Sermon Tone Analysis

The Toothpick

I am seeing how this is an all is vanity kind of world.

So much of life is meaningless.

But is there a way to live in this world?

We know and will continue to see that this life does not and will not work without Christ.

But how should we then live?

We live in accordance to the Word of God simple.

But again…are we?

We are constantly seeing comparisons of right way and wrong way to live from the philosophies, ideologies, and ingenuity of man.

It is amazing how much of worldly principles have penetrated our lives and we don’t even know it.

One of the ways to flip the light switch on this is the proverbs.

We are gonna look at some today.

Ecclesiastes 7:1-12

The grass withers the flower fades but the Word of our God stands forever.

The grass withers the flower fades but the Word of our God stands forever.

The Day

The Funeral

The Criticism

The End

The Wise

The Way

The first thing we will explore is the comparison of the day we were born and the day we die in light of integrity.

Another comparison to consider is the value of a funeral and a festival and the conclusion of which is better.

And finally we will uncover that all roads do not lead to heaven and the way the truth and the life is better than any other way.

Thesis: Though sin and the pattern of this world deceive us into thinking that rebellion against God is the right way to live, it is the light of scripture and the power of the Spirit that will illuminate the right way, the way the truth and the life.

I.

The Day

Fair fame is better than fine perfume

- Fair fame is better than fine perfume.

A. The Preacher begins by offering us wisdom for understanding the great matters of life and death.

Fair fame is better than fine perfume

Ryken, P. G. (2010).

Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p.

150).

Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

The Preacher begins by offering us wisdom for understanding the great matters of life and death.

Ryken, P. G. (2010).

Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p.

150).

Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

B. Qoheleth compares a good reputation to the rich aroma of an exotic fragrance.

A good literal translation could be...“Fair fame is better than fine perfume.”

This proverb seems to have been a popular saying in ancient times.

In the dry dusty communities of Biblical times, scented oils and other fragrances were valuable valuable commodities.

This proverb may have been a popular saying in those days.

In the dusty communities of Biblical times, scented oils and other fragrances were valuable commodities.

Yet having a name that people admire for integrity is even more valuable.

With every comment we make and every action we take, we either build up or tear down our reputation.

C. Yet having a name that people admire for integrity is even more valuable.

With every comment we make and every action we take, we either build up or tear down our reputation.

And according to Solomon… it is so much more.

Ryken, P. G. (2010).

Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p.

150).

Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

“Fair fame is better than fine perfume.

Ryken, P. G. (2010).

Ecclesiastes: Why everything matters (p.

150).

Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

D. Qoheleth calls us to good character.

Think about it, what kind of name are we making for ourselves.

When people think of us, what character traits come to mind?

Are they the characteristics of Christ?

Character is as character does, and sooner or later you will be known for the character you keep and its more valuable than we might think.

C.

E. Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius depicts the story of the legendary golfer.

In the early 1920s, Jones retired at the age of 28 as an amateur, yet captured golf's most elusive prize, the Grand Slam.

To accomplish this, Jones triumphed over his bad temper, self-imposed perfectionism, and some painful medical problems to earn the title "Best Golfer in the World."

In this scene, Bobby is playing his second U.S. Open Championship, and he feels pressured to win in order to prove that his first win was not a lucky accident.

Visibly upset, Jones calls for an official.

"I caused my ball to move," Jones tells them.

The officials confer with one another and with his opponent, Walter Hagen (Jeremy Northam), and then call Bobby over.

"Bobby, we've talked with Walter, all the officials, and several people in the gallery.

Nobody saw your ball move.

Seems a matter for you to decide."

The official takes Jones aside and asks, "Are you sure you caused that ball to move?"

"I know I did."

With this response, the official nods with some hesitation.

"You're to be congratulated, son."

Jones gives him a surprised look, "Sir, that's like congratulating a man for not robbing a bank.

I don't know how else to play the game."

Walter Hagen and the officials look on with amazement as Bobby Jones walks over to finish his shot.

The scene shifts to later that evening where reporter O. B. Keeler (Malcolm McDowell) is typing his story: "Bobby Jones lost the U.S. Open by one stroke.

In calling a penalty on himself, he demonstrated the highest ideals of sportsmanship for all of us, and personal honor.

I'm prouder of him than if he'd won.

There are things finer than winning championships."

E. Impressed.

Yeah but not really the way things are today in our culture.

Stephen Carter in Christianity Today - “America's integrity dilemma: we are all full of fine talk about how desperately our society needs it, but, when push comes to shove, we would just as soon be on the winning side.”

Think about it.

E.

F. The comparison in the first part of verse 1 sets up the comparison that follows, about birthdays and funerals.

Here is how the verse fits together: “As a name is better than oil, so the day of death is better than the day of birth.”

What we should see here is both precious perfume and a good reputation are wonderful to possess.

Similarly, both the first and the last day of life have something to offer, especially to anyone who has a good name in the courts of Heaven through saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Qoheleth calls us to wear the cologne of good character.

Consider, therefore, what kind of name you are making for yourself.

When people think of you, what character traits come to mind?

Are they the characteristics of Christ?

To give just a few examples: Are you known more for being cheerful or for having a critical spirit?

Do you have a reputation for speaking the absolute truth or for coming up with stories that are hard to believe?

Are you generous with what you have, or do you err on the side of stinginess?

Character is as character does, and sooner or later you will be known for the character you keep.