Ecclesiastes Vanity of Luxurious Living Ecclesiastes 2:4-6

Solomon has declared that all (worldly pursuits) is vanity He looked to wisdom, laughter, mirth and wine He also looked to luxuries and recreation – our subject today

Note in vs. 2:4-6, some 10 times, “I”, “myself” & “my” In 2:1-10, about 34 times. While Solomon in this letter is teaching a lesson, he notes that his pursuits were self-serving It was about him and what gave him meaning.

Great works (4) – building projects, various accomplishments 1 Kings 7:1-12, 9:15-19 2 Chronicles 8:1-6 Great houses (4) – 1 Kings 7:1 Gardens and orchards (5-6) – places or recreation and “parks” (paradise), pools of water Servants to manage (7) (cf. 1 Kings 4:22-23)

The pursuit of Luxury and recreation

The Bible and Luxuries Having luxury, recreation and beauty are not wrong within themselves. Good can come from such Ecclesiastes 2:2-4 Many godly men were wealthy, and used it wisely

The Bible and Luxuries Great works – and accomplishments, also not wrong within themselves. As we do out best, they may materialized BUT, when they crowd out God… Matthew 13:22, 16:26

The Bible and Luxuries Amos 6:3-7, they were at ease and not acting righteously Proverbs 30:8-9, give me neither poverty nor riches Luke 16:19, the rich man awakes in torments – he fared sumptuously every day (luxuries), but unrighteous 1 Timothy 6:9-10 – the desire to be rich

The Bible and Luxuries 1 Timothy 6:17-19, do not trust in uncertain riches, nor be haughty. Don’t forget God and do good for others Proverbs 11:28, He who trusts in riches will fall… James 5:1-5, speaks of the corrupted riches and lived in luxury neglecting their workers, etc.

The Bible and Luxuries Luke 12:16-21, parable of the rich fool. Matthew 19:21-24, the rich, young ruler. Wealth caused him to reject following God Matthew 6:24, you cannot serve both God and mammon Matthew 6:19-20, where is your treasure?

Dealing with luxuries Realize how blessed we are. Most of us possess luxuries compared to much of the world Luxuries do not guarantee safety and peace. Sometimes they rob you of it Is our pursuit the product of selfishness? James 4:1-4

Dealing with luxuries Are we content, thankful and humble? All required by Christians and associated with how we manage what we have 2 Samuel 7:1-7, David realized how blessed he was & was thankful.

Dealing with luxuries Are we content, thankful and humble? 1 Timothy 6:6-8, godliness with contentment is great gain Philippians 4:11, be content in whatever state I am in. It is hard to be content with little, but it can be HARDER to be content with much!

Dealing with luxuries Are we content, thankful and humble? 1 Timothy 6:18, are we willing to share with others? Hebrews 13:16 Realize the pursuit of pleasures will not satisfy our spiritual needs. The health and wealth gospel is a false gospel!

Dealing with luxuries Where is true beauty found? 1 Peter 3:3-4, 1 Timothy 2:9-10 Proverbs 31:30, charm is deceitful and beauty is passing. But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

Where are you seeking to find meaning in your life Where are you seeking to find meaning in your life? Ecclesiastes 12:13-14