THE PROMISE OF A NEW YEAR

Introduction: The name Ecclesiastes indicates “the Preacher or the Philosopher,” and this book contains the philosophy of Solomon as his mind was in conflict over the problems of life…

One would summarize Solomon’s analysis of life without a heavenly purpose…VANITY.

1:2 – Vanity of Vanities, all is vanity – in fact the word Vanity is mentioned 37 times.

Vanity means Emptiness or Empty pleasure.

Note – The word Vanity means empty, and this book shows us the World cannot satisfy the heart.

Illustration – Many people returned to work Tuesday their stomachs were full; they’ve had time with family; perhaps received gifts; perhaps spent far too much on Christmas gifts; but the overwhelming emotion will be emptiness.

Note – Because without a right relationship with God’, it’s all Vanity!

Quote – J. Vernon McGee held an annual Bible Conference in Hawaii – In his comments on Ecclesiastes he noted the unsaved crowds at the hotel…had no purpose, no aim in life – they were empty!

We have been to Disney World at least 50 times and often make the comment that so many people are not even smiling; this is because their lives are empty!!!

Note – Our new year will either be one of Vanity or Purpose – we must choose! If we want a year of Spiritual Purpose, we need to determine to “Consider Him” – there are a few vital lessons in the last chapter of this book!

I. Remember our Creator – verses 1-12

Note – The man or woman who is filled with Vanity has forgotten we are His creation.

Romans 1:28 KJV 1900

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Note – We as His people should…

A. Remember Him Each Day

Psalm 63:1 KJV 1900

1 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: My soul thirsteth for thee, My flesh longeth for thee In a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

Illustration – Daily Journals; Schedule a plan for reading the Bible; set aside time to study the Bible; 3 to thrive; Bible Institute; Reformers Unanimous

1. In Bible Study

Psalm 119:16

16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

Note- Have you gone days in 2006 without reading your Bible?

Note- We need not just read the Word, but Heed the Word!

2. In Prayer

Pray without ceasing…

Note- How often do we dash out the door without ever spending time with our Creator and Saviour?

B. Remember Him All of Our Days

Note – In our youth – Give Him your heart. In our old age…verses 2-5

· Keepers of the House = Arms and Hands (tremble)

· Strong Man = Legs and Thighs

· Grinders (3) = Teeth (few)

· Windows Dim = Eyesight

· Doors shut = Ears (4)

· Daughters of Music are Low = Vocal Chords

· Afraid of Heights

· Desire Fails

Note – Verse 6 – Silver Cord Loosed…(Spirit and body separated…)

Note – Thank God for Christians who purposely live for Christ all of their days!

C. Remember Him in our Priorities – verses 8-12

Verse 8 – The things of this world are vanity

Verse 11 – The words of the world are vanity

Verse 12 – The Books of the world are vanity

Note – Above all else in the New Year – remember our Creator

II. Recognize Our Duty – verse 13

Note – Solomon, after considering all the world has to offer says, “Here’s the conclusion…”

A. Fear God

Psalm 112:1

112:1 Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

Note – The fear of God is the work of the of the Spirit in heart of the saved man. It is an inner principle of awe, reverence, ‘holy terror’?...that produces an outward manifestation…

Note-

“The fear of the Lord”= a constant awareness of God’s presence and my accountability to Him for my actions

Note – If we don’t fear or reverence God – we will not keep His commandments…

Illustration – That’s why we teach our children…

Illustration – One boy was riding with His dad…asked “how to you spell God?” Dad, excited said, “G-O-D.” Son said, “How do you spell Zilla?”

B. Keep His Commandments

1 John 3:23

23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

Matthew 22:36-40

36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Note – The greatest Commandment of God is to believe on the name of Christ…

Note – Senior year in High school I kept the greatest commandment!!

III. Realize our Appointment with God – verse 14

Note – If we believe we will see God at the end of this life, we will live 2023 with His purpose in mind.

A. For Those Without Christ – The Great White Throne Judgment

Rev. 20:11-12

11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

B. For Those with Christ – Judgment Seat of Christ

2 Cor. 5:10

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Note – Our sin will not be judged…it was judged on the CROSS!!

Rom. 8:1

8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Note – Good works = Reward….Bad works = Loss of Reward…

Conclusion

Will your new year be vanity or purposeful?

Will the next year bring a time of seeking your own way or will it be a year in which you “Seek the Lord”

· Remember our Creator

· Recognize our Duty

· Realize our Appointment with God

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