"Don't Be Overly Righteous"

Sermon Outline: "Don't Be Overly Righteous"

Text: Ecclesiastes 7:16

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I. Introduction: Another Parishioner's Pick

A. Bible Reading Update

75 people in Wednesday night DMCs

Multiple reading plans in progress

New Testament group starting in September

B. Old Testament Structure Review

Law, History, Poetry, Prophecy

Ecclesiastes = Wisdom Literature (not rhyming poetry)

Books of wisdom: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes

C. Understanding Ecclesiastes

Often seems depressing ("meaningless" as theme)

Author's search for meaning in power, pleasure, wealth

Paul David Tripp's observation: cosmic screaming for purpose

Warning: Context is crucial - verses easily taken out of context

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II. The Shocking Command (Ecclesiastes 7:16)

A. The Verse That Confuses

"Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise"

Appears to contradict biblical holiness

Scripture calls us to be holy as God is holy

Jesus commands perfection like the Father

B. Context Is Essential (Ecclesiastes 7:15-22)

Righteous people sometimes perish

Wicked people sometimes prosper

Balance between extremes

Reality: "No righteous man on earth who does good and never sins"

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III. The Problem: When Good Doesn't Pay Off

A. The Universal Struggle

Proverbs' principles don't always work

Good people suffer, bad people prosper

Personal experiences of disappointment

Can drive people away from faith

B. Solomon's Crisis

Teetering on edge of unbelief

God's wisdom doesn't always "work out"

Living by biblical principles has exceptions

C. The Paradox of Scripture

Biblical promises of blessing for obedience

Examples: Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 4:40, Proverbs 3:1-4

Truth: Generally true, but not always immediately

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IV. The Meaning: Life's Mystery Remains

A. Don't Be Overly Righteous/Wise = Accept the Mystery

We can't figure everything out

Life will always contain mysteries

Even wisdom has limitations

Don't put hope in results-based faith

B. Ecclesiastes' Consistent Theme

Power doesn't give meaning

Wealth doesn't give meaning

Pleasure doesn't give meaning

Even wisdom has limits (Ecclesiastes 8:16-17, 11:5)

C. Biblical Acknowledgment of Mystery

Deuteronomy 29:29: "Secret things belong to the Lord"

Some things we simply don't know

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V. The Danger: We Can't Manipulate God

A. Religion as Transaction

"Be good and good things happen" mentality

Cannot control outcomes through righteousness

Faith tied to results will inevitably fail

B. "Bob's" Story - A Ministry Colleague's Fall

Christian upbringing, seminary, pastoral ministry

Became aggressive atheist

Christianity "doesn't work" - starting with unanswered childhood prayers

Age-old obstacle to faith

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VI. The Answer: Ultimate Hope in God

A. Frustration Drives Us to Gospel

Absurdity of life points to need for God

Answer to brokenness and meaninglessness

B. Immediate vs. Ultimate

Things may not work out immediately

God will work out everything ultimately

Final reckoning where all is set right

Wicked won't prosper forever, righteous won't suffer forever

C. The Preacher's Final Conclusion (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

"Fear God and keep His commandments"

God will bring every act to judgment

Trust in God's justice, not immediate results

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VII. The Faith Model: "But If Not..."

A. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:16-18)

"Our God is able to deliver us"

"But if not... we will not serve your gods"            

Faith despite uncertain outcomes

B. Esther's Courage (Esther 4:16)

"If I perish, I perish"

Commitment beyond personal safety

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VIII. Application: Two Seasons of Life

A. For Those Experiencing Blessing

Thank God for results-based faith working

Don't think you're better than those suffering

Their faith may be stronger than yours

Avoid spiritual pride

B. For Those Experiencing Pain

Faith can remain strong in suffering

This may be just a season

You're not worse than others

God doesn't love you less

God walks with you through complexity

One day faith will become sight

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IX. Conclusion: Resting in God's Mercy

A. Universal Truth

We are all sinners

None deserve anything

Rest in God's mercy, not our performance

B. Final Hope

One day all will be well

Trust God's ultimate justice and restoration

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Key Takeaway: Don't base your faith on immediate results. Trust in God's ultimate justice and mercy, knowing that some mysteries will remain until faith becomes sight.