Life Under the Sun Ecclesiastes

What good does it do to work hard all your life? It’s all a waste of time! Not a good way to begin a sermon Story of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel What good does it do to work hard all your life? “Life under the sun” important context of all We come and go, but the earth remains 1:4 We don’t make a difference 1:4,9-11 Even nature doesn’t progress toward a goal 1:5-7 Everything is hard work! 1:8

What good does it do to work hard all your life? It’s all a waste of time! Not a good way to begin a sermon Story of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel What good does it do to work hard all your life? “Life under the sun” is the important context We come and go, but the earth remains 1:4 We don’t make a difference 1:4,9-11 Even nature doesn’t progress toward a goal 1:5-7 Everything is hard work! 1:8 doesn’t satisfy

Solomon’s Experience Had the resources to experiment on a grand scale Riches, women, fame, power, knowledge Wisdom (higher learning) 1:12-18 Pleasure 2:1-3 The “American Dream” 2:4-7 Riches 2:8 Accomplishments 2:9-11 No profit under the sun

Life Under the Sun Life on earth Life without a spiritual dimension Life without God Life that ends 2:12-23 Life without meaning or purpose Life without happiness Life without hope Why be wise instead of foolish, good instead of evil?

The Need for Balance 2:24-26 be moderate in your pursuits and enjoyment in life A right time and place for everything 3:1-13 Solomon’s application 3:14-15 Life under the sun is evil 3:16-6:12 Injustice prevails 3:16-17 Men behaving selfishly like animals 3:18-22 Oppression 4:1-3 Selfishness 4:4-6:12

Selfishness 4:4-6:12 Living for self is literally a dead-end road 4:4-8 Two extremes in 4:5-6 lazy, content, obsessed Benefits of friendship 4:9-12 Fame is fleeting, too 4:13-16 Don’t worship God in vain 5:1-7 Don’t make a vow and not keep it Psalm 15:4 The rat race 5:8-20 Balance is the key 5:12, 18-20 What happens after I die? 6:1-12

Prepare for Life AFTER the Sun 7:1-12:14 The way of wisdom 7:1-8:1 Follow the rules 8:2-9 Number your days; you will die 8:10-9:12 Do what you do with all your might 9:10 Wisdom is useful 9:13-18 Foolishness is harmful 10:1-20 A little folly can do much harm 10:1 Causes more work to be done 10:10

Prepare for Life AFTER the Sun 7:1-12:14 Foolish speech can cause much trouble 10:11-20 Invest in faith 11:1-8 Uncertainty of life is an excuse not to act 11:3-4 Wisdom says it is a reason to act 11:2,6 Get a head start 11:9-12:8 Rejoice in your youth 11:9 Remove sorrow 11:10 Remember your Creator 12:1 BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE

Prepare for Life AFTER the Sun 7:1-12:14 Foolish speech can cause much trouble 10:11-20 Invest in faith 11:1-8 Uncertainty of life is an excuse not to act 11:3-4 Wisdom says it is a reason to act 11:2,6 Get a head start 11:9-12:8 Rejoice in your youth 11:9 Remove sorrow 11:10 Remember your Creator 12:1 BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE 12:1-7

Prepare for Life AFTER the Sun 7:1-12:14 Life without God is empty and meaningless 12:8 Do not waste your time Use it by fulfilling your Creator’s purpose 12:13 Fear God and obey Him Acts 17:27 It is the beginning of wisdom Proverbs 1:7 We will be judged on how well we have done Acts 17:30-31; 2 Corinthians 5:10 John 14:15 Mark 16:16, Luke 13:5, Matt. 10:32, John 3:5