Ecclesiastes: Pilgrims in Exile “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecc 12:13)

Pilgrims in Exile Part 6 – Humble Yourself Before a Fearsome and Holy God

Literary Structure of Ecclesiastes David A. Dorsey (modified) A.Poem about the insignificance of life; the vanity of wisdom. (1:1-18) B. Wisdom v. folly; failure to enjoy life apart from God. (2:1 – 2:26) C.Poem about time; God’s sovereignty. (3:1-15) D. Center: Fear God; enjoy life as God’s gift. (3:16 – 6:12) C’. Poem about time revisited; God’s sovereignty. (7:1-14) B’. Wisdom v. Folly revisited; how to enjoy life. (7:15-10:19) A’. Poem about life’s brevity revisited; the value of wisdom. (10:20-12:12) Conclusion: Whole duty of man -- fear and obey God, for He will judge. (12:13-14)

Key Word: הֶבֶל hebel – 38 times A vapor. A breath. Transitory. Meaningless. Impossible to grasp. Absurd. Insignificant. Worthless. Pointless. Emptiness. A void, nothingness. Vanity. The Futility of life “under heaven”, amidst a “fallen” world.

Hebel – Creation subject to futility (Rom 8:20 )

Sermon Summary I the Preacher, wise King over Israel, tried hard to figure out the meaning of life, and – I failed. A person’s life and work “under heaven”, apart from God, is fleeting, insignificant, meaningless, futile. God made man upright, but they pursue sinful schemes. God reigns over all this “futility”. We must fear Him and obey Him. It will be well for sinners who fear Him. So -- Enjoy the journey in reverent fear and obedient submission to the sovereign Lord who will one day judge every deed.

Chapter 3:1-15 Everything in the Hands of God A sovereign God has appointed an appropriate time for everything. We should expect ups and downs. God has placed in our heart a sense that there is a greater plan, but He has not given us the ability to perceive His overall plan from beginning to end. Rightly and fully grasping the sovereignty of God should lead us to – fear Him. The Lord wants us to fear Him.

Ecclesiastes 3:16-22 God Will One Day Judge Us There is injustice in the world, but God will ultimately judge both the righteous and the wicked. Both man and animals are mortal – all return to dust. Question: Who knows where our spirit goes when we die? It’s best to simply enjoy the journey in reverend fear of -- the Lord of everything.

Ecclesiastes 3:16 – 6:12 Literary Structure Problem: world is full of injustice (3:16-22) Problem: life is full of suffering and deprivation (4:1-6) Problem: world is full of dissatisfied people (4:7-16) Center: Fear God (5:1-7) Problem: world is full of dissatisfied people (5:8-12) Problem: life is full of misfortune and deprivation (5:13-20) Problem: life is full of injustice and unfairness (6:1-12)

The Gospel According to Ecclesiastes “God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes” (7:29) “Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know it will be well with those who fear God” (8:12). “But it will not be well with the wicked…because he does not fear before God” (8:13). Therefore – “Fear God and keep His commandments” (12:13). Commandments included atonement sacrifices, repentance. Law was guardian that pointed to Jesus Christ (Gal 3:24).

Comment on Parallel Passages 3:16-22 & 6:1-12: world full of injustice – In the end, a sovereign God will judge. – Enjoy the journey; Be satisfied with what you have. 4:1-6 & 5:13-20: life is full of suffering, deprivation – Be satisfied with what God has given you. – Strive to find balance between work and rest. 4:7-16 & 5:8-12: world full of dissatisfied people – Focus on getting good friends and children instead of wealth. – Right expectations about life in this world.

Center Point Humble Yourself before a Fearsome and Holy God Reflection gives way to – Instruction. New literary unit opens and close with “imperative” forms – watch (semor) and fear (yera). An emphatic warning to “the assembly” (ecclesia) – caution, reverence, restraint, moderation, and sincerity. Great “distance” between God and humanity, even His people.

Fear the Lord and Keep His Commandments New Testament Covenant “Conduct yourself with fear throughout the time of your exile” (1 Peter 1:17). “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Php 2:12). As “exiles”, “keep your conduct…honorable” (1 Pe 2:11-12). “If you love me, keep my commands” (Jn 14:15-21; 1 Jn 5:3).

Where and How to Approach the Lord: “enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus” (Heb 10:19).

So What? Application Fear God and keep His commandments. Pursue holiness. Daily remind yourself of the distance between you and God. Preach the Gospel to yourself daily. Sanctification through repentance and faith – offer a sacrifice of a broken spirit and contrite heart. In your prayer time, use Scripture to “listen” to God. Work to gain and cultivate godly friends and family.

Pilgrims in Exile “Conduct yourself with fear throughout the time of your exile.” (1 Pe 1:17)