HOFC Sermon Archive: Ecclesiastes Part 1: Introduction & Prologue

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SERMON TIMELINE

1. Introduction & Prologue

Today is Sunday. October 20^th, 2024

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE

Ecclesiastes 1:1-3

“The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

2 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher,

“Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”

3 What advantage does man have in all his labor

In which he labors under the sun?”

INTRODUCTION

The book of Ecclesiastes is one of those books in the Bible that you either get into or don’t get and avoid when reading. Some feel it’s too hard to understand, and some may even say it is the most melancholy book in the Bible.

I feel it is one of those books Christians should go out of their way to read. Especially in this materialistic and superficial society, we live in today. We need the basic message of this book to be understood by those who proclaim Christianity.

In our youth-oriented society, it is especially important because the message appears to be directed to them, though all can learn from its wisdom.

As with ALL scripture, whether from the Old or New Testament, it was written…

1. For our learning - Romans 15:4 “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through the perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

2. For our warning – 1 Corinthians 10:11 “Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have arrived.”

3. And for Doctrine, Warning, Correction, and Instruction in Righteousness – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be equipped, having been thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Today, we will look at the introduction to the book of Ecclesiastes.

I. AN INTRODUCTION TO ECCLESIASTES

a. The title

i. In the Hebrew Bible, this book is called “Qoheleth”

1. Meaning “the words of the preacher” (Ecclesiastes 1:1)

2. Suggesting the one who speaks is speaking to an assembly.

3. An ecclesiastic or preacher

b. Authorship

i. Jewish and early Christians attribute the book to Solomon.

ii. The author identifies himself only as “the son of David, king in Jerusalem” in verse 1

iii. Verses within Ecclesiastes and other books most certainly point to Solomon.

1. His wisdom

a. Ecclesiastes 1:16

b. 1 Kings 3:12

2. His building activities

a. Ecclesiastes 2:4-6

b. 1 Kings 7:1-12

3. His wealth

a. Ecclesiastes 2:7-9

b. 2 Chronicles 9:13-28

c. Date it was written

i. Assuming Solomon is the author (which appears to be confirmed) would mean the Book of Ecclesiastes was written around 945 B.C.

II. WHAT THE BOOK REVEALS

a. The message of the book

i. The basic message is the futility of life “under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:2; Ecclesiastes 1:14)

ii. A key word in this book is “vanity.”

1. It occurs 35 times in 29 verses

2. Vanity means futility, uselessness, nothingness

iii. A key phrase in this book is “under the sun.”

1. It occurs 29 times in 27 verses

2. Under the sun suggests from an earthly perspective

Ecclesiastes illustrates the vanity of life when looked at solely from an earthly perspective.

iv. It points out the importance of serving God throughout life, not self

1. Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:1

2. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

The meaning of life is not found in experiencing the things in this world. The meaning of life is only found in serving the Creator of this world.

What stands in a man’s way of serving the Creator? The things of this world and his flesh with its desires for them.

b. The book contains “goads” and “nails” (Ecclesiastes 12:11)

i. The wisdom of scripture designed by God to “goad” our thinking

1. Goad means to urge, prod, incite, and provoke our thinking.

2. Words of preachers are given to him to “nail” or “anchor” our lives.

In Ecclesiastes, we find statements that prod our thinking and encouragements that provide stability and direction for living.

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

“In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs. ¹⁰The Preacher sought to find delightful words and words of truth written uprightly.

¹¹The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. ¹²But in addition to this, my son, be warned: the making of many books is endless, and much devotion to books is wearying to the flesh.

¹³The end of the matter, all that has been heard: fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the end of the matter for all mankind. ¹⁴For God will bring every work to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”

III. THE PROLOGUE TO THE BOOK

a. The author is identified (Ecclesiastes 1:1)

i. This preacher is Solomon, son of David, king in Jerusalem

1. A dramatic autobiography of his experiences and observations

2. Some of which may have taken place while alienated from God

a. 1 Kings 11:1-13

3. Solomon may have drawn some of the conclusions expressed throughout the book while he was still alienated and searching for meaning.

If Ecclesiastes is truly written by Solomon and penned toward the end of his life, this book would appear to be evidence that Solomon repented before his death.

b. The theme is stated (Ecclesiastes 1:2)

i. Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.

ii. All is futile, useless, and meaningless.

iii. Of course, let us not forget the context, “under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:14)

All the effort one makes in life, as far as this life is concerned, is like “striving after the wind.”

c. A question is raised by Solomon (Ecclesiastes 1:3)

i. What advantage does man have in all his labor in which he labors under the sun?

ii. This is the question the preacher sought to answer. Many of you may have asked the very same question at one time or another.

1. Is there truly any profit for all the things we do on this earth?

2. If our labors are meaningless as far as this life is concerned, what should we do?

iii. Solomon will share with us many things in this book, including

1. What he learned from his personal experience

2. What he learned from his personal observations

3. And finally, wise counsel based upon the wisdom and inspiration God gave him

CONCLUSION –

The question Solomon asks is;

What advantage does man have in all his labor in which he labors under the sun?

In other words, “What benefit does a person get from all their hard work?”

Solomon begins to answer this age-old question in the next verse, where we will pick up this series next week.

A Christian must remember that the Bible answers life’s most asked questions;

• Who am I?

• Where did I come from?

• Why am I here?

• What am I to do?

The book of Ecclesiastes addresses these questions, which is why it is worth studying. It is valuable to all who proclaim Christianity and incredibly beneficial to the youth today.

There is another preacher who is also called the son of David. The King of Jerusalem, as well as everywhere else. His name is Jesus, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3

The Holy One who says to us,

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, in Your name did we not prophesy, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name do many miracles?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’” Matthew 7:21-23

What is this “lawlessness” they practice while saying “Lord, Lord?”

2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 described the “man of lawlessness” who will oppose Christ. Therefore, one who practices lawlessness is one who follows the ways of the flesh rather than the spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 begins with, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God?”

Our flesh and its desires must not lead us. Galatians 6:9-10, or we forfeit the Kingdom of God, regardless of how many times we proclaim, Lord, Lord.

Next week, we will begin our search for meaning.

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Sunday, October 20, 2024

Ecclesiastes Part 1: Introduction & Prologue

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