Week 15
8/12/2018
Ecclesiastes 9:1-10
Teacher: Lloyd Shadrach
One Fate For All
Ecclesiastes 9:1-10 “For I have taken all this to heart and explain it that righteous men, wise men and their deeds are in the hand of God. Man does not know whether it will be love or hatred, anything awaits him.
It is the same for all. There is one fate for the righteous and for the wicked: for the good, for the clean and for the unclean: for the men who offers a sacrifice and for the one who does not sacrifice. As the Good man is, so is the sinner, as the swearer is so is the one who is afraid to swear.
This is an evil that is done under the sun, that there is one fate for all men. Furthermore, the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives. Afterwards they go to the dead.
For whoever is joined with all the living, there is hope; surely a live dog is better than a dead lion.
For the living know they will die; but the dead do not know anything, not have they any longer a reward, for their memory is forgotten.
Indeed their love, their hate and their zeal have already perished, and they will no longer have a share in all that is done under the sun
Go then, eat your bread in happiness and drink your wine with a cheerful heart: for god has already approved your works.
Let your clothes be white all the time, and let not oil be lacking in your head.
Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for their is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going.”
NOT HOW DO WE CURE DEATH...How do we live in light of the reality of death.
One Hand v1
GODS IN CONTROL
The hand of God (he protects, provides and keeps us secure) God is sovereign. God is sovereign...Man doesn’t know if he gets Gods favor or wrath
One Fate vs2-6
DEATH IS INEVITABLE
The same for all. Fate-the inevitability of future events...death is inevitable.
We reason “good people get ___, evil people get ___” Solomon tells us we all get the same thing. Solomon says this is evil
vs 4-6 hope (4) not eternal hope...hope in life. Only 3x used.
Lion most noble of animals...in this culture, dog is detestable animal...for us live buzzard better than dead eagle. Beyond the grave (heaven) was not clear for Solomon.
One Life vs7-10
7 carpe diem passage.
Sheol, the place of death...not hell as we understand it. (Progressive revelation) place of nothing, a wasteland.
Enjoy life right now, enjoy the gifts God has given...
In ch 8 he commends you to enjoy life...in 9:7, he commands it!
v7 not justification or salvation ... LIFE IS GIFT NOT GAIN.
1-realize every meal is more than a meal. “Nouwen quote”
2-when it’s time to celebrate don’t hold back.
3-(9) if married, see your spouse anew every day. Familiarity breeds contempt...see them new. See your spouse anew
4-(10) whistle while you work. Work is a gift...not part of the curse
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Ecclesiastes Part 14
8/5/18 Bad Things Happen...To Good People
Ecclesiastes 8:10-18
Teacher: Rob Sweet
Ecclesiastes 8:10-18 CSB "In such circumstances, I saw the wicked buried. They came and went from the holy place, and they were praised in the city where they did those things. This too is futile. Because the sentence against an evil act is not carried out quickly, the heart of people is filled with the desire to commit evil. Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, I also know that it will go well with God-fearing people, for they are reverent before him. However, it will not go well with the wicked, and they will not lengthen their days like a shadow, for they are not reverent before God. There is a futility that is done on the earth: there are righteous people who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked people who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that his too is futile. So I commend the enjoyment because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat, drink, and enjoy himself, for this will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun. When I applied by mind to know wisdom and to observe the activity that is done on the earth (even though one's eyes do not close in sleep day or night), I observe all the work of God and conclude that a person is unable to discover the work that is done under the sun. Even though a person labors hard to explore it, he cannot find it; even if a wise person claims to know it, he is unable to discover it. "
Key verse 8:14
Theme: life just isn’t FAIR
Where does our instinct for fairness come from? We are made in the image of God...He is JUST. We were made to extend the glory and righteous rule of God.
In the fall our image became deformed...greed
We have to wrestle with the truth...NO life isn’t fair.
V11 because the sentence against an evil deed (consequence) is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the son of men among them are given fully to do evil.
*if we think we won’t get caught and it’s to our advantage we will...without the hilt spirit.
Solomon is posing ?? “Why doesn’t God shut down the evil in the world by punishing the evil doers?”
Answer: v12-13
You can’t count on justice in the world under the sun. Justice will win out and make things right...but ONLY to if there is something after death. He doesn’t know what’s after life (based on progressive revelation of God)
Solomon can’t see past death...but he thinks something must be on the other side “I know...it will be well, it will not be well”
Reckoning and restoration
Well-Hebrew “Tove” good, pleasant, orderly, right...gen 1 god saw that it was Tove. One day everything will be Tove...like pre-fall...restoration.
The reckoning and restoration of God all come together in the person of Jesus.
Cross was reckoning...resurrection was restoration. More unfair and unjust than anything we think is unfair. I (and all who believe) am the beneficiary of that unfairness
V16 “when I gave my heart to know wisdom and to see the task which has been done on the earth (even though one should never sleep day or night).
V17 and I saw every work of God, I concluded that man cannot discover the work which had been done under the sun. Even though man should seek laboriously he will not discover: and though the wise man should say, “I know,” he cannot discover.
why does god allow all of this? We cannot know!!!
How? How should we live in an environment where things are not how they should be.
Present: v15 at 1st glance...numb the pain. Truth-open your eyes to the gifts God has placed in your hands and enjoy them. Life has bitter and sweet...focus on sweet.Find joy in your gifts. Life is gift, not gain. An undeserved (therefore unfair) gift.
God not only do understands injustice...he bore it on his back and walked in it....for me.
When Christ returns...final reckoning and restoration. Evil one banished...broken creation made new, justice will be all there is.
If life is not fair...how do we live?
THE FEAR OF GOD:
A wholesome dress of displeasing God
A holy awe of God as he is revealed in scripture
A holy awareness that to hear God is to obey God
A Hope-filled faith in Jesus who died and rose, to make all things new.
(We cannot fear God apart from Christ)
Jesus:unfair but beautiful.
Ecclesiastes 8:10-18
Teacher: Rob Sweet
Ecclesiastes 8:10-18 CSB "In such circumstances, I saw the wicked buried. They came and went from the holy place, and they were praised in the city where they did those things. This too is futile. Because the sentence against an evil act is not carried out quickly, the heart of people is filled with the desire to commit evil. Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, I also know that it will go well with God-fearing people, for they are reverent before him. However, it will not go well with the wicked, and they will not lengthen their days like a shadow, for they are not reverent before God. There is a futility that is done on the earth: there are righteous people who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked people who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that his too is futile. So I commend the enjoyment because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat, drink, and enjoy himself, for this will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun. When I applied by mind to know wisdom and to observe the activity that is done on the earth (even though one's eyes do not close in sleep day or night), I observe all the work of God and conclude that a person is unable to discover the work that is done under the sun. Even though a person labors hard to explore it, he cannot find it; even if a wise person claims to know it, he is unable to discover it. "
Key verse 8:14
Theme: life just isn’t FAIR
Where does our instinct for fairness come from? We are made in the image of God...He is JUST. We were made to extend the glory and righteous rule of God.
In the fall our image became deformed...greed
We have to wrestle with the truth...NO life isn’t fair.
V11 because the sentence against an evil deed (consequence) is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the son of men among them are given fully to do evil.
*if we think we won’t get caught and it’s to our advantage we will...without the hilt spirit.
Solomon is posing ?? “Why doesn’t God shut down the evil in the world by punishing the evil doers?”
Answer: v12-13
You can’t count on justice in the world under the sun. Justice will win out and make things right...but ONLY to if there is something after death. He doesn’t know what’s after life (based on progressive revelation of God)
Solomon can’t see past death...but he thinks something must be on the other side “I know...it will be well, it will not be well”
Reckoning and restoration
Well-Hebrew “Tove” good, pleasant, orderly, right...gen 1 god saw that it was Tove. One day everything will be Tove...like pre-fall...restoration.
The reckoning and restoration of God all come together in the person of Jesus.
Cross was reckoning...resurrection was restoration. More unfair and unjust than anything we think is unfair. I (and all who believe) am the beneficiary of that unfairness
V16 “when I gave my heart to know wisdom and to see the task which has been done on the earth (even though one should never sleep day or night).
V17 and I saw every work of God, I concluded that man cannot discover the work which had been done under the sun. Even though man should seek laboriously he will not discover: and though the wise man should say, “I know,” he cannot discover.
why does god allow all of this? We cannot know!!!
How? How should we live in an environment where things are not how they should be.
Present: v15 at 1st glance...numb the pain. Truth-open your eyes to the gifts God has placed in your hands and enjoy them. Life has bitter and sweet...focus on sweet.Find joy in your gifts. Life is gift, not gain. An undeserved (therefore unfair) gift.
God not only do understands injustice...he bore it on his back and walked in it....for me.
When Christ returns...final reckoning and restoration. Evil one banished...broken creation made new, justice will be all there is.
If life is not fair...how do we live?
THE FEAR OF GOD:
A wholesome dress of displeasing God
A holy awe of God as he is revealed in scripture
A holy awareness that to hear God is to obey God
A Hope-filled faith in Jesus who died and rose, to make all things new.
(We cannot fear God apart from Christ)
Jesus:unfair but beautiful.
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Ecclesiastes Part 13
Ecclesiastes 8:1-9
Teacher: Bill Wellons
Ecclesiastes 8:1-9 CSB "Who is like the wise person, and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A person's wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed. Keep the king's command because of your oath made before God. Do not be in a hurry; leave his presence, and don't persist in a bad cause, since he will do whatever he wants. For the king's word is authoritative, and who can say to him, 'What are you doing?' The one who keeps a command will not experience anything harmful, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure. For every activity there is a right time and procedure, even though a person's troubles are heavy on him. Yet no one knows what will happen because who can tell him what will happen? No one has authority over the wind to restrain it, and there is no authority over the day of death; no one is discharged during battle, and wickedness will not allow those who practice it to escape. All this I have seen, applying my mind to all the work that is done under the sun, at a time when one person has authority over another to his harm."
There are 2 kingdoms. The temporal kingdom and the eternal kingdom. 1. What is true about these kingdoms? 2. How do you live wisely in the kingdom?
TEMPORAL: The king's authority is absolute. In addition to absolute authority and because we live "under the sun" in a fallen world, His character is deeply flawed. This is a perfect example that absolute power corrupts absolutely.
While his authority is absolute, it is important to know that the temporal kingdom's king has an authority that is limited by death. His character is flawed and his rule is harsh.
The King's of Israel were appointed by God, but even with this appointment, the person of Jesus is the only 'man' to lead a perfect life. Because they are appointed by God, even though flawed, Solomon says it is wise to submit to the King's authority.
There is a time and a place for everything, a time to talk and a time to be silent. A wise person listens more than he speaks...submission to the king is not blind passivity.
The wise in the land know something is missing. They realize they live in a fallen world under a sinful, human king. They are dissatisfied, but they know more is to come...So they patiently wait. The wise also know what is coming. They know the current kingdom is temporal and the end is coming.
LIKE SOLOMON'S TIME. We all live under an authority, and it is flawed as well.
WE MUST
ETERNAL: The King's authority is absolute, it is not limited by death and extends to the heavens and beyond. The King's authority knows no bounds or limits.
The kingdom of God is already, and not yet. It already rules (or should) in our hearts, but it is not fully consummated on this earth, and won't be until Christ's return.
The character of God is perfect. Jesus was tempted in every way, yet lived without sin. In the temporal world, the ruler is flawed, in our eternal world God's character is perfect in every possible way. He is a loving and just God, therefore he is a loving and just ruler.
The wise trust God's perfect character, nothing is missing and there is complete satisfaction. The wise know what is coming, not death...but eternal life. We will be raised with Christ. Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God. The wise in the kingdom pursue a person named wisdom...Jesus Christ.
We must reflect on what aspects of our life need to be submitted to the eternal kingdom, and move them out of the temporal kingdom. What is there to worry less about today, and simply long more for His kingdom that is coming?
Teacher: Bill Wellons
Ecclesiastes 8:1-9 CSB "Who is like the wise person, and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A person's wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed. Keep the king's command because of your oath made before God. Do not be in a hurry; leave his presence, and don't persist in a bad cause, since he will do whatever he wants. For the king's word is authoritative, and who can say to him, 'What are you doing?' The one who keeps a command will not experience anything harmful, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure. For every activity there is a right time and procedure, even though a person's troubles are heavy on him. Yet no one knows what will happen because who can tell him what will happen? No one has authority over the wind to restrain it, and there is no authority over the day of death; no one is discharged during battle, and wickedness will not allow those who practice it to escape. All this I have seen, applying my mind to all the work that is done under the sun, at a time when one person has authority over another to his harm."
There are 2 kingdoms. The temporal kingdom and the eternal kingdom. 1. What is true about these kingdoms? 2. How do you live wisely in the kingdom?
TEMPORAL: The king's authority is absolute. In addition to absolute authority and because we live "under the sun" in a fallen world, His character is deeply flawed. This is a perfect example that absolute power corrupts absolutely.
While his authority is absolute, it is important to know that the temporal kingdom's king has an authority that is limited by death. His character is flawed and his rule is harsh.
The King's of Israel were appointed by God, but even with this appointment, the person of Jesus is the only 'man' to lead a perfect life. Because they are appointed by God, even though flawed, Solomon says it is wise to submit to the King's authority.
There is a time and a place for everything, a time to talk and a time to be silent. A wise person listens more than he speaks...submission to the king is not blind passivity.
The wise in the land know something is missing. They realize they live in a fallen world under a sinful, human king. They are dissatisfied, but they know more is to come...So they patiently wait. The wise also know what is coming. They know the current kingdom is temporal and the end is coming.
LIKE SOLOMON'S TIME. We all live under an authority, and it is flawed as well.
WE MUST
- Submit to authority (Pray for our leaders)
- Remain patient
- Know what's coming. The current leadership group will end, the world will end, a new kingdom is coming.
ETERNAL: The King's authority is absolute, it is not limited by death and extends to the heavens and beyond. The King's authority knows no bounds or limits.
The kingdom of God is already, and not yet. It already rules (or should) in our hearts, but it is not fully consummated on this earth, and won't be until Christ's return.
The character of God is perfect. Jesus was tempted in every way, yet lived without sin. In the temporal world, the ruler is flawed, in our eternal world God's character is perfect in every possible way. He is a loving and just God, therefore he is a loving and just ruler.
The wise trust God's perfect character, nothing is missing and there is complete satisfaction. The wise know what is coming, not death...but eternal life. We will be raised with Christ. Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God. The wise in the kingdom pursue a person named wisdom...Jesus Christ.
We must reflect on what aspects of our life need to be submitted to the eternal kingdom, and move them out of the temporal kingdom. What is there to worry less about today, and simply long more for His kingdom that is coming?
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Ecclesiastes Part 12
Ecclesiastes 7:15-29
Limitations of Life
Teacher: Lloyd Shadrach
Ecclesiastes 7:15-29 CSB "In my futile life I have seen everything: someone righteous perishes in spite of his righteousness, and someone wicked lives long in spite of his evil. Don't be excessively righteous, and don't be overly wise. Why should you destroy yourself? Don't be excessively wicked, and don't be foolish. Why should you die before your time? It is good that you grasp the one nad do not let the other slip from your hand. For the one who fears God will end up with both of them. Wisdom makes the wise person stronger than ten rulers of a city. There is certainly no one righteous on the earth who does good and never sins. Don't pay attention to everything people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you, for in your heart you know that many times you yourself have cursed others. I have tested all this wisdom. I resolved, 'I will be wise,' but it was beyond me. What exists is beyond reach and very deep. Who can discover it? I turned my thoughts to know, explore, and examine wisdom and an explanation for things, and to know that wickedness is stupidity and folly is madness. And I find more bitter than death the woman who is a trap: her heart a net and her hands chains. The one who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner will be captured by her. 'Look,' says the teacher, 'I have discovered this by adding one thing to another to find out the explanation, which my soul continually searches for but does not find: I found one person in a thousand, but none of those was a woman. Only see this: I have discovered that God made people upright, but they pursued many schemes.'"
v. 15 asserts that the righteous die young, and the wicked live long lives. This is not a declaration of a complete truth. Rather it is a generalization Solomon is noticing. We can probably all thing of 'good' people who have died young. Many come to my mind, even children, whose lives seemed to be good and kind, perished at a young age...However we can all think of men and women who do not deserve life, as though any of us really deserve life, yet live it freely and healthily. None of us our rewarded or punished based on our works.
Going back to verse 14: Ecclesiastes 7:14 "In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity, consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that no one can discover anything that will come after him." Solomon wants us to face reality, God is behind all things...ALL includes good people dying, evil people living....and even what is on my heart right now, a sweet friend, on of the most Godly women I know, who just delivered a son with a congenital heart defect. He awaits surgery and she stays beside Him, praising the Lord all the while. God does not give us life, ease, etc. based on our works. Solomon's statement is also a warning that self righteousness is no guarantee of blessings in this life.
Everything we do in this life is about our motive. Wisdom is good, but should not be sought for profit. Everything we do must be compatible with the fear of God.
In V 19-22 Solomon asserts that wisdom is powerful, and sin is universal. This is paralleled in the New Testament when it says "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." - Romans 3
We all sin. The more award of our sin we become, the least likely we are to seek revenge when we have been wronged.
In V26 Solomon personifies wisdom and foolishness as a woman. Not too much can be read from this passage as you can see that Wisdom is a woman in Proverbs 1:20 and Foolishness is a woman in Proverbs 2:18-19 and 7:13
V27-29 Only a small fraction of people live in wisdom Solomon only found a miniscule amount of people living well. V29 tells us that God created humanity upright and righteous BUT...man and woman sought out many devices, the first being the tree in the Garden.
Solomon says he can't figure out the ways of God with man. We can't always answer "Why did God____?" Sometimes we can just know He did.
We must trust God in our misunderstanding.
We CAN and should trust the actions of God because we know the character of God.
Limitations of Life
Teacher: Lloyd Shadrach
Ecclesiastes 7:15-29 CSB "In my futile life I have seen everything: someone righteous perishes in spite of his righteousness, and someone wicked lives long in spite of his evil. Don't be excessively righteous, and don't be overly wise. Why should you destroy yourself? Don't be excessively wicked, and don't be foolish. Why should you die before your time? It is good that you grasp the one nad do not let the other slip from your hand. For the one who fears God will end up with both of them. Wisdom makes the wise person stronger than ten rulers of a city. There is certainly no one righteous on the earth who does good and never sins. Don't pay attention to everything people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you, for in your heart you know that many times you yourself have cursed others. I have tested all this wisdom. I resolved, 'I will be wise,' but it was beyond me. What exists is beyond reach and very deep. Who can discover it? I turned my thoughts to know, explore, and examine wisdom and an explanation for things, and to know that wickedness is stupidity and folly is madness. And I find more bitter than death the woman who is a trap: her heart a net and her hands chains. The one who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner will be captured by her. 'Look,' says the teacher, 'I have discovered this by adding one thing to another to find out the explanation, which my soul continually searches for but does not find: I found one person in a thousand, but none of those was a woman. Only see this: I have discovered that God made people upright, but they pursued many schemes.'"
v. 15 asserts that the righteous die young, and the wicked live long lives. This is not a declaration of a complete truth. Rather it is a generalization Solomon is noticing. We can probably all thing of 'good' people who have died young. Many come to my mind, even children, whose lives seemed to be good and kind, perished at a young age...However we can all think of men and women who do not deserve life, as though any of us really deserve life, yet live it freely and healthily. None of us our rewarded or punished based on our works.
Going back to verse 14: Ecclesiastes 7:14 "In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity, consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that no one can discover anything that will come after him." Solomon wants us to face reality, God is behind all things...ALL includes good people dying, evil people living....and even what is on my heart right now, a sweet friend, on of the most Godly women I know, who just delivered a son with a congenital heart defect. He awaits surgery and she stays beside Him, praising the Lord all the while. God does not give us life, ease, etc. based on our works. Solomon's statement is also a warning that self righteousness is no guarantee of blessings in this life.
Everything we do in this life is about our motive. Wisdom is good, but should not be sought for profit. Everything we do must be compatible with the fear of God.
In V 19-22 Solomon asserts that wisdom is powerful, and sin is universal. This is paralleled in the New Testament when it says "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." - Romans 3
We all sin. The more award of our sin we become, the least likely we are to seek revenge when we have been wronged.
In V26 Solomon personifies wisdom and foolishness as a woman. Not too much can be read from this passage as you can see that Wisdom is a woman in Proverbs 1:20 and Foolishness is a woman in Proverbs 2:18-19 and 7:13
V27-29 Only a small fraction of people live in wisdom Solomon only found a miniscule amount of people living well. V29 tells us that God created humanity upright and righteous BUT...man and woman sought out many devices, the first being the tree in the Garden.
Solomon says he can't figure out the ways of God with man. We can't always answer "Why did God____?" Sometimes we can just know He did.
We must trust God in our misunderstanding.
We CAN and should trust the actions of God because we know the character of God.
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Ecclesiastes Part 11
Ecclesiastes 7:1-14
Teacher: Rob Sweet
Upside Down Wisdom
Ecclesiastes 7:1-14: "A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of one's death is better than the day of one's birth. It is better to go to a house of mouring than to go to a house of feasting, since that is the end of all mankind, and the living should take it to heart. Grief is better than laughter, for when a face is sad, a heart may be glad. The heart of the wise is in a house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in a house of pleasure. It is better to listen to rebuke from a wise person than of listen to the song of fools, for like the crackling of burning thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile. Surely, the practice of extortion turns a wise person into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the mind. The end of a matter is better than its beginning; a patient spirit is better than a proud spirit. Don't let your spirit rush to be angry, for anger abides in the heart of fools. Don't say, 'Why were the former days better than these?' since it is not wise of you to ask this. Wisdom is as good as an inheritance and an advantage of knowledge is that preserves the life of its owner. Consider the work of God, for who can straighten out what he has made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity, consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that no one can discover anything that will come after him."
We live in an upside down world. EVERYTHING IS DYING as opposed to EVERYTHING COMING TO LIFE.
v1 talks about a name. In Hebrew a name is more than just a label...It is a representation of one's character and reputation...An ointment at the time was an expensive luxury item. Solomon is telling us that character and reputation is worth much more than wealth...even great wealth.
Solomon also mentions that death is better than birth. In Hebrew, "better" is not necessarily more enjoyable, rather more valuable of significant.
v2 points out that we should live with the end in mind. In my old life, teaching, we always planned based on what we wanted our students to know in the end...Planning with the end in mind. Likewise, when we live life, we must anticipate the end; as Christians the end is an eternity with our savior reveling in the magnificence of His glory, righteousness and majesty. Tombstones always contain the year of birth - year of death. The important question in life is NOT the day we are born or the day we die, rather, how we spend our hyphen.
v3 "return mankind to the dust" Our wounds never heal by faking happy. We must be real and feel. We should not miss the hard stuff, but live them to the fullest extent. There is healing in facing our own wounds.
v4 mind is also the word used for heart. True life cannot be found from distracting ourselves from what is true about life. Movies, games, mindless activity certainly has a place, but it should NOT distract us from actually living our life.
The wisdom of the world will not save our souls, this is why we must make counterintuitive choices. Conventional wisdom does not work.
True life is found in places we do NOT expect.
v7 extortion and bribery makes one foolish. Power and greed must be kept in check, or we become foolish.
v9 It is wise to be patient. Often we feel pressure and our rushed into making decisions. The wise person is patient and makes choices when necessary, not when under pressure.
v10 Nostalgia is a powerful emotion. Solomon reminds us, that there is nothing new under the sun...We should not desire the past, but should live for the day we have been given. Every day is a gift from God.
v.12 Solomon speaks of money and wisdom...Both are good however money does not preserve life, knowledge and wisdom does. Both are good, only one saves.
v 14 good and bad things happen in life...we cannot control or predict this...God stands in control over it all...
I'm constantly amazed that the God of the universe, who controls it all, as indicated in v14, pursues me and draws me to Him. He wants a relationship with me and pursues it.
We are all in s sailboat, not a motor boat, to coast through life. We are riding the winds of God, not pushing through with a motor of our own making. We should praise God for the good winds, and trust him in the storm. The Lord brings them both, according to His purposes.
v13 Solomon has left no stone unturned and he has discovered that everything is broken. How do your explain brokenness of creation apart from God's authority. Only 1 person can straighten out the brokenness. Solomon cannot answer the question of who can straighten it, but his question is an arrow that points us to the New Testament. Christ tells us He is coming to make all things new.
God said creation must be broken and fallen, because we/Adam chose sin. Only Jesus Christ can make things new.
Looking ahead we see that Solomon is not the only person with upside down wisdom. Jesus also taught us through upside down wisdom. The Sermon on the Mount, specifically the beatitudes are also upside down.
While Solomon could not see the future, Jesus could. Jesus picks up where Solomon left off, AND He sees beyond death.
All of the upside down wisdom expires when Jesus returns and makes straight all things broken
We should all live as citizens of a new world (heaven) while living in a broken world. We need to anticipate life after death, with the hope of faith.
Teacher: Rob Sweet
Upside Down Wisdom
Ecclesiastes 7:1-14: "A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of one's death is better than the day of one's birth. It is better to go to a house of mouring than to go to a house of feasting, since that is the end of all mankind, and the living should take it to heart. Grief is better than laughter, for when a face is sad, a heart may be glad. The heart of the wise is in a house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in a house of pleasure. It is better to listen to rebuke from a wise person than of listen to the song of fools, for like the crackling of burning thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile. Surely, the practice of extortion turns a wise person into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the mind. The end of a matter is better than its beginning; a patient spirit is better than a proud spirit. Don't let your spirit rush to be angry, for anger abides in the heart of fools. Don't say, 'Why were the former days better than these?' since it is not wise of you to ask this. Wisdom is as good as an inheritance and an advantage of knowledge is that preserves the life of its owner. Consider the work of God, for who can straighten out what he has made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity, consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that no one can discover anything that will come after him."
We live in an upside down world. EVERYTHING IS DYING as opposed to EVERYTHING COMING TO LIFE.
v1 talks about a name. In Hebrew a name is more than just a label...It is a representation of one's character and reputation...An ointment at the time was an expensive luxury item. Solomon is telling us that character and reputation is worth much more than wealth...even great wealth.
Solomon also mentions that death is better than birth. In Hebrew, "better" is not necessarily more enjoyable, rather more valuable of significant.
v2 points out that we should live with the end in mind. In my old life, teaching, we always planned based on what we wanted our students to know in the end...Planning with the end in mind. Likewise, when we live life, we must anticipate the end; as Christians the end is an eternity with our savior reveling in the magnificence of His glory, righteousness and majesty. Tombstones always contain the year of birth - year of death. The important question in life is NOT the day we are born or the day we die, rather, how we spend our hyphen.
v3 "return mankind to the dust" Our wounds never heal by faking happy. We must be real and feel. We should not miss the hard stuff, but live them to the fullest extent. There is healing in facing our own wounds.
v4 mind is also the word used for heart. True life cannot be found from distracting ourselves from what is true about life. Movies, games, mindless activity certainly has a place, but it should NOT distract us from actually living our life.
The wisdom of the world will not save our souls, this is why we must make counterintuitive choices. Conventional wisdom does not work.
True life is found in places we do NOT expect.
v7 extortion and bribery makes one foolish. Power and greed must be kept in check, or we become foolish.
v9 It is wise to be patient. Often we feel pressure and our rushed into making decisions. The wise person is patient and makes choices when necessary, not when under pressure.
v10 Nostalgia is a powerful emotion. Solomon reminds us, that there is nothing new under the sun...We should not desire the past, but should live for the day we have been given. Every day is a gift from God.
v.12 Solomon speaks of money and wisdom...Both are good however money does not preserve life, knowledge and wisdom does. Both are good, only one saves.
v 14 good and bad things happen in life...we cannot control or predict this...God stands in control over it all...
I'm constantly amazed that the God of the universe, who controls it all, as indicated in v14, pursues me and draws me to Him. He wants a relationship with me and pursues it.
We are all in s sailboat, not a motor boat, to coast through life. We are riding the winds of God, not pushing through with a motor of our own making. We should praise God for the good winds, and trust him in the storm. The Lord brings them both, according to His purposes.
v13 Solomon has left no stone unturned and he has discovered that everything is broken. How do your explain brokenness of creation apart from God's authority. Only 1 person can straighten out the brokenness. Solomon cannot answer the question of who can straighten it, but his question is an arrow that points us to the New Testament. Christ tells us He is coming to make all things new.
God said creation must be broken and fallen, because we/Adam chose sin. Only Jesus Christ can make things new.
Looking ahead we see that Solomon is not the only person with upside down wisdom. Jesus also taught us through upside down wisdom. The Sermon on the Mount, specifically the beatitudes are also upside down.
While Solomon could not see the future, Jesus could. Jesus picks up where Solomon left off, AND He sees beyond death.
All of the upside down wisdom expires when Jesus returns and makes straight all things broken
We should all live as citizens of a new world (heaven) while living in a broken world. We need to anticipate life after death, with the hope of faith.
Sunday, July 1, 2018
Ecclesiastes Part 9
7/1/2018
Ecclesiastes 5:8-20 The Curse of More
Teaching Pastor: Rob Sweet
Accumulating more is not always a good thing.
There are two "Seas" in Israel: The Dead Sea and The Sea of Galilee
The Jordan River feeds both Seas, but the Seas could not be more different. The Dead Sea does not sustain life, and The Sea of Galilee is a lushes green full of the vibrant colors of life.
Why the difference? The Dead Sea accumulates, The Sea of Galilee gives.
The Dead Sea has no outlet, so as the water evaporates the salt builds up and has created a space where life is not sustained. The Dead Sea has gained "more and more" salt, not giving, creating an environment of death.
The same river, The Jordan feeds The Sea of Galilee, however The Sea of Galilee has an outlet, it gives of itself so that there is no accumulation.
Like the seas in Israel, Giving your life over to accumulation will not give life. There is not life in "more."
THE CURSE OF MORE v. 8-12
vs. 8-9 "If you see oppression of the poor and perversion of justice and righteousness in the province, don't be astonished at the situation, because on official protects another official, and higher officials protect them. The profit from the land is taken by all; the king is served by the field."
Society has a tendency to develop tiers based on what we have. We should not be surprised when those on a higher tier take advantage of us, this is true of life in a fallen world. In vs.9 the NIV translates that the king profits from the field. We all step on those below us on our way to the top. As Christians, God has called us to help those with less. Much like he did with us. He came to serve, not to be served.
PROBLEMS WITH MORE:
You never achieve enough...The more is never satisfied, the love of more creates a desire that cannot be met.
2. MORE COLLECTION CREATES MORE CONSUMPTION
vs. 11 "When good things increase, the ones who consume them multiply; what, then, is the profit to the owner, except to gaze at them with his eyes?"
The more we have it seems the more we need.
3.THE MORE YOU HAVE THE LESS YOU REST
vs. 12 "The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich permits him no sleep."
Right now in the US as the standard of living has increased, our sleep has decreased. The CDC reports that sleep issues are on the rise.
When you go after "more" you never get what you want.
vs. 13-17 tell us of the tragedy of a wasted life. In this story of a man who gives his life to accumulating riches, we learn that in the end, regardless of what we have collected, we die and lose it all.
THE SOLUTION TO MORE
vs. 18-20 "Here is what I have seen to be good: It is appropriate to eat, drink and experience good in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of his life God has given him, because that is his reward. Furthermore, everyone to whom God has given riches and wealth, he has also allowed him to enjoy them, take his reward, and rejoice in his labor. This is a gift of God, for he does not often consider the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart."
The solution is to eat drink and be merry. We are to receive the life we have as a gift from God. The 1st solution is that life is gift, not gain. We are to open our eyes and see gifts from God and enjoy them. We must stop looking at what has not been given to us, and be thankful and enjoy the abundant gifts in our life. Even if that is only the gift of salvation. The second solution "more" is to give not grasp at our blessings. Even Jesus, our example, came to serve, not to be served.
We are to be conduits, not containers.
The blessings of God are given to flow through us to bless others. Not to be hoarded.
Ecclesiastes 5:8-20 The Curse of More
Teaching Pastor: Rob Sweet
Accumulating more is not always a good thing.
There are two "Seas" in Israel: The Dead Sea and The Sea of Galilee
The Jordan River feeds both Seas, but the Seas could not be more different. The Dead Sea does not sustain life, and The Sea of Galilee is a lushes green full of the vibrant colors of life.
Why the difference? The Dead Sea accumulates, The Sea of Galilee gives.
The Dead Sea has no outlet, so as the water evaporates the salt builds up and has created a space where life is not sustained. The Dead Sea has gained "more and more" salt, not giving, creating an environment of death.
The same river, The Jordan feeds The Sea of Galilee, however The Sea of Galilee has an outlet, it gives of itself so that there is no accumulation.
Like the seas in Israel, Giving your life over to accumulation will not give life. There is not life in "more."
THE CURSE OF MORE v. 8-12
vs. 8-9 "If you see oppression of the poor and perversion of justice and righteousness in the province, don't be astonished at the situation, because on official protects another official, and higher officials protect them. The profit from the land is taken by all; the king is served by the field."
Society has a tendency to develop tiers based on what we have. We should not be surprised when those on a higher tier take advantage of us, this is true of life in a fallen world. In vs.9 the NIV translates that the king profits from the field. We all step on those below us on our way to the top. As Christians, God has called us to help those with less. Much like he did with us. He came to serve, not to be served.
PROBLEMS WITH MORE:
- MORE IS NEVER SATISFIED
You never achieve enough...The more is never satisfied, the love of more creates a desire that cannot be met.
2. MORE COLLECTION CREATES MORE CONSUMPTION
vs. 11 "When good things increase, the ones who consume them multiply; what, then, is the profit to the owner, except to gaze at them with his eyes?"
The more we have it seems the more we need.
3.THE MORE YOU HAVE THE LESS YOU REST
vs. 12 "The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich permits him no sleep."
Right now in the US as the standard of living has increased, our sleep has decreased. The CDC reports that sleep issues are on the rise.
When you go after "more" you never get what you want.
vs. 13-17 tell us of the tragedy of a wasted life. In this story of a man who gives his life to accumulating riches, we learn that in the end, regardless of what we have collected, we die and lose it all.
THE SOLUTION TO MORE
vs. 18-20 "Here is what I have seen to be good: It is appropriate to eat, drink and experience good in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of his life God has given him, because that is his reward. Furthermore, everyone to whom God has given riches and wealth, he has also allowed him to enjoy them, take his reward, and rejoice in his labor. This is a gift of God, for he does not often consider the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart."
The solution is to eat drink and be merry. We are to receive the life we have as a gift from God. The 1st solution is that life is gift, not gain. We are to open our eyes and see gifts from God and enjoy them. We must stop looking at what has not been given to us, and be thankful and enjoy the abundant gifts in our life. Even if that is only the gift of salvation. The second solution "more" is to give not grasp at our blessings. Even Jesus, our example, came to serve, not to be served.
We are to be conduits, not containers.
The blessings of God are given to flow through us to bless others. Not to be hoarded.
Ecclesiastes Part 8
This message was spoken on June 24, 2018.
Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 Watch Your Words
Teaching Pastor: Lloyd Shadrach
How do we live and enjoy life with or without God on a fallen planet. For all to be good we need to live in the absence of judgment, the absence of oppression and the absence of death).
We cannot separate life with God from life with each other.
We are all called to walk this life in community. We are all ONE body in Christ. Everyone is essential and serves a purpose.
Listening is the key to living life on this planet.
vs. 1"Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Better to approach in obedience than to offer the sacrifice as fools do, for they ignorantly do wrong."
In speaking of the House of God, Solomon is referring tot he church. In his time, perhaps the temple, but regardless, the House of God. Guard your step is a caution. He is caution us to come to listen to God. The word for listen is Shamah. our priority in coming to church should be to Shamah or listen to God. All to often I can find a million other reasons to go to church. While none of my reasons are bad, Solomon cautions that I should go to listen to God.
Interestingly enough, the word Shamah translates to listen, but also to obey. In Hebrew culture, listening implied obedience.
Solomon cautions because once heard, the word of the Lord must be obeyed. There is NO separate Hebrew word for obey. Listening and Obeying are one and the same in the original text.
To listen and NOT obey is evil. The two cannot be separated.
"Sacrifice of fools" - When Solomon refers to offering the sacrifice of fools, he is referencing careless observance of religion. "Acting Christian." As someone who grew up in the deep south, this is very prevalent. It is socially acceptable and often socially demanded that we look the part of a Christian. Solomon is calling us to be Christian in our hearts and souls...Not just for the appearance of men.
vs. 2-3 "Do not be hasty to speak, and do not be impulsive to make a speech before God.. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. Just as dreams accompany much labor, so a fool's voice comes with many words."
We should let our words be few because God is God and we are not. We are to freely come before the God of all, but we need to come with deep reverence and awe of what he has done and will do. But honestly, just because of what he has done...That is enough, even if it is al he does do.
vs. 4-6 "When you make a vow to God, don't delay fulfilling it, because he does not delight in fools. Fulfill what you vow. Better that you do not vow than that you vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth bring guilt on you, and do not say in the presence of the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry with your words and destroy the work of your hands?"
Vows: We must keep our vows. If we make them, they are to be kept, regardless of the cost. Hannah, Samuel's mother, kept her vow despite it costing her dearly. God takes our promises as seriously as He takes His own. He's never made a promise he hasn't kept.
To hear God is to Obey God
3 PRINCIPLES
1. To listen is to obey
2. To listen is to say less
3. To listen is to keep my promises
Therefore to obey is to keep promises
My prayer is to let my words be few, so that every word has a purpose and matters.
Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 Watch Your Words
Teaching Pastor: Lloyd Shadrach
How do we live and enjoy life with or without God on a fallen planet. For all to be good we need to live in the absence of judgment, the absence of oppression and the absence of death).
We cannot separate life with God from life with each other.
We are all called to walk this life in community. We are all ONE body in Christ. Everyone is essential and serves a purpose.
Listening is the key to living life on this planet.
vs. 1"Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Better to approach in obedience than to offer the sacrifice as fools do, for they ignorantly do wrong."
In speaking of the House of God, Solomon is referring tot he church. In his time, perhaps the temple, but regardless, the House of God. Guard your step is a caution. He is caution us to come to listen to God. The word for listen is Shamah. our priority in coming to church should be to Shamah or listen to God. All to often I can find a million other reasons to go to church. While none of my reasons are bad, Solomon cautions that I should go to listen to God.
Interestingly enough, the word Shamah translates to listen, but also to obey. In Hebrew culture, listening implied obedience.
Solomon cautions because once heard, the word of the Lord must be obeyed. There is NO separate Hebrew word for obey. Listening and Obeying are one and the same in the original text.
To listen and NOT obey is evil. The two cannot be separated.
"Sacrifice of fools" - When Solomon refers to offering the sacrifice of fools, he is referencing careless observance of religion. "Acting Christian." As someone who grew up in the deep south, this is very prevalent. It is socially acceptable and often socially demanded that we look the part of a Christian. Solomon is calling us to be Christian in our hearts and souls...Not just for the appearance of men.
vs. 2-3 "Do not be hasty to speak, and do not be impulsive to make a speech before God.. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. Just as dreams accompany much labor, so a fool's voice comes with many words."
We should let our words be few because God is God and we are not. We are to freely come before the God of all, but we need to come with deep reverence and awe of what he has done and will do. But honestly, just because of what he has done...That is enough, even if it is al he does do.
vs. 4-6 "When you make a vow to God, don't delay fulfilling it, because he does not delight in fools. Fulfill what you vow. Better that you do not vow than that you vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth bring guilt on you, and do not say in the presence of the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry with your words and destroy the work of your hands?"
Vows: We must keep our vows. If we make them, they are to be kept, regardless of the cost. Hannah, Samuel's mother, kept her vow despite it costing her dearly. God takes our promises as seriously as He takes His own. He's never made a promise he hasn't kept.
To hear God is to Obey God
3 PRINCIPLES
1. To listen is to obey
2. To listen is to say less
3. To listen is to keep my promises
Therefore to obey is to keep promises
My prayer is to let my words be few, so that every word has a purpose and matters.
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