Sermon Series: Chasing Life- Part 1 “Nothing New Under the Sun”

Nothing New Under the Sun

My Bible, My Help, My Hope

Introduction

The book of Ecclesiastes is a dramatic autobiography of King Solomon’s life while he was away from God.

As the book of Proverbs reveals Solomon’s wisdom, the Book of Ecclesiastes reveals his foolishness.

This book begins with Solomon’s problem: All is vanity in the world.

This book is comprised of many experiments that Solomon makes to try to find the true meaning of life.

Just like many of us, we too question what is our true purpose.

Now, Solomon tries science, the laws of nature, wisdom, philosophy, pleasure, materialism, and living in the “now.”

He explores fatalism, egotism, religion, wealth, and morality.

At the end of this book, Solomon gives us the results of all of his experiments which is simple, God judges both good and evil and He knows the true intents of mans heart.

With all that being said, for the next few weeks, we will be pondering the purpose of life, considering the perils of pursuing transient trends, and discussing how we can persist in the face of vanity.

"To be a Christian is to be a traveler. We are on a journey through the wastes of this world. We are not yet home."

This world, with all its fleeting pleasures and temporary treasures, is not our final destination.

We are merely passing through, our eyes fixed on the eternal, our hearts yearning for the everlasting.

Let's turn to the timeless wisdom of Ecclesiastes:

Ecclesiastes 1:2 (ESV)

2 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.

Ecclesiastes 1:9–10 (ESV)

9 What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.

10 Is there a thing of which it is said, “See, this is new”? It has been already in the ages before us.

These verses remind us of the transient nature of earthly pursuits and the futility of chasing after the wind.

They challenge us to reevaluate our priorities, to seek what is truly meaningful and lasting.

They cause us to ponder and question this journey called life.

Questions like, what is the purpose of life?

Why do we chase after that which quickly fades away?

And how can we persist in the face of vanity?

Let us seek the answers together, under the guidance of God's Word.

Pondering the Purpose of Life

On this journey called life, we often find ourselves questioning the very essence of our being.

We look at the world around us, at the hustle and bustle, the ceaseless striving for success, and we wonder, "Is this all there is?

Is this why we are here?"

The book of Ecclesiastes provides a profound perspective on this existential question.

It presents a stark contrast to the worldly view of life's purpose, challenging us to look beyond the superficial and the transient.

The Preacher in Ecclesiastes speaks of the futility of earthly pursuits, of the vanity of vanities.

This is not a call to nihilism or despair, but rather a call to wisdom and discernment.

It is an invitation to shift our focus from the temporal to the eternal, from the fleeting to the everlasting.

It is a reminder that our ultimate purpose lies not in the accumulation of worldly wealth or achievements, but in the pursuit of a deeper, more meaningful connection with our Creator.

This connection with God, this pursuit of the eternal, is not a passive endeavor.

It requires active engagement, a conscious choice to seek God's will and align our lives with His divine plan.

It involves a constant striving towards righteousness, a relentless pursuit of truth and love.

It is a lifelong commitment, a journey of faith that transcends the boundaries of time and space.

Yet, this pursuit of the eternal does not mean that we should disregard our earthly lives.

On the contrary, it provides a framework within which we can live our lives with purpose and meaning.

It gives us a perspective that enables us to navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and grace.

It empowers us to make choices that reflect our eternal values, rather than being swayed by the transient trends of the world.

The Preacher's words also serve as a warning against the dangers of materialism and hedonism.

They caution us against the temptation to seek fulfillment in the things of this world, in the pursuit of wealth, power, or pleasure.

These things, while not inherently evil, can easily become idols that distract us from our true purpose.

They can lead us down a path of vanity and emptiness, a path that ultimately leads to disappointment and despair.

Yet, in the midst of this warning, there is also a message of hope.

The Preacher assures us that there is a way to live a meaningful and fulfilling life, a way to find true happiness and contentment.

This way is not found in the pursuit of worldly success or material wealth, but in the pursuit of God's will, in the cultivation of a deep and abiding relationship with our Creator.

In conclusion, the purpose of life, as presented in Ecclesiastes, is not found in the transient trends of the world, but in the pursuit of the eternal.

It is found in our relationship with God, in our commitment to live according to His will, in our striving towards righteousness and truth.

This purpose is not a one-time achievement, but a lifelong journey, a constant striving towards the eternal.

Pursuing That Which Fades Away

The book of Ecclesiastes, in its profound wisdom, warns us of the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits.

It paints a vivid picture of the futility of chasing after the wind, of investing our time, energy, and resources in endeavors that are here today and gone tomorrow.

They may seem vibrant and appealing at first, drawing us in with their promise of novelty and excitement.

But as time passes, their allure wanes, their colors fade, and we are left with the stark realization that they are but fleeting distractions, devoid of lasting value or significance.

The allure of pursuing things which fade away is often rooted in our desire for novelty, for something new and exciting that can break the monotony of our daily lives.

We are drawn to the latest fashions, the newest gadgets, the most popular social media trends.

We crave the thrill of the new, the excitement of the unknown.

But as Ecclesiastes reminds us, "What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

This pursuit of novelty, this constant craving for the new and exciting, can lead us down a perilous path.

It can distract us from the things that truly matter, the things that have lasting value and significance.

It can cause us to lose sight of our true purpose, to forget the eternal truths that should guide our lives.

The second peril of pursuing things that fade away is the danger of conformity.

In our desire to fit in, to be part of the crowd, we may find ourselves adopting trends and fads without critical thought or discernment.

We may find ourselves swept up in the current of popular opinion, losing our individuality and uniqueness in the process.

Ecclesiastes warns us of this danger, reminding us that "there is nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

This phrase, repeated throughout the book, serves as a stark reminder of the futility of conformity, of the emptiness of following the crowd.

It challenges us to think critically, to question the status quo, to seek truth and wisdom rather than popularity or acceptance.

The third peril of pursuing things that fade away is the risk of dissatisfaction and discontentment.

When we invest our time, energy, and resources in fleeting pursuits, we are often left feeling empty and unfulfilled.

The thrill of the new quickly fades, the excitement of the unknown soon gives way to boredom and disillusionment.

Ecclesiastes captures this sentiment perfectly, stating, "All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing" (Ecclesiastes 1:8).

This verse paints a vivid picture of the dissatisfaction and discontentment that can result from pursuing transient trends.

It reminds us of the futility of seeking fulfillment in the fleeting and the temporary.

In the original Hebrew, the word used for 'vanity' in Ecclesiastes is 'hebel', which literally translates to 'vapor' or 'breath'.

This term is used repeatedly throughout the book to emphasize the fleeting, transient nature of worldly pursuits.

It's a powerful metaphor that captures the essence of the message Ecclesiastes seeks to convey.

The term 'hebel' is also used in other parts of the Old Testament.

For instance, in Psalm 39:5, David uses the term to describe the brevity of human life: "Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath (hebel)!"

Here, the term is used to highlight the transient nature of human life, reinforcing the theme of Ecclesiastes.

The fourth peril of pursuing transient trends is the potential for misplaced priorities.

In our quest for the latest and greatest, we may lose sight of what truly matters.

We may neglect our relationships, our health, our spiritual growth.

We may become so consumed with keeping up with the trends that we forget to nurture the things that have lasting value and significance.

Ecclesiastes warns us of this danger, reminding us that "all is vanity" (Ecclesiastes 1:2).

This stark statement serves as a wake-up call, challenging us to reevaluate our priorities, to invest our time, energy, and resources in things that have eternal value.

The fifth peril of pursuing transient trends is the risk of losing our identity.

In our desire to fit in, to be part of the crowd, we may find ourselves adopting trends and fads that do not align with our values or beliefs.

We may find ourselves compromising our integrity, losing sight of who we are and what we stand for.

Ecclesiastes cautions us against this danger, stating, "What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

This verse serves as a reminder of the futility of conformity, of the importance of staying true to ourselves, of the value of authenticity and integrity.

Persisting in the Face of Vanity

Persisting in the face of vanity, dear friends, is a task that requires courage, conviction, and a clear understanding of our purpose in life.

It involves recognizing the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and choosing to anchor our lives in the eternal.

It means acknowledging the vanity of life, yet choosing to live with purpose and intentionality.

The first aspect we need to consider is the meaninglessness that often pervades our existence.

This sense of meaninglessness can be overwhelming, leading us to question the purpose of our lives and the value of our efforts.

Yet, it is precisely in the face of this existential void that we are called to persist.

Research from the field of positive psychology suggests that one of the keys to a fulfilling life is the pursuit of meaning.

Unlike happiness, which is often dependent on external circumstances, meaning is something we create for ourselves through our actions, relationships, and contributions to the world.

It is about connecting with something larger than ourselves, about making a difference in the world, about living in alignment with our values and beliefs.

In the words of the renowned psychologist Viktor Frankl, "Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'."

This 'why', dear friends, is what gives us the strength to persist in the face of vanity.

It is what anchors us amidst the storms of life, what guides us through the wilderness of existential despair.

The second aspect we need to consider is the role of faith in our lives.

Faith, in this context, is not just about believing in God or adhering to a particular set of religious beliefs.

It is about trusting in the inherent goodness of life, about believing in the potential for growth and transformation, about holding on to hope even in the midst of despair.

As the respected Christian writer C.S. Lewis once said, "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."

Faith, dear friends, is the lens through which we view the world. It is what enables us to see beyond the vanity of life, to perceive the underlying beauty and goodness of creation.

The third aspect we need to consider is the importance of community.

We are not meant to navigate the complexities of life alone.

We are designed for connection, for relationship, for mutual support and encouragement.

Research has consistently shown that strong social connections are associated with increased happiness, improved health, and a longer life.

Moreover, being part of a community gives us a sense of belonging, a sense of being part of something larger than ourselves.

It provides us with opportunities to give and receive love, to share our joys and sorrows, to learn and grow together.

The final aspect we need to consider is the power of love.

Love, in its purest form, is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional.

It is not about getting, but about giving.

It is not about possessing, but about serving.

As the apostle Paul reminds us in his letter to the Corinthians, "Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

So, dear friends, let us persist in the face of vanity.

Let us embrace the meaninglessness of life, not as a cause for despair, but as a call to action.

Let us cultivate a deep and abiding faith, not just in God, but in the inherent goodness of life.

Let us nurture strong and supportive communities, where we can give and receive love, where we can learn and grow together.

And above all, let us strive to live lives of love, for it is in loving that we truly live.

Conclusion

As we draw this time of fellowship and reflection to a close, let's remember that our purpose in life isn't found in the fleeting pleasures of this world, but in the eternal love and grace of our Heavenly Father.

We're not called to chase after the latest trends or seek validation from others.

Instead, we're called to love God, love others, and make a difference in this world for His glory.

It's not always easy.

There will be times when we're tempted to give in to vanity, to seek our worth in worldly things.

But let's remember that our true worth comes from God.

We are His beloved children, created in His image, and nothing in this world can change that.

So let's keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Let's run with perseverance the race marked out for us, not swayed by the winds of change, but anchored in the unchanging love of God.

And as we journey through this life, let's remember that we're not alone.

God is with us every step of the way, guiding us, strengthening us, and filling us with His peace.

Let's pray.