A Life Worth Living

Recap…

Is Life worth Living?

That is the question that Solomon posed at the beginning of Ecclesiastes

The Carnal or earthly minded man can have some wisdom (We saw that from Solomon in the previous chapters)

After experimenting and and investigating life with a Earthly Perspective (Life Under the Sun)

He concluded—> Life is not worth living

Life is Monotonous

The Vanity of Wisdom

The Futility of Wealth

Certainty of Death

Whats the point if the end is death for everyone....

These thoughts can and do lead to great anxiety and hopelessness for people

…Maybe you have found yourself there before…

Life IS Worth Living

A Life Worth Living: Has an Earthly Purpose with an Eternal Perspective

Ecclesiastes 11:1–8 (NKJV)

1 Cast your bread upon the waters, For you will find it after many days. 2 Give a serving to seven, and also to eight, For you do not know what evil will be on the earth. 3 If the clouds are full of rain, They empty themselves upon the earth; And if a tree falls to the south or the north, In the place where the tree falls, there it shall lie. 4 He who observes the wind will not sow, And he who regards the clouds will not reap. 5 As you do not know what is the way of the wind, Or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, So you do not know the works of God who makes everything. 6 In the morning sow your seed, And in the evening do not withhold your hand; For you do not know which will prosper, Either this or that, Or whether both alike will be good. 7 Truly the light is sweet, And it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun; 8 But if a man lives many years And rejoices in them all, Yet let him remember the days of darkness, For they will be many. All that is coming is vanity.

A Life Worth Living: Lives Generously

The point of life is not living for Yourself, but Generously and sacrificially giving and serving the Lord and others.

V:1- Cast your (bread) upon the waters

Well known proverb in that era-

At first glance the concept of it can be confusing….”Cast my bread out and it will return?” ¿What?

Seems futile/wasted

Sometimes our giving or sacrifice doesn't make sense

Because our perspective is limited

With an Eternal Perspective it makes sense

Galatians 6:8–10 “8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

It’s Giving of our

Time

Talent

Treasure

Testimony

V:2- Give a serving to seven, and also to eight

Its not just about giving but Giving Generously

How can you be generous with these for the Lord?

How can you be generous with these for others

Not just to your one or two favorite people….the point is to give generously

Who are you investing in/Discipling?

Give Generously While you can…or While you have Time here on earth

You don’t know what tomorrow brings…Time is short…

Ephesians 5:15–16 “15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

V:3- If the clouds are full of rain, They empty themselves upon the earth

If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves

They give all they have…they don’t hold onto the water

Likewise Giving of ourselves to God and others is what we were made to do…

The Water cycle—-Gives Life

Us investing in and discipling others; Gives Life

It fulfills our purpose and gives our lives meaning

It pours in life to others…

Who are you investing in?

V:4-8-

Lists out reasons why people hold off on sowing seed…

V:4-5- Which way is the wind blowing?

Is my seed going to go the right way…I dont want it to be wasted…

We can’t be frozen in fear or planning for the “Perfect Timing” to start what God has called us to do.

Our “Excuses

“I need to find the perfect place to serve God”

“I need to find the right person to invest in”

V:6- In the Morning…

Don’t Delay…When God Speaks take action…

Mrs Darby (Calculus- Teacher)

You Strike out 100% of the time if you don’t swing…

Not saying to be careless, but take action...

There is no reaping without sowing…

Sow Generously and See God work Abundantly…

1 Corinthians 3:6 “6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”

He will give the increase where and when He sees fit….

We might not see it all on this side of eternity…

But If we give Generously to God and Others we will have a Life worth living

There is fulfilling purpose

Ecclesiastes 11:9–12:7(NKJV)

9 Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, And let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; Walk in the ways of your heart, And in the sight of your eyes; But know that for all these God will bring you into judgment. 10 Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, And put away evil from your flesh, For childhood and youth are vanity. 1 Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them”: 2 While the sun and the light, The moon and the stars, Are not darkened, And the clouds do not return after the rain; 3 In the day when the keepers of the house tremble, And the strong men bow down; When the grinders cease because they are few, And those that look through the windows grow dim; 4 When the doors are shut in the streets, And the sound of grinding is low; When one rises up at the sound of a bird, And all the daughters of music are brought low. 5 Also they are afraid of height, And of terrors in the way; When the almond tree blossoms, The grasshopper is a burden, And desire fails. For man goes to his eternal home, And the mourners go about the streets. 6 Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed, Or the golden bowl is broken, Or the pitcher shattered at the fountain, Or the wheel broken at the well. 7 Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it.

A Life Worth Living: Lives with Eternity in Mind

V:9-10-(NLT) Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do. 10 So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy. But remember that youth, with a whole life before you, is meaningless.

What are you purposing to do with your best, brightest and most vibrant years?

Are you stewarding your time with Eternity in Mind or our you wasting it on the passing pleasures of this world?

Story of the Prodigal Son

Took the inheritance of his father…

Thought life was going to be great…it beat him up, left him, empty, meaningless, without hope

Found it was all “Vanity”-

The things of the world will leave you feeling Worthless/Empty

“Even my fathers servants had it better than this…”

Living life with the Father and for the Father leave your full of purpose and meaning

The Father put a ring on his finger, a robe on his back, and full rack of ribs in front of him

He had a position as a son

All that He needed was provided for

Ecclesiastes 12:1 (NLT) Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.”

Story of the talents

Maybe you aren’t running from Him….

But you aren’t living on Purpose with eternity in mind

Are you burying your talents

I’ll worry about living with an eternal mindset when I get older.

V:2 -Use your gifts for Him in the bright vibrants days of life…

Don’t Live today for yourself, thinking tomorrow you will live for Him…

V:3-7- The Burdens of old age

In Youth there is Zeal and in Age there wisdom

Barbara Coupe-

Giving to God what was missed in the days before…

But there are hinderances and burdens

V:3-

Keepers of the House Tremble

Legs shaking and not being strong…

Grinders Cease Becase they are few

Teeth -

Look through the windows grow Dim

Your Eyes- Grow dim and can’t see

V:4-

Ecclesiastes 12:8–14 (Parting Words)

“8 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “All is vanity.” 9 And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs. 10 The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright—words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. 12 And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh. 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.”

A Life Worth Living: Lives to Honor God

V:8

All done with a Earthly Mindset and motive is Worthless/Futile/ Meaningless

A Life Worth Living: Lives to Honor God

V:11- The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd.

The Truth that Solomon Shared was:

Goad- Provoke Change or Action

To Change your mindset and course

Well Driven Nail-

Provide Stability to Hold us in Place

God’s Words does this for us!

Psalm 119:9–10“9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!”

Change from who we were as we honor him and his word

His word holds us in a place of righteousness

V:12- Self Help Books are a dime a dozen

Everyone has a good idea

If it is not from the ONE true Shepherd it is NOT what we need.

V:13- Fear God

—> It motivates our lives to

Its the Why we do what we do…

Living in Awe and Respect of who he is

Having Gratitude for his kidness and Mercy

Being Awe of His Power

Having Confidence in His wisdom

Living in Submission to his will

Finding Joy in experiencing communion with Him

Having affection for Him like a child

V:13-Keep His Commandments

Keeping his commandments not because we have to but because we want to

honoring him

It is your inward life driving your outward actions

Your outward Actions are an outpouring of your love and Loyalty to God

Not Mer External Compliance

Not Begrudgingly

Its a labor of Love not a work of the Flesh

This is how you know if He has your heart

Doesn’t mean it wont be a struggle some days…

But is it a want to or have to?

We cheerfully do it because we know He is the good shepherd

When I know someone loves me and is looking out for me it’s easier to Honor them

V:14- All will be judged

1 Corinthians 4:5 “5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.”

Hebrews 11:6 “6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

How have you seen someone generously invest their time, talent, treasure, and testimony into your life?

Can you think of a way that you have or can do it with others?

Share of a time that God has used the wise words of someone to provoke change in your life.

How did you know their wisdom was from the Lord/Biblical?

Why is it important to cheerfully/joyfully submit yourself to the authority of the Lord?