ECCLESIASTES?

Daniel Patz, Lead Pastor

Grace Church, Sunday Worship

Ecclesiastes

September 26th, 2010

1. What is Ecclesiastes?

   1. “Ecclesiastes” – from the Greek word where we get “church” – “assembly” or “asemblier”  - “The preacher” (ESV)

2. Wisdom Literature:

                                                              i.      Some Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Job

                                                            ii.      Kingly writings…during David and Solomon’s reign

                                                          iii.      Cryptic and riddled – Prov 1 (See Ecclesiastes 12)

                                                           iv.      Pointing to God as the foundation of all…fear of the Lord

2. Who wrote Ecclesiastes?

   1. We assume it was Solomon – he was the wisest King (1 Kings 3:5ff)

                                                              i.      1 Kings 3:11-12 ESV  And God said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right,  (12)  behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.

2. We know: “The preacher” “Son of David”  “King of Jerusalem”

3. He fears God and, is a wise and experienced man

3. To whom was Ecclesiastes written? See the end of the book

The Assembly

The King’s son

God’s people

4. What is the message of Ecclesiastes?

(Taken from Douglas Wilson’s Joy at the End of the Tether)

1. Hymn Metaphor – 4 Verses (parts) with 2 Refrains or Choruses

                                                              i.      Satisfaction is outside the power or competence of people in this vain world

                                                            ii.      God is sovereign over everything including the vanity (and deals with the problems people have with this)

                                                          iii.      The sovereign God gives to those who fear Him the power to enjoy this vanity. (contentment)

                                                          iv.      He addresses objections, discouragements and practical concerns.

REFRAIN

1.      All is Vanity under the Sun  - (beware of location amnesia)

2.      The great gift of God is enjoyment in this vanity (calling us to hope, trust, have faith, optimism, = that thinks

2. Sandcastle Metaphor

Apply the picture of us as children placed at a seashore, under the sun, with a bucket and shovel…the tide comes in every day.