Sermons From The Old Testament - Finding Joy In The Vanity Of Life

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                  "FINDING JOY IN THE VANITY OF LIFE"

                          Ecclesiastes 2:22-24

INTRODUCTION

1. An intriguing book of the Bible is Ecclesiastes...
   a. Attributed by many to Solomon - cf. Ec 1:1,12
   b. Describing his search for meaning in life - cf. Ec 1:13

2. His search pertains to life "under the sun"...
   a. A phrase used 29 times in 27 verses
   b. Suggesting a look at life from mostly a worldly point of view
      - cf. Ec 1:3

3. His message may seem to be rather negative...
   a. A major theme is the vanity of life (vanity used 35 times in 29
      verses) - cf. Ec 1:2,14
   b. Yet he mentions such words as joy (3), enjoy (3), enjoyment (2),
      rejoice (4), joyfully (1)

[In fact, this book provides counsel on how to get the most out of
life...to find joy in a life that is vanity! (cf. Ec 2:22-24)  To find
such joy, one must first face the reality of...]

I. THE VANITY OF LIFE

   A. THE PREACHER'S EXPERIENCE...
      a. The vanity of pleasure - Ec 2:1
      b. The vanity of industry (labor) - Ec 2:11,22-23; 4:4
      c. The vanity of human wisdom - Ec 2:15
      d. The vanity of all life - Ec 2:17
      e. The vanity of leaving an inheritance - Ec 2:18-21

   B. THE PREACHER'S OBSERVATIONS...
      a. The vanity of earthly existence - Ec 3:19-21
      b. The vanity of acquiring riches over family - Ec 4:7-8
      c. The vanity of political popularity - Ec 4:16
      d. The vanity of many dreams and many words - Ec 5:7
      e. The vanity of loving abundance - Ec 5:10
      f. The vanity of wealth without the gift of God to enjoy it - Ecc
         6:2
      g. The vanity of wandering desire - Ec 6:9
      h. The vanity of foolish laughter - Ec 7:6
      i. The vanity of injustice in this life - Ec 8:14
      j. The vanity of the days of darkness - Ec 11:8
      k. The vanity of childhood and youth - Ec 11:10

   C. THE PREACHER'S CONCLUSION...
      1. As stated in the Prologue - Ec 1:2
      2. Prior to describing his search for meaning - Ec 1:14

[Many people have come to the same conclusion and fallen into despair
and despondency.  Yet the Preacher would have us learn and know how to
find true joy in life...]

II. THE JOY IN LIFE

   A. THE PREACHER'S EXPERIENCE...
      1. His heart rejoiced in labor - Ec 2:10
      2. The reward of his labor was the joy in doing it - Ec 2:10

   B. THE PREACHER'S OBSERVATIONS...
      1. Nothing is better than to enjoy simple things and what you do
         - Ec 2:24
      2. The ability to enjoy what you have and what you do comes from
         God - Ec 2:24-25
      3. God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to the man good in His
         sight - Ec 2:26
      4. The wicked may acquire many things, but it will eventually be
         given to the good - Ec 2:26
      5. Man should rejoice and do good - Ec 3:12
      6. Every man should enjoy the good in their labor, which is a gift
         from God - Ec 3:13
      7. The joy in one's work is his heritage, not what may happen
         after he is gone - Ec 3:22
      8. Again, this is one's heritage, and it is a gift from God - Ecc
         5:18-20
      9. So in the day of prosperity rejoice, and in the day of
         adversity contemplate - Ec 7:14
     10. Thus he commends enjoyment of the fruit of one's labor - Ecc
         8:15

   C. THE PREACHER'S CONCLUSION...
      1. Eat and drink with a merry heart - Ec 9:7
      2. Express your joy in how you live - Ec 9:8
      3. Live joyfully with your wife whom you love - Ec 9:9
      4. Enjoy your youth, yet remember you will be accountable - Ecc
         11:9
      5. Therefore remove sorrow and put away evil, for youth is
         short-lived - Ec 11:10
      6. Remember your Creator in the days of your youth - Ec 12:1
      7. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is your reason for
         living - Ec 12:13

CONCLUSION

1. Life "under the sun" is vanity...
   a. Without God, there is no meaning in life
   b. Without God, you will not be able to truly enjoy your time on
      earth

2. Life "under the sun" can be filled with joyful experiences and joyful
   memories...
   a. With God to guide us in keeping our priorities in life straight
   b. With God to bless us with the wisdom and ability to enjoy what
      good there is in life

To find joy in the vanity of life, remember your Creator, fear God, and
keep His commandments.  Today, that especially means to pay heed to His
Son and our Savior... - cf. He 1:1-4
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