eccl7s11
Seen It All?
1/14/07 CC/PM
Ecclesiastes 7:11-29
Introduction:
1. Wisdom and Wealth vv.11,12
a. Most people in that day received some sort of inheritance.
b. A definite advantage goes to those who have wisdom along with the prosperity
c. What advantage does wisdom have over possessions?
2. Prosperity and Adversity vv.13,14
a. Verse 13 is an invitation to submit to the will of God. The question “who can straighten what He has bent”, depicts His omnipotence and sovereignty and our response of working with Him instead of against Him.
b. When are we not happy with God’s will for us?
c. What is man called to do in the days of prosperity/adversity?
d. The reason, we don’t know what God is trying to accomplish in our lives but we must trust Him.
e. We like to know what is next. Some people are very uncomfortable when they don’t know what is next. God chose to only give us an overview even about heaven. It must be what is best for us!
3. Righteousness and Rottenness vv.15-18
a. Solomon say, “I have seen it all”.
b. What disturbed him about this?
c. What should we understand when we see the prospering of the wicked?
Romans 8:18 (NKJV) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NCV) So we do not give up. Our physical body is becoming older and weaker, but our spirit inside us is made new every day.
17 We have small troubles for a while now, but they are helping us gain an eternal glory that is much greater than the troubles.
18 We set our eyes not on what we see but on what we cannot see. What we see will last only a short time, but what we cannot see will last forever.
d. What comfort do these verses give you?
e. In verses 16-17 sound like they are saying don’t be too good or too bad. What it is really saying is don’t exalt yourselves in your own righteousness.
f. In verse 18 he says that there are two things to hold onto that definitely go together. What are they? One begins with the other!
Proverbs 9:10 (KJV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
4. The Problems with Mankind (and the reasons he should not be self righteous)vv.19-29
a. Not one exists on earth who is perfect v.20
b. He has a problem with his tongue/ consistency vv.21-22
c. His lack of understanding and knowledge vv.23-25
d. He is enslaved by his own sinful desires v 26
e. He was made right but has messed himself up! Vv.27-29