1. Insights into the Meaning of Life
Solomon’s Observations
Title Slide: Insights Into the Meaning of Life...Solomon’s Observations (Eccl.3:16-22)
Ecclesiastes 3:16-22

2. Introduction
This begins a section where Solomon said “I have seen” (one other time)
What has Solomon discovered thus far from his personal research?
Quickly one thought is interwoven into several different thoughts—changing from one to another
Yet, all of these thoughts are working together toward a “central theme”
Introduction…
* This begins a section where Solomon says “I have seen” (one other time)
* What has Solomon discovered thus far from his personal research?
* Quickly one thought is interweave several different thoughts—changing from one to another
* Yet, all of these thoughts are working together toward a “central theme”

3. Ecclesiastes 3:16
“Moreover I saw under the sun: In the place of judgment, Wickedness was there; And in the place of righteousness, Iniquity was there."
Text: Eccl.3:16…

4. Ecclesiastes 3:17
“I said in my heart, "God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, For there is a time there for every purpose and for every work."
Text: Eccl.3:17…

5. Ecclesiastes 3:18
“I said in my heart, "Concerning the condition of the sons of men, God tests them, that they may see that they themselves are like animals."
Text: Eccl.3:18…

6. Ecclesiastes 3:19
“For what happens to the sons of men also happens to animals; one thing befalls them: as one dies, so dies the other. Surely, they all have one breath; man has no advantage over animals, for all is vanity."
Text: Eccl.3:19…

7. Ecclesiastes 3:20,21
“All go to one place: all are from the dust, and all return to dust. Who knows the spirit of the sons of men, which goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, which goes down to the earth."
Text: Eccl.3:20,21…

8. Ecclesiastes 3:22
“So I perceived that nothing is better than that a man should rejoice in his own works, for that is his heritage. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?"
Text: Eccl.3:22…

9. Solomon’s Observation
Solomon saw something “under the sun”
The place of judgment
Yet, when men are involved there is not perfect order
Yet, when God is involved in the process it will be right!
Injustice in this world is a true fact
Wickedness and injustice seek to destroy all happiness
Evil government is not new—man can take something good and turn it wicked
Romans 13:1-7
Solomon’s Observation…
* Solomon saw something “under the sun”
* The place of judgment
* Yet, when men are involved there was not perfect order
* Yet, when God is involved in the process it will be right!
* Injustice in this world is just a true fact
* Wickedness and injustice seek to destroy all happiness
* Evil government is not new—man can make something good and turn it wicked
Romans 13:1-7

10. Solomon’s Observation
Solomon saw there will be a time when the wicked will pay
True justice would be rendered by God
Divine retribution for lawless acts
True separation will be made between the righteous and unrighteous
Matthew 13:30
Acts 17:31
2 Corinthians 5:10
Solomon’s Observation…
* Solomon saw there will be a time when the wicked will pay
* True justice would be render by God
* Divine retribution for lawless acts
* True separation will be made between the righteous and evil
Matthew 13:30
Acts 17:31
2 Corinthians 5:10

11. Solomon’s Observation
Second observation Solomon sees is the character of those who do not fear God
By themselves they are merely like the wild beasts
False teachers have this same character
2 Peter 2:12
God tests men so they can see their own weaknesses and limitations
We should recognize all are under divine sovereignty and divine providence and live accordingly
Solomon’s Observation…
* Second observation Solomon sees is the character of those who do not fear God
* By themselves they are merely like the wild beasts
* False teachers have this character
2 Peter 2:12
* God tests men so they can see their own weaknesses and limitations
* We should recognize all are under divine sovereignty and providence and live accordingly

12. Solomon’s Observation
This is our sixth vain thing: an overemphasis on life and living
With God, life is valuable—without God it’s a pitiful waste
Life is life only with God
John 10:10
On the surface a familiarity with man and beast—both live and die—both come from dust and return to dust
“One breath”—in context, just means life
Solomon’s Observation…
*This is our sixth vain thing: an overemphasis on life and living
* With God life is valuable—without a pitiful waste
* Life is life when only with God
John 10:10
* On the surface a familiarity with man and beast—both live and die—come from dust return to dust
* “One breath”—in context just means life

13. Big Difference—Man/Beast
In vs. 21 Solomon acknowledges a big “difference” between man/beast
Spirit of man—goes upward
Spirit of beast—goes downward
Man and beast alike in death— Psalm 49:1-12
It’s much different what happens after the grave—Psalm 49:13-20
Man’s spirit belongs to him— inner spirit belongs to God
Genesis 2:7
Ecclesiastes 12:7
Big Difference Between Man/ Beast…
* In vs. 21 Solomon acknowledges a big “difference” between man/beast
* Spirit man—goes upward
* Spirit of beast—downward
* Man beast alike in death—Psalm 49:1-12
* Much different what happens after the grave—Psalm 49:13-20
Man’s spirit belongs to heavenly— human spirit belongs to God
Genesis 2:7
Ecclesiastes 12:7

14. Solomon Concludes
He concludes that man should be happy in his activities
Man should enjoy the blessings of God
After this life—our spirit is going to the one who gave it—1 John 3:2
Using God’s wonderful works properly can only bring one true lasting happiness
No one will come back from death to see what happens after one’s departure
Hebrews 9:27
Events of Life…
* This has to do with beginning and end
* Everyone has a beginning and end. Not a set time—but what is done in between that counts—Born—Died
* The cycle of life
* Creative and destructive
* Can have no harvest without a planting
Plant—in the spring
Pluck up--Summer/Fall—the harvest

15. Conclusion “I have seen” (vs.16) “I said” (vs.17,18)
Comments based on his observations of “life under the sun”
Be happy in life
Be thankful for God’s blessings
Put all things in proper perspective
This life is a “stepping stone”—to the next
Conclusion—Invitation…