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 10 – Wisdom is Good, But ..... (Ecc 9:11-10:19)

3. Literary Structure of Ecclesiastes David A. Dorsey (modified)
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)
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 Trembling Trust
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
Reverent Submission to His Lordship
Continued Communion

6. The Gospel According to Ecclesiastes
“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). Washed in the blood of the Passover Lamb (Ex 12:22).

7. Ecclesiastes 7:15 – 10:19: How to Enjoy Life
12 Practical Tips of Wisdom
Note: Wisdom = Righteousness in Action
Ecc 8:14 - 9:10: The Joy of the Lord
1 Spiritual Tip of Wisdom: Be Joyful -- White Garments
Ecc 9:11 – 10:19: Expectations
3 Practical Tips of Wisdom
1 Caveat

8. Ecc 9:11 – 10:19 3 Practical Tips of Wisdom:
Be calm -- in the face of adversity
Be prepared -- for adversity
Work hard – keep nose to the grindstone
Caveat:
Wisdom is good, but -- no guarantee in this life “under the sun”

9. NT Parallel
1 Thess 4:11-12
“Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.”
Calmness
Drawing upon the preparation of instruction
Hard work

10. Our Deliverer Reigns: “Remember me” (Luke 22:19)

12. Pilgrims in Exile
“Conduct yourself with fear throughout the time of your exile.” (1 Pe 1:17)
Lord Self or Lord God?
Is God asking too much of me? God, as the author of all things, has a right to govern and dispose of them at his pleasure.
Will I live for Him and His glory? Or will I fight for my “happiness” and “freedom”? Will I flail away in the river of grace, or die to self and swim with the current of my Lord?
A communion life will help us know and do His will. But it’s the communion itself that God desires above all else. The Holy Spirit is not just the means to helping us be effective. The Father, Son and Spirit, our One Triune God, is the “end” in and of Himself. Almighty God doesn’t need our help to achieve His purposes. When we are blessed to see good fruit, what credit can we take? But it’s such an honor that He has chosen to use us as vessels of His grace.
God wants me to grasp for holiness and a sold-out life, even though He knows I will fall short. Whatever feeble effort I offer, He can use it for His glory. Even if its only a few loaves and fishes, He can multiply it.
So, will I try? Will I humbly submit? Will I ask? Will I be resolved? Will I follow in the footsteps of the One who gave so much as a living and dying sacrifice. When God raised Jesus Christ to life, He rendered the judgment that this offering was sufficient and good. What will He say about my offering? And what will He say about yours?
Kelly Minter.