Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

Dorothy Sayers, Christian Letters to a Post-Christian World

In ordinary times we get along surprisingly well, on the whole, without ever discovering what our faith really is.

If, now and again, this remote and academic problem is so unmannerly as to thrust its way into our minds, there are plenty of things we can do to drive the intruder away…But to us in wartime, cut off from mental distractions by restrictions and blackouts, and cowering in a cellar with a gas mask under threat of imminent death, comes in the stronger fear and sits down beside us.

"What," he demands rather disagreeably, "do you make of all this?

What do you believe?

Is your faith a comfort to you under the present circumstances?"

Carolyn Mahaney: After decades of ministry, what is one piece of advice I wish I had received as a young woman?

Study the book of Ecclesiastes.

Ecclesiastes has shown me the secret of enjoying life, even in the midst of trouble.

It has rescued me from disillusionment when labors I thought were fruitful appeared to be for naught.

When friends have turned their backs, Ecclesiastes has helped me guard against bitterness.

It has cured me of setting my hope on a particular outcome, and protected me from becoming bewildered and disheartened by bad news.

In short, Ecclesiastes made me a realist, and yet I’m happier than ever before.

This collection of wisdom has become (as it is for J.I. Packer, whose writings introduced me to Ecclesiastes) my favorite book of the Bible, and one I regret not studying sooner.

YOLO, The circle of life, Events, Make something of your life, Self-improvement

Life under the sun is vanity and produces only one result - weariness.

Vanity/ No gain

Under the sun

Vs. 4 No lasting people

Vs. 5-6 Nature’s unending cycles with nothing new accomplished

Vs. 7-8 Unending labor with no satisfaction = weariness

Vs. 9-10 Nothing new done under the sun

Vs. 11 No lasting remembrance by people

Repetitious work with no legacy

The Weariness of Life because of dissatisfaction

Men weary as much of not doing the things they want to do as of doing the things they do not want to do.

Eric Hoffer

Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/eric_hoffer_161595?src=t_weary

Thus so wretched is man that he would weary even without any cause for weariness... and so frivolous is he that, though full of a thousand reasons for weariness, the least thing, such as playing billiards or hitting a ball, is sufficient enough to amuse him.

Blaise Pascal

Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/blaise_pascal_107947?src=t_weary

But the resurrection brings rest and hope.

1 Cor 15:58

1 Peter 4:

1 Corinthians 3:11-

Cycles to direction

Weariness to rest

Vanity to productivity

legacy, lasting value, contentment

Questions:

Where do you find life wearisome?

What lies do you find it hard to refuse as you face the day?

How can you focus on the rest of Christ?

What things encourage you to believe that nothing is vain in the Lord?