WARNING: AVOIDING DEAD ENDS IN LIFE Hard Work vs. God’s Work Ecclesiastes 2:18-26 Teaching by Pastor Max Frazier 1 Buffalo Covenant Church 19 th of July 2015

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Hard Work – Ecclesiastes 2:18-23 A. Hard work is exhausting – verses What a picture of the workaholic! 3

Hard Work – Ecclesiastes 2: Solomon says work is painful and grievous 2. Solomon says he is restless at night All this for what? “meaninglessness!” Acts 12:6 – a sleeping Peter 4

Hard Work – Ecclesiastes 2:18-23 B. Hard work is passing – verses 18, 21 Hard work provides no protection against death Solomon describes a man who works diligently, carefully, and enthusiastically But his hard work does not prevent him from dying. 5

Hard Work – Ecclesiastes 2:18-23 C. Hard work is striving with others – verses “The harder we work the less willing we are to let someone else take over for us.” 1. Be careful of thinking you are indispensable. 2. Be willing to change the guard, of letting go and letting another take over 6

Hard Work – Ecclesiastes 2:18-23 D. Conclusion – verse 20 All is useless! All hope is gone! What a contrast to the believer as described in 1 Corinthians 15:58 7

God’s Work – Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 A. God gives the Christian meaningful work to do. Why does God keep us here on earth after we are saved? - To do His work We are to enjoy our work for the Lord 8

God’s Work – Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 B. God promises to reward His servants Proverbs 13:22 Proverbs 28:8 Esther 8:2 9

A Challenge God has a purpose to accomplish in your life. That purpose can only be realized through the person of Jesus Christ. Solomon: “If you want to find meaning and purpose in life – don’t look out, but look up to Him.” 10