Ecclesiastes 1.1-2 Sovereign Over the Shadows

Sovereign Over the Shadows

Sovereign Over the Shadows

Sep 3, 2017

Many have found Ecclesiastes to express their own disappointments, frustrations and doubts with life. King Solomon hides none of his dis-satisfactions or bewildering feelings about his own experiences of living. Others have said Ecclesiastes is their favorite book, because it gives words to their own feelings.

I. The Son of David –

A. Who better to write such a book but King Solomon?

1. He was fabulously wealthy –

2. He indulged himself of every pleasure –

3. He knew the joys and burdens of wealth –

4. He knew the fleeting satisfaction of popularity –

B. He is identified as Qoheleth

1. From the Hebrew word for calling a great assembly

2. Solomon called a great assembly to dedicate the Temple –

3. He taught the great congregation –

Solomon was considered the author for 2,000 years yet questioned by many today. -To do so, questions the accuracy and reliability of Scripture –

II. Vanity –

A. The word vanity can also be translated as vapor, a puff of smoke, or a shadow that moves and disappears.

a shadow that moves and disappears.

1. In so doing, Solomon agrees with others such as in

2. His father David wrote many of the same things Solomon does –

3. Life is a vapor –

4. James says our lives are like a mist – ;

B. Paul also testifies we see through a glass darkly –

1. Life is confusing to us as we cannot see where we are or often where we are going

2. Limited to our own experiences, we encounter a dizzying vertigo where we feel we are falling into despair

III. The Lord of Vanity –

A. God subjected the earth to vanity

1. So that we might hope in Him

2. Unbelievers rage –

3. But it is because they serve vain idols.

The invitation is to the Living God – – who made all things.

B. The resurrection of Jesus Christ transforms vanity to significance and hope.

1. Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ –

2. If Christ is not risen, our faith and life is in vain –

3. But redeemed by the precious blood of Christ –

Come to the Table that gives us hope and vision when we will see our lives clearly before the Host of this table, Jesus Christ.