1. Materialism Ecclesiastes 2:7-8

2. Vanity – emptiness, vapor Vanity of laughter and mirth (2:1-2)
All is vanity
Vanity – emptiness, vapor
Vanity of laughter and mirth (2:1-2)
Vanity of Wine and substances (2:3)
Vanity of luxury and recreation (2:4-6)
Vanity of dominion – ruling over others

3. Solomon’s Wealth and Possessions
Previously, we addressed his luxury – gardens and great houses – 1 Kings 7:1-13, 2 Chronicles 8:1-6, etc.
Our text – more herds and flocks than all before him in Jerusalem
Silver, gold and special treasures

4. Solomon’s Wealth and Possessions
His wealth demonstrated his power 1 Kings 4:20-30 – provisions for a day (note: A kor is about 5-10 bushels)
1 Kings 10:14-29 – the amount of wealth accumulated yearly (note: A talent of gold was about 75 pounds) (So about 50,000 lbs)
Vs. 27 – silver as common as stones Cedar as abundant as sycamores

5. Solomon’s Wealth and Possessions
Continually Solomon mentions his wealth and possessions
Why? Perhaps because such is the main pursuit of so many Ecclesiastes 5:10
BUT, as with all other things – this too was vanity!
His wealth a factor in his downfall

6. 1) The pursuit of material possession
Materialism
1) The pursuit of material possession
2) A philosophy that all there is, is the material universe (e.g. naturalism)

7. Could it be a blessing we have not been given more?
Folly of materialism
Be reminded – wealth is not wrong. Money is morally neutral
BUT, with it comes responsibility – 1 Timothy 6:17-19 – does not say to get rid of all wealth, but to manage it
Acts 4:24-27 – Barnabas
Could it be a blessing we have not been given more?

8. They do not give true satisfaction - Luke 12:18-21
Folly of materialism
Possessions are temporary – 1 John 2:15-17 Matthew 6:19 – moth, rust, thieves, etc.
They do not give true satisfaction - Luke 12:18-21

9. Dangers of materialism
It can cause us to forget God – Proverbs 30:8-9, Deuteronomy 8:10-17 – Israel warned
False sense of security – 1 Timothy 6:17 – uncertain

10. Dangers of materialism
Hinder obedience – Matthew 13:22, 19:21-22
Exploiting the poor – Psalm 10:2, Proverbs 22:16, cf. Isaiah 3:14-15 James 2:5-6, 5:4
Criminal activities

11. Dealing with materialism
ALWAYS be grateful – 1 Timothy 4:4-5, Philippians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Colossians 3:17
Be content – Philippians 4:11 1 Timothy 6:6-8 Hebrews 13:5
Debt is often a sign of a lack of contentment!

12. Dealing with materialism
Be humble – Titus 3:2 1 Peter 5:5 – clothed with humility
Be a faithful steward – 1 Corinthians 4:2, Luke 12:42-44 cf. Matthew 25:14-30 (esp )

13. Dealing with materialism
Use your wealth for good – 1 Corinthians 10:31, 1 Peter 4:11
Where is your treasure? Matthew 6:19-21, 24

14. How am I managing what I have in this life?