. It will open up to us the ability to apply God’s Word to our lives and treat others in a kind, Godly manner. Finally, it will lead us to submit to higher authorities under the umbrella of the highest authority, the Lord Himself.
May we all seek the gracious gift of Godly wisdom that flows from our Lord through His Word.
Solomon’s pursuit of the meaning of life included:
| 1. | 2:1-3 | The pursuit of carnal desires (the base pleasures found in a fallen world) |
| 2. | 2:4-11 | The pursuit of material possessions through human labors |
| 3. | 2:12-17 | The pursuit of worldly wisdom, madness and folly |
| 4. | 2:18-23 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #1 |
| 5. | 2:24-26 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #2 |
| 6. | 3:1-8 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #1 |
| 7. | 3:9-15 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #2 |
| 8. | 3:16-22 | A recognition of our need of Christ to see the nature and purpose of our life. |
| 9. | 4:1-3 | A recognition that never being born is better than the sufferings of this life. |
| 10. | 4:4-16 | The pursuit of earthly wisdom, diligence and living responsibly |
| 11. | 5:1-7 | The pursuit of worldly vows, contracts, and promises |
| 12. | 5:8-17 | The pursuit of worldly riches |
| 13. | 5:18-20 | A recognition that enjoyment of this earthly life is God’s gracious gift to man |
| 14. | 6:1-2 | A recognition of man’s inability to enjoy that which God has given to him. |
| 15. | 6:3-10 | A recognition of man’s sinfulness, mortality and need of humility before God |
| 16. | 6:11-12 | A recognition of the vanity of all that lies under the sun. |
| 17. | 7:1-10 | The pursuit of prideful living |
| 18. | 7:11-23 | The recognition of the value of Godly wisdom |
| 19. | 7:24-29 | The pursuit of Godly enabling |
| 20. | 8:1-5 | The pursuit of proper submission to authority based upon Godly wisdom |
Homepage… http://www.settledinheaven.org
Text Blog… http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com
Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com
Ecclesiastes: Chapter 7 Verses 24-29
What Is Your Life If Not Lived For The Lord? (Part 23)
INTRODUCTION:
Solomon addresses himself as “the Preacher”. He is the one that will proclaim the spritiual truths of God to those in his nation and to Christians throughout time.
Keep in mind, Solomon learned these truths by trying to find the meaning to life through experiencing all this world has to offer. Solomon was uniquely suited to learn these lessons and share these truths with the people of God…
First of all, very few men possess sufficient wealth and power to be able to sample all this world has to offer (1 Kings 10:23).
Secondly, only Solomon and a few others throughout time, have been universally respected causing his teachings to be taken very seriously and thoughtfully by all (1 Kings 4:30-34). (Keep in mind, even Christ Himself and His teachings were rejected by many of those around Him.)
Solomon was God’s man, in God’s place, at God’s time, by God’s grace, to learn this most important truth and proclaim it with authority to those he loved. May we all listen carefully as Solomon reveals to us the true meaning to life and answer the question… “What Is Our Life If Not Lived for The Lord ?”.
TODAY’S TEXT:
Eccl 7:24-29
That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out? I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness: And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her. Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account: Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found. Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out? I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:
Solomon was the first to admit that he could never perfectly come to an understanding of all the counsels of God and how He worked upon the earth. Although he greatly desired to understand the role of Godly wisdom, earthly wisdom and foolishness in the world around him, he could only use his limited spiritual and human abilities to come to any conclusion on the subject. He was freely admitting that his understanding of all these things was limited by his carnal, fallen, human nature.
And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.
Through Solomon’s investigation, he recognizes that a seductive woman who seeks to ensnare men and hold them in carnal sins, produces worse pain, sorrow, and loss than death itself. Of course, this woman can be speaking of any source of temptation that confronts men and can derail them and hold them captive, as they seek to serve the Lord.
He is clearly stating that it is far better for a Christian to be taken from this world than to become ensnared in sin and rendered useless for the cause of Christ.
Solomon observes that although the seduction of sin can be very powerful, it is possible for men to escape it through the intervention of the Lord. In comparison the lost, seeking to escape from her grasp, realizes they cannot escape her grasp because they do not have the Lord in their lives.
Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account: Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found. Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
Solomon, the teacher (after a very systematic, detailed examination) has not found one man in a thousand, who could overcome the seduction of sin by their own merit. In other words, there are no man, or woman, that could be found on the earth who perfectly rules over their flesh and lives a life of absolute sinlessness.
(Keep in mind the word “thousand” represents “all or every” as in Psa 50:10 where we are told the Lord owns “all the cattle on a thousand hills” ie…. He owns cattle on all the hills. When Solomon says he cannot find a man among a thousand, he is saying he could find no man among them all. Likewise he could find no perfect woman among all women.)
Although God has made man to be perfect and sinless, however, in a fallen man’s heart they always follow their own sinful desires due to the fallen nature that indwells us all.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
Solomon came to understand the inability for any of us to come to a full understanding of the need for Godly wisdom and strength in the fallen world around us. Apart from the Lord’s intervention in our life, we have no chance of ever coming to an understanding of our great need of Him and His enabling to overcome sin.
May we all remember that resisting temptation only comes through the gracious enabling of the Lord. As such, may we all honor and praise Him exclusively when we find ourselves victorious over the sins that lie in our path as we walk life upon the earth.
Solomon’s pursuit of the meaning of life included:
| 1. | 2:1-3 | The pursuit of carnal desires (the base pleasures found in a fallen world) |
| 2. | 2:4-11 | The pursuit of material possessions through human labors |
| 3. | 2:12-17 | The pursuit of worldly wisdom, madness and folly |
| 4. | 2:18-23 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #1 |
| 5. | 2:24-26 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #2 |
| 6. | 3:1-8 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #1 |
| 7. | 3:9-15 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #2 |
| 8. | 3:16-22 | A recognition of our need of Christ to see the nature and purpose of our life. |
| 9. | 4:1-3 | A recognition that never being born is better than the sufferings of this life. |
| 10. | 4:4-16 | The pursuit of earthly wisdom, diligence and living responsibly |
| 11. | 5:1-7 | The pursuit of worldly vows, contracts, and promises |
| 12. | 5:8-17 | The pursuit of worldly riches |
| 13. | 5:18-20 | A recognition that enjoyment of this earthly life is God’s gracious gift to man |
| 14. | 6:1-2 | A recognition of man’s inability to enjoy that which God has given to him. |
| 15. | 6:3-10 | A recognition of man’s sinfulness, mortality and need of humility before God |
| 16. | 6:11-12 | A recognition of the vanity of all that lies under the sun. |
| 17. | 7:1-10 | The pursuit of prideful living |
| 18. | 7:11-23 | The recognition of the value of Godly wisdom |
| 19. | 7:24-29 | The pursuit of Godly enabling |
Homepage… http://www.settledinheaven.org
Text Blog… http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com
Video Blog… http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
Email… settledinheaven@gmail.com
Ecclesiastes: Chapter 7 Verses 11-23
What Is Your Life If Not Lived For The Lord? (Part 22)
INTRODUCTION:
Solomon addresses himself as “the Preacher”. He is the one that will proclaim the spritiual truths of God to those in his nation and to Christians throughout time.
Keep in mind, Solomon learned these truths by trying to find the meaning to life through experiencing all this world has to offer. Solomon was uniquely suited to learn these lessons and share these truths with the people of God…
First of all, very few men possess sufficient wealth and power to be able to sample all this world has to offer (1 Kings 10:23).
Secondly, only Solomon and a few others throughout time, have been universally respected causing his teachings to be taken very seriously and thoughtfully by all (1 Kings 4:30-34). (Keep in mind, even Christ Himself and His teachings were rejected by many of those around Him.)
Solomon was God’s man, in God’s place, at God’s time, by God’s grace, to learn this most important truth and proclaim it with authority to those he loved. May we all listen carefully as Solomon reveals to us the true meaning to life and answer the question… “What Is Our Life If Not Lived for The Lord ?”.
TODAY’S TEXT:
Eccl 7:11-23 – Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him. All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness. Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all. Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others. All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.
Although there is no value to accruing wealth and leaving an inheritance to the fool; for those who possess Godly wisdom, an inheritance is a very beneficial thing. There are many beneficial uses for an inheritance which is controlled by a Godly man.
Both Godly wisdom, and wealth possessed by the wise can be used as a great protection against poverty and abuse of the wise or those around him.
The highest type of knowledge reveals that Godly wisdom gives spiritual, eternal life to those who possess it. This is because Godly wisdom leads a man to see his sinful condition; identify his Savior, Jesus Christ; and persuade him of the need to turn to Him for deliverance from his sin.
Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider:
Solomon now reminds us that the events of this life are under the absolute sovereign control of the Lord. No man can change that which the Lord has decreed. No man can make straight what He has made crooked.
In the pleasant days, be joyful and thankful to the Lord realizing He is the One that has brought it to pass. In the days of affliction, stop and think… the Lord is also in control of this and is allowing it to take place for a purpose.
God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.
The Lord does all of these things to be a constant reminder of our total, absolute reliance upon Him. He does this by constantly bringing new events into our lives, doing things in our lives we cannot change, and not allowing us to see what tomorrow holds for us.
All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness. Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
Before Solomon came to an understanding of the true meaning to life and the importance of Godly wisdom, he observed that a man who lived a lawful life died at a young age while a man who lived wickedly lived a long life.
This seemed to indicate that it is useless to pursue living a moral, lawful life because it only ends up hurting us. Likewise, we should not go to the opposite extreme because excessive lawlessness can result in living lives of imprisonment, sickness, suffering and also, at times, early death.
It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.
Based upon these examples, Solomon now reveals the true principle that we should cling to and never forget… The man that fears with Lord with a Godly type of wisdom will excel over both the earthly wise and earthly foolish man. This is because the God fearing man will use this physical life to prepare for the eternal life that is to come. He will do this by recognizing his sinful condition, recognize Christ as the only Savior, and turn from their sins to Christ in faith.
Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
Godly wisdom will lead the leaders of a city to reign in righteousness and lead others to follow the Lord. This is a greater protection to the city than ten mighty warriors who fight in their own power and are not empowered by the Lord.
The greatest reason why Godly wisdom is so important for all mankind is because all men have sinned and are separated from the Lord due to their sins. All men are in need of a Savior
Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
Another important principle that is known by the wise is to not listen to those who speak against us. When we hear them, due to our sin nature, we will turn against the speaker and seek vengeance against him. This will lead to possible mistreatment of the speaker.
If we stop and consider, we will realize that we are guilty of speaking against others and have no place to judge others who speak against us.
All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far
from me.
These are all lessons Solomon has proven to be true as he gained Godly wisdom from the Lord. This, in turn, helped him to understand the great need for wisdom in his life. However, he also came to understand that true, Godly wisdom, cannot be gained through our good works nor our desire for them. True Godly wisdom is a gift that is given by God, sovereignly, to those whom He chooses to receive it.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
Folks, throughout this lesson, we have seen the need for Godly wisdom emphasized again and again by Solomon. As Christians, may we all come to understand the great need for Godly wisdom in our lives and the need to humbly come before the Lord and seek that wisdom which cannot be gained through human merit, education, nor desire.
Likewise may those who do not know Christ, come to an understanding of their great need for Godly wisdom as well. May they see that the first step to gaining Godly wisdom is through possessing a personal relationship with Christ through repentance from sin and belief in Christ as Lord and Savior.
Solomon’s pursuit of the meaning of life included:
| 1. | 2:1-3 | The pursuit of carnal desires (the base pleasures found in a fallen world) |
| 2. | 2:4-11 | The pursuit of material possessions through human labors |
| 3. | 2:12-17 | The pursuit of worldly wisdom, madness and folly |
| 4. | 2:18-23 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #1 |
| 5. | 2:24-26 | The pursuit of responsible (frugal & wise) living to retain worldly goods Prt #2 |
| 6. | 3:1-8 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #1 |
| 7. | 3:9-15 | A recognition of the Lord’s sovereign control over all life events Prt #2 |
| 8. | 3:16-22 | A recognition of our need of Christ to see the nature and purpose of our life. |
| 9. | 4:1-3 | A recognition that never being born is better than the sufferings of this life. |
| 10. | 4:4-16 | The pursuit of earthly wisdom, diligence and living responsibly |
| 11. | 5:1-7 | The pursuit of worldly vows, contracts, and promises |
| 12. | 5:8-17 | The pursuit of worldly riches |
| 13. | 5:18-20 | A recognition that enjoyment of this earthly life is God’s gracious gift to man |
| 14. | 6:1-2 | A recognition of man’s inability to enjoy that which God has given to him. |
| 15. | 6:3-10 | A recognition of man’s sinfulness, mortality and need of humility before God |
| 16. | 6:11-12 | A recognition of the vanity of all that lies under the sun. |
| 17. | 7:1-10 | The pursuit of prideful living |
| 18. | 7:11-23 | The recognition of the value of Godly wisdom |
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