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10/17/04
Biblical Survey Series – Ecclesiastes
TEXT: The book of Proverbs was written by Solomon around 935BC.
THEME: There is an utter futility to all things without God. (Ecc. 1:2)
INTRO: Ecclesiastes is widely accepted as written by Solomon in his later years. As Solomon reflects on all that he has and all that he has done he gives insight to the reader from a perspective no one else could share. Solomon, as we know, was the wisest man ever to live on this earth other than the Lord. Solomon’s wealth and experiences are unmatched in any age. Solomon then in Ecclesiastes gives us the wisdom from an experienced man with the ability to look back on his life and sum it all up. Ecclesiastes is the book that most Christian counselors recommend for those going through mid-life crises.
I. Introduction to the Author, Purpose, and Theme of Ecclesiastes. (1:1 – 3)
A. Clearly the references in verse 1 refer to Solomon.
- He refers to himself as the preacher because of his attempt to impart truth to others.
B. The word vanity can be translated frustration or futility as we see in the remainder of the book.
II. The support for Solomon’s statement that all is vanity. (1:4 – 2:26)
A. The futility of the Cycles of life. (1:4 – 11)
1. Mans existence has little impact on the earth as a whole.
2. All than man views as so important now in years to come will be forgotten.
B. The futility of human wisdom. (1:12 – 18)
1. Solomon gave himself over completely to the pursuit of finding wisdom.
2. The more that he discovered the more futile the search became.
C. The futility of pleasure and wealth. (2:1 – 11)
1. Solomon gives a list of all the areas of pleasure where he sought wisdom and discovered that this was all in vain.
2. He withheld nothing from his pursuit but found it all vain and futile.
D. The futility of materialism. (2:12 – 23)
1. Solomon fell into despair when he thought that all his work will be left to someone else who will die the same way he does.
E. Solomon’s conclusion is to be content with what God gives you. (2:24 – 26)
III. God’s design for life. (3:1 – 22)
A. God gives our lives its order of events. (3:1 – 11)
1. There is a time and a season for everything in life.
B. God gives the good things in life that we should enjoy. (3:12 – 13)
C. God shows us there will be a future judgment. (3:14 – 21)
D. Solomon’s conclusion to this matter is contentment in our station in life. (3:22)
IV. The futility of different circumstances. (4:1 – 5:20)
A. The futility of oppression. (4:1 – 3)
1. Solomon ponders all the oppressed and the oppressors and concludes they are all better off dead.
B. The futility of work. (4:4 – 12)
1. Work for the sake of work is also vanity.
C. The futility of political success. (4:13 – 16)
1. Solomon admires a poor wise child over an old foolish king.
D. The futility of false worship. (5:1 – 7)
1. Many words and vows show a lack of wisdom in light of God’s position.
E. The futility of hoarded riches. (5:8 – 17)
1. There is no satisfaction in gaining wealth for you can’t take it with you.
F. Solomon’s conclusion to this matter is to be content in the reward of your labor. (5:18 – 20)
V. The futility of riches. (6:1 – 12)
A. Solomon calls riches an evil disease.
B. Even if a man could live 2000 years he can’t take his wealth with him.
VI. Solomon’s counsel for life. (7:1 – 12:8)
A. Counsel about man’s wickedness. (7:1 – 29)
1. Solomon gives comparisons of the wicked and the wise as in Proverbs.
2. He concludes that God created man perfect but man was corrupted by the pursuit of pleasure.
B. Counsel about God’s providences. (8:1 – 9:18)
1. A wise man will keep the king’s commandments and not fear judgment.
2. Even kings are subject to God’s designs.
3. Evil should be punished swiftly or it will find strength.
4. The animosity between the wicked and righteous is also vanity.
5. Man can not know everything there is to know.
6. Regardless of the events in life all men must face death.
7. Wisdom is better than many weapons but this too is at God’s pleasure.
C. Counsel about the uncertainties of life. (10:1 – 20)
1. Proverbial instruction concerning various matters.
D. Counsel about all things getting old. (11:1 – 12:8)
1. Things upon the earth and people.
2. Remember God when you are young before old age sets in and you can’t remember anything.
3. The body fails when you get old.
VII. Solomon’s conclusion to everything. (12:9 – 14)
A. Solomon tells his son of the weariness of his pursuit.
B. The meaning of life is to obey God for this is why you were made.