Welcome

The Reason for Life

Solomon searched for happiness Son of David and Bathsheba Ecclesiastes – autobiography 12 Chapters - 222 Verses Story of his life Theme: Search for meaning

Search for meaning to Life Eccl. 1:13-18 Wisdom King of Israel A wise man – 1 Kings 4:29-32 Demonstration – 1 Kings 3 He learned that wisdom does not bring satisfaction

Today men are trying to gain Wisdom Emphasize education More wisdom = more grief Vanity and vexation of the spirit Same end for wise and foolish

Solomon tried every form of Eccl. 2:1-3 Pleasure Laughter – merriment Wine Women 700 Wives + 300 concubines

Mankind tries every form of … Pleasure Comedy Strong Drink Sexual generation Recreation Vanity and Vexation

Solomon tried… Architecture Eccl. 2:4 Aqueducts, pools Palaces Pre-fabricated temple - 1 Kings 9 Queen of Sheba 6. “Then she said to the king: "It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. 7. However I did not believe the words until I came and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame of which I heard.” 2 Kings 10:6-7

Vanity and Vexation of the spirit Men today try …. Architecture Great building programs Houses Vanity and Vexation of the spirit

Then Solomon turned to … Gardening Eccl. 2:4-6 Vineyards Gardens Orchards Flowers Vanity and Vexation

Next he tried his hand at … Ranching Eccl. 2:7 Oxen Horses Sheep Camels Goats Vanity and Vexation

This was Also Vanity And Vexation He felt sure the answer was … Fine Arts Eccl. 2:8 … Art Collecting Music Singing Instruments This was Also Vanity And Vexation

Solomon was a man of great … Wealth Eccl. 2:9-10 Riches 1 Kings 10:27 – silver as stones Filthy Rich “He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.” Eccl. 5:10

Men today believe that … Wealth Is the goal in life He who has the most gold wins Matt. 16:26 1 Tim. 6:7-8 Solomon learned that accumulating wealth was only vanity and vexation of the spirit!

Solomon had a great Reputation Eccl. 2:16 “For there is no more remembrance of the wise than of the fool forever, Since all that now is will be forgotten in the days to come. And how does a wise man die? As the fool!”

Many today have a great Reputation But it does not last very long 1st man to walk on the moon? Infamous ruler of Iraq? Man behind the 9/11 attacks?

Why is all this Vanity ? 37 Times Useless – waste of time Not the purpose of life He tried everything But it was all Empty “What profit has a man from all his labor In which he toils under the sun?” Eccl. 1:3

Life under the Sun Life on this earth Solomon concluded that life on this earth is not worthwhile. It is only temporary. Life here is a pilgrimage !

What is the Reason for life? “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;” Eccl. 12:1 13. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Eccl. 12:13-14

The Conclusion Fear God Keep His Commandments Reverence and respect Laws of God give meaning

Why ? There will be a day of judgment God will reveal everything He will reveal the good and bad Feared God and kept His Commandments

The Reason for Life Keep His Fear God Commandments Not life on earth This is vanity and vexation Fear God Keep His Commandments

The Reason for Life “...behold, a greater than Solomon is here.” Matt. 12:42 Jesus is the solution to the reason for life.

Nelson Chapel Church of Christ 5039 Six Mile Road Maryville, Tn. 37803 www.nelsonchapelchurchofchrist.org May 27, 2018 Sermon by Arthur Pigman 2705 Druid Hill Dr. Maryville, Tn. 37804 art65ann@gmail.com CCL11325562