Ecclesiastes 9.1-12 Joy in the Journey

Joy in the Journey January 7, 2018

Our culture is increasingly defined by complaint and argument. There is little joy ex-pressed on a daily basis. Yet joy is the distinguishing mark of the believer in Jesus Christ. Joy is commanded in God’s Word. “Rejoice always . . . for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (). Yet, most go through life without joy!

I. Joy Is Not in Circumstances –

A. Neither love nor hatred comes as a result of temporal experience –

1. The certainty of death comes to all –

2. Because of Adam’s sin –

3. This was not God’s intent for those made in His image – joy was the purpose of creation –

4. Sin resulted in loneliness and wearisome toil resulting in death –

B. Death comes to all –

1. No knowledge

2. No wages

3. No memory

4. Love, hatred and envy perish

C. Judgment comes to the unthankful and joyless –

II. Death is Unpredictable –

A. Our times are in God’s hands –

1. Our works are in the hand of God –

2. Death may come suddenly –

B. Outcomes are not necessarily the outcome of.

1. Giftedness

2. Strength

3. Wisdom

4. Wealth

5. Skill –

III. Joy Is in A Person –

A. Eat in God’s presence

1. Jesus turns grief to joy – for example. the wedding at Cana of Galilee –

2. Work is a joy – ;

3. Whatever you do, give thanks to God – ;

B. Live joyfully with the wife God provides –

1. Rejoice with the wife of your youth –

2. Warning –

3. Do not become bitter –

“The joy of the Lord is your strength” –

Death is conquered –

We have a home where Jesus is –

Death is a friend as we live for Him –

We continually live in His presence –