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

2. Pilgrims in Exile Part 9 – “I Commend Joy”

3. 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)

4. Hevel – Creation subject to futility because of Sin (Rom 8:20 )

5. Fear God and Keep His Commandments Compare with Faith: Acknowledgement of God Knowledge of God – His Holiness and Justice, and Recognition of Our Sin Trembling at His Sovereignty and Judgment to Come Reverend Submission to His Lordship Continued Communion

6. Ecclesiastes 7:15-8-14 12 Practical Tips of Wisdom 1.Expect “injustice”. Well-being under the sun not related to righteousness. (7:15) 2.Avoid both legalism and licentiousness. (7:16-19) 3.Expect sinfulness. But God is not author. (7:20, 29) 4.Don’t “take to heart” offensive things said of you. (7:23)

7. Ecclesiastes 7:15-8:1-13 12 Practical Tips of Wisdom (cont’d) 5.Admit the limits of your wisdom. (7:23) 6.Expect “Lady Folly” as an ever present “snare”. (7:25-26) 7.Don’t put your trust in the wisdom of any man or woman. (7:27-28) 8.Obey your masters; submit to those in authority, knowing it will be hard. (8:1-7)

8. Ecclesiastes 7:15-8:14 12 Practical Tips of Wisdom (cont’d) 9.Know we cannot dodge life’s battle and our responsibility to fight the good fight. (8:8) 10.Know that the cunning of the wicked will not let them escape judgment. (8:8-9) 11.Don’t think because judgment is not executed swiftly, anyone can escape accountability. (8:11) 12.At judgment, it will be well with God-fearers, but not with those who do not fear. (8:12-13)

9. The Gospel According to Ecclesiastes None are righteous. “God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes” (7:20, 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). “Let your garments be always white” (9:8). How? Washed in the blood of the Passover Lamb (Ex 12:22).

10. Where Fear turns to Joy: “they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb” (Rev 7:14)

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