Studies In Ecclesiastes

Studies In Ecclesiastes Presentation 14

The Whole Duty Of Man Chapter 12v9-14 Presentation 14

Introduction The novels of Agatha Christie and the book of Ecclesiastes have something in common. Not much but something! Both writers keep you guessing right to the end. In answer to the questions, “what is the meaning of life?” and “how can it bring me satisfaction?” Our author has taken us along many popular avenues but we never get to our destination. Indeed, at times we feel that he in teasing us by suggesting possible solutions and then dismantling them. Presentation 14

Introduction But finally the mystery falls into place. The puzzle is solved. For some the answer is unexpected. It is a simple answer - a proven answer that has been tested through history. As man allows God access into his life he begins not only to understand the purpose of his creation but he experiences the joy of living. These last verses form an epilogue in which the writer describes his approach and his methods. And he urges his readers to take his findings seriously and so fulfil the "Whole duty of man". Presentation 14

The Preacher’s Approach The preacher’s principal task was one of teaching cf v9... If men and women were to be delivered from this maze, then they would need knowledge of their predicament. And so he gave himself to study. He sweated over the preparation of his sermons for he had something of vital importance to communicate. A greater preacher would one day say, "If the truth shall set you free you shall be free indeed” Jn.8.32. Jesus, who spoke these words, also exercised a teaching ministry and for similar reasons. It is truth that liberates. Do you believe that? Presentation 14

The Preacher’s Approach Secondly, the preacher’s approach was faithful. Cf. v10, he "searched to find the right words and what he wrote was upright and true." I want to suggest to that his was not an easy task because he was challenging the established thinking of his day. He was shaking the crumbling foundations of people’s lives. He was confronting them with the futility and meaninglessness that faced them. Often those who have refused God room in their lives, want constant reassurance that they are really O.K. They want to be told that there's an exit door at the bottom of their blind alley. Presentation 14

The Preacher’s Approach Jeremiah tells us that God was furious with a bunch of preachers who wanted a quiet life. They refused to make a true diagnosis of their people’s spiritual condition. They preached "Peace, peace”, where there was no peace, Jer. 6.14! This preacher didn't come from that school. He told the truth. But why say so many unpleasant things? Why shatter people’s fond beliefs? Is it because he loves arguing or, gets some perverse pleasure out of slapping other people down? No! It is because he loves his hearers and wants the best for them that he endangers his own popularity. That, you will remember, was why Jesus told his hearers the truth about their condition. Presentation 14

The Effect Of His Work What was the effect of this preacher’s ministry? First, it was disturbing. This book is not written for the insomniac. It does not say, "come and listen to me, I'll soon put you to sleep." In v11the writer’s preaching is likened to a goad. I once saw bullocks driven by goads in Pakistan. When they stopped moving a spiked staff was driven their haunch and the lazy animals took off like a bullet. This author is familiar with human nature. He knows that we are like lazy bullocks who will happily stop short of God’s planned destination for our lives. Presentation 14

The Effect Of His Work We can be found resting in the doorway of one blind alley or another, while life in all its fullness awaits our discovery. The preacher says, “I refuse to allow you to rest content with an unsatisfactory philosophy. I am going to tell you disturbing things that will move you forward”. Surely the minister of the gospel would be disappointed if his own ministry of God’s word failed to have a disturbing impact upon his hearers, urging them forward, appealing to them not to settle for anything less than Gods best. Presentation 14

The Effect Of His Work Look at the lasting effect of this approach in v11.., these words of wisdom are like, “firmly embedded nails.” If you want to join two pieces of wood together in a lasting fashion you don’t use a flimsy piece of thread, you find the biggest possible nail and you drive it home. If preaching is to have a lasting and telling effect that is what it must do. God's word has to be driven home into our hearts. Preaching that fails to penetrate is of no lasting value. If you have never been disturbed and challenged then has the preacher has failed you? Presentation 14

The Effect Of His Work The exclusiveness of the writers approach is addressed in v12... It seems initially to be the highest impertinence. Is he saying, “read my book, but have a literary bonfire with all the rest, Agatha Christie included"? No of course not. The context of v11 makes it clear that he is making a plea for the reading of the collected sayings of the wise. He is pointing to his bible and saying ‘set nothing above this book’.It should become an authoritative guide to our thinking because the answer to life is found in scripture and there alone. Presentation 14

The Effect Of His Work In the Church of Scotland, when a minister or an elder is ordained these words are read out: "The Church of Scotland acknowledges the Word of God which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the supreme rule of life and faith". Indeed, when members join the church they promise to be faithful among other things in the reading of their bibles – and so they acknowledge the value of this book. That is precisely what the writer is recommending here. But he does more than that. He says these writings or sayings are given by one Shepherd. Presentation 14

The Effect Of His Work Now that is a remarkable statement because it is applied to a collection of writings with a whole variety of human authors. But this assortment of books is viewed as quite unique. Why? Because they are given by one Shepherd. What does this mean for us at the end of our journey through Ecclesiastes? Our writer has raised many problems and posed many queries but now he makes this penetrating observation, ‘the answers are given in this unified collection of writings’. Philosophers cannot answer life’s deepest questions nor can the brightest university professor. We need to put our questions to the right person, to the One Shepherd, the author of this amazing book. Presentation 14

The Effect Of His Work I know a man who spent much of his life reading and researching, seeking to discover life's meaning. In fact, he fell in love with his research, and didn't want it brought to an end. He didn't want to find the solution to his enquiry or come to the Shepherd and ask him to speak through his word. Another man also read widely. He eventually tried the Bible. There he met the Good Shepherd and found life's meaning. Do you see the difference between these two men? The preacher is saying to his readers, “don't let your minds grow sluggish and lazy, but investigate and so allow the good Shepherd to answer your questions from out of his word. And be ready to accept the answers that he gives”. Presentation 14

The Preacher’s Final Exhortation The preacher now turns from the use our minds to that of our emotions. Today we live in an age of feelings where people regularly say, “I don't feel like it”. What then is the proper safeguard for our feelings that so easily run out of control and leave a trail of damage behind? It is contained in two words. "Fear God." Joseph the young man in Egypt was tempted to immorality by the wife of his boss. He had passions that could be roused just like the next man. What controlled him? He says, How then could I do this great evil and sin against God? Gen.39.9. He feared God! It is as we grasp that God is our Guardian, Keeper, Lord and Judge and so live in awe of him that our feelings are kept in check. Presentation 14

The Preacher’s Final Exhortation The preacher not only addresses the mind and emotions but also the will - the doing, acting, deciding part of our personalities. And to it he says, "Keep God's commandments". His commandments are a safe secure land. They provide a clearly defined boundary fence. When we come to these boundaries whether to engage in dishonesty, immorality or greed we find God's sign that reads, "trespassers will be prosecuted". This sign is for our benefit that we might discover less dangerous routes. Young people often seek adventure which they believe lies on the other side of the boundary fence. We don't need to cross the forbidden boundary to seek adventure. God has a great deal of legitimate, breath-taking, exciting adventures on this side of the fence. Presentation 14

The Preacher’s Final Exhortation Listen to the psalmist, “the precepts of the Lord are right giving joy to the heart...the ordinances of the Lord are sure...they are more precious than gold, they are sweeter than honey”. Ps 119 How few there are who take up the challenge. We are told that Alexander the Great sat down and wept when he reached India finding nothing left to conquer. But no one need weep in today’s world. There are vast tracts still to be conquered for God. We don't need to look beyond our own doorstep. There are many challenges within your own community. We don't need to break God's law to find excitement! Presentation 14

Conclusion This brings us to the end of our journey through Ecclesiastes. The Preacher has led us by a tortuous route that we might see that God alone holds the answer to life's meaning and that life in all its fullness can never be experienced by keeping God at a distance. For some it may be the end of a journey of discovery but it can also be the beginning of a life of adventure if we are prepared to commit our lives to this God now and evermore Presentation 14

Studies In Ecclesiastes