Graduation Service

Text: Ecclesiastes 12:1–14

CIT: A wise life begins and ends with a relationship with the Creator.

Theme for Graduates: Life is fleeting, but God is eternal. You were created not just for success, but for connection—with Him.

Opener / Illustration:

Imagine standing at the peak of a mountain with a beautiful landscape in view. It’s breathtaking. You feel powerful, free, like you can do anything. That’s what graduation often feels like. But let’s imagine that next to you stands the one who created the mountain. And while you’re busy looking ahead, He taps you on the shoulder and says, “Remember Me.”

That’s exactly what the Preacher says in Ecclesiastes 12:1 —

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth…”

I. Choosing to Follow God Early

Ecclesiastes 11:9–12:1 KJV 1900

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity. Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

From the end of chapter 11, Solomon speaks directly to young people. He says: Yes—rejoice in your youth. But remember, it’s not a license to waste your life.

Instructions to the wise young man:

Remove Sorrow (v.10a) – Don’t let bitterness or disappointment fester in your heart.

Put Away Evil (v.10b) – Reject sinful behavior; the habits you form now shape your life.

Remember Thy Creator (12:1) – Keep God at the center before the days of darkness come.

Illustration: A friend who bought a new car but never changed the oil. It ran great for a while—then one day, it died. Why? Because maintenance matters early, not just when something goes wrong. The same is true with your walk with God.

II. You Are Not Timeless (Ecc 12:1–7)

Solomon gives a poetic, sobering description of old age—reminding us of our humanity.

The keepers (arms) begin to tremble.

The strong men (legs) bow.

The grinders (teeth) become few.

The windows (eyes) are darkened.

The doors (mouth) are shut.

The daughters of music (ears) are brought low.

Eventually, life ends—silver cord loosed, golden bowl broken… dust returns, spirit returns.

Illustration: A sandcastle built with care and beauty—but when the tide comes in, it disappears. No matter how strong we feel now, time is moving. Wisdom is remembering that we are creation, not the Creator.

III. Find Your Satisfaction in God (Ecc 12:8–11)

After describing the vanity of everything else, Solomon points us toward something greater:

“The words of the wise are as goads…” (v.11)

Goads: Prodding tools to direct animals—a picture of Scripture keeping us on course.

Nails: Fixed truths driven in by a Master Builder.

From One Shepherd: God’s truth is not random—it’s relational. It’s from a Shepherd who guides.

Illustration: Imagine walking a narrow path through fog. You can’t see far, but someone you trust calls from ahead: “Keep going. I’m here.” That’s what God’s Word is—it anchors and guides.

IV. Study, then Act (Ecclesiastes 12:12)

“Of making many books there is no end…”

Solomon isn’t anti-learning—he’s pro-wisdom. Knowledge is everywhere, but not all of it is grounded in truth.

Study is valuable—but if it doesn’t lead to action, it only wears you out.

Challenge: Don’t become a graduate full of facts and empty of direction. Wisdom applies truth.

Learn—but let your learning lead to loving and living.

V. Fear God and Keep His Commandments (Ecc 12:13–14)

This is Solomon’s final word. What do we do with all this?

Fear God: This is not dread—but deep reverence. It’s love that leads to obedience.

Keep His Commandments: Walk in His ways. Live like He matters.

Faith is the passionate pursuit of Christ.

When you truly see God as He is, you want Him—you don’t avoid Him.

Fear leads to fellowship. Reverence leads to relationship.

VI. Walk with Him (Micah 6:8)

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good…”

Do Justly – Be fair, honest, live with integrity.

Love Mercy – Be gracious, forgive freely.

Walk Humbly with thy God – Daily dependence, not occasional religion.

Illustration: If someone is walking next to you, you adjust your pace, you listen, you talk. Walking with God means He sets the pace, He directs the steps.

VII. Love Others (John 13:34; 15:12; Romans 13:9; 1 John 3:23)

What does it look like to live a life not ruled by vanity?

It’s a life that points back to God by how it treats others.

Love one another.

Show mercy.

Serve people, not self.

Vanity says: “I’m the point.”

Wisdom says: “He’s the point—and I’m here to reflect Him.”

Conclusion / Final Illustration:

You were not created just to do, but to know your Creator.

Don’t spend your life climbing the ladder of success only to find it leaned against the wrong wall.

Picture your life like a mirror. When it’s tilted the wrong way, all people see is you. But when it’s angled toward heaven, it reflects the glory of the Creator.

Appeal to Graduates:

Will you remember your Creator now—not later?

Will you choose wisdom over vanity?

Will you walk with Him, not just work for Him?

Will you live a life that echoes into eternity?

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