THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
When our girls were just toddlers, we found a fun way to teach them about obedience. They would hide in the house, listen for our voices, and follow our commands. “One day,” we explained, “first time obedience will save your life.” OK, so it sounds melodramatic. I know.
But a while later, we took a family trip to the local fairgrounds. Not much was going on. In fact, the parking lot was practically empty. As we were enjoying the beautiful day outside, my wife noticed our four-year-old wandering toward the parking lot. As she headed to our van, unaware of her surroundings, a car came racing through the parking lot. When I looked up, I realized they were on a collision course—and I had no doubt she wouldn’t win. Instantly, I yelled, “STOP!”
And she did. Immediately. Obedience really did save her life that day. That kind of obedience is not just for children. We all benefit from a life of obedience. While Jesus’ obedience has saved our lives for eternity, Solomon reminds us that our own obedience is the key to a full life.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Ecclesiastes 11:7-10
7 Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun. 8 However many years anyone may live, let them enjoy them all. But let them remember the days of darkness, for there will be many. Everything to come is meaningless. 9 You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. 10 So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.
The life of obedience is not a dull or limited life. God’s demands on our lives are neither burdensome nor oppressive. Too many people fall for the satanic lie that God is a killjoy. Nothing could be further from the truth. God wants His people to enjoy life!
- Savor life (v. 7). Light represents life, while darkness represents death (v. 8). We only have one life to live, and it is “sweet.” Solomon said “it pleases.” “It pleases the eyes to see the sun” refers to living this good life with joy. God wants us to live this life filled with joy.
- Rejoice in a long life (v. 8). Life on earth is short in the big picture of eternity, but no matter how many years we live, we are to rejoice in every day God gives us. Why? Because “the days of darkness … will be many.” In other words, the days we are dead—the “days of darkness”—will be far more numerous than the days we are alive. Solomon was not saying this life is all there is. He was merely making a statement about the brevity of life. Solomon’s words carry a warning to reject passivity. Don’t just let life happen to you; redeem the time. God may give you a few years, or He may give you an unusually long life. Either way, live it well!
- Rejoice in your youth (v. 9). A statement we often hear is: “Youth is wasted on the young.” Solomon warned us not to waste our youth. Instead, we should take advantage of it, rejoice in it, and enjoy it! We can rejoice if … … we let joy spring from the inner person (“the heart”). Solomon wrote that “everything you do flows from the heart” (Prov. 4:23). Joy does not come from our circumstances; it begins in the inner person, in the heart. Joy finds its source in God and in God alone. … we let joy overflow into the outer life (“our walk”). Solomon was not telling us to “follow our hearts” as the world likes to say. He was saying what Jesus would later say: our hearts dictate our outward way of life. (See Matt. 15:19.) If evil dwells in our hearts, evil spills out in our lives. However, if we have new hearts that experience joy in Christ, then that joy will flow out and be evident to others.
- Fear the Lord (v. 9). Lest we think the command to enjoy life means to “go crazy,” we’re reminded that God’s judgment awaits us. Fear of the Lord is not only a healthy respect and awe of God, it’s also realizing that we all will stand before the living God and give an account.
- Remove any obstacles to joy (v. 10). God wants you to enjoy life, and that means removing any obstacles that might inhibit joy.
- Remove the inner obstacles to joy. The sorrows that weigh us down could include anxiety, sinful anger, bitterness, cynicism, or a critical spirit.
- Remove the outer obstacles to joy. Physical pain and weaknesses may be something out of our control, but we should do what we can. A good diet, regular exercise, and rest have great value to our lives. And beyond that, we can refuse to allow any ailments or problems to hinder our joy.
Ecclesiastes 12:12-14
12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. 13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
Throughout Ecclesiastes, there has been one driving question: “What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?” (1:3). This is a question of meaning and purpose. Throughout Ecclesiastes, Solomon examined several areas in the search for meaning, but he found the answer and now came to his conclusion.
Of course that won’t keep others from continuing to search for meaning in life. Solomon warned his son of “making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.” This is no less true today. Authors who are ready to explain life to us and give us tips and “life hacks” for meaning and happiness flood bookstores.
Solomon was not dismissing the value of books, but one book stands apart from the others as the true source of wisdom: God’s Word. Even Solomon in all his wisdom knew “what he wrote was upright and true” (12:10) and were not his alone. He acknowledged his sayings were “given by one shepherd” (v. 11).
God’s inspired Word is sufficient to lead us to the life of obedience He requires of us and the life of joy He desires for us. Solomon’s quest led him to just two conclusions; in these two actions, we find all we need to experience the meaning and purpose God designed for our lives.
- Fear God. Human wisdom only seeks to explain life “under the sun”; that is, without God. But the wisdom we need is that which comes from above, the divine wisdom that gives us insight into God’s character, will, and ways. And when we look to Him, He provides the wisdom we need. As Solomon said in the Book of Proverbs: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (9:10). Living by God’s wisdom results in righteous living.
What does this fear of God look like? It is rooted in a knowledge of who God is: His character, His purposes, and His ways. When we understand who God is and what He is doing in the world, we will respond appropriately to Him in honor, submission, love, and obedience.
- Keep His commands. When we fear the Lord we will do what He has commanded because we know “God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
We now know something Solomon only hoped to know during his life. While God gave the task of “judgment to the Son” (John 5:22), Jesus took that judgment upon Himself and died in our place. (See 2 Cor. 5:21.) It is in the cross of Jesus that we see God’s wrath and mercy meet; in the cross both God’s love and justice were displayed.
This brief life is a gift from God, but in Christ, we can enjoy this life to the fullest. We can take advantage of each day we have and live it in full obedience to the glory of God. In Christ, the meaningless of life is gone—forever.
LIVE IT OUT
Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). What are some ways you can cultivate obedience to God this week?
Choose one of the following applications:
- Pray. Express your fear of the Lord through prayer. Worship Him, surrender to Him, and acknowledge His lordship.
- Obey. If joy is absent or if life often feels meaningless, consider areas where you’re lacking in obedience to God. Identify those areas of disobedience, repent, and resolve to trust Christ through your obedience.
- Meet. Invite others to meet with you over coffee to talk about the meaning of life. Use this study as a springboard for your conversation. Consider walking with them through this same study to help them discover a life of meaning in Christ.
Obedience to the Lord is certainly life-saving. It’s also life-changing in ways that affect us and overflow to others. Obedience is the key to a full life.
Hope to see everyone this Sunday!
In His Love,
David & Susan
Teacher's Notes:
Hope to see everyone this Sunday!
In His Love,
David & Susan
Teacher's Notes:
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Solomon later in life too, laments over his life and pursuits of pleasure, wealth, work, and wisdom only to find all of them ... meaningless!
FULL CONTENTMENT
Solomon, touted as the wisest man who ever lived, wrote that he tried to find meaning in life, but everything he tried came up short. He kept repeating the phrase, “Meaningless!”
Education and wisdom? Meaningless.
Hard work? Meaningless.
Wealth? Meaningless.
The party life. Meaningless.
"Everybody wants to go to heaven. No one wants to die to get there.”
This statement captures the thought of many people. We are a people trying to put off the inevitable as long as we can. We diet. We exercise. We rest. We see the doctor. We follow the latest fitness trends. But, in the end, there is an end. We die.
Solomon reminded us of the temporary nature of this earthly existence. He shared his wisdom on how to live well before the grim reaper comes calling. Now, he teaches us how to die well. At the heart of dying well is finding contentment that comes from living in the moment in a way that honors God.
Here are two spoons full of sugar to end well.
1. Enjoy Life Ecclesiastes 11:7-10
7 Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun. 8 However many years anyone may live, let them enjoy them all. But let them remember the days of darkness, for there will be many. Everything to come is meaningless. 9 You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. 10 So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.
Enjoy the life God has given, but He will hold you accountable for how you enjoy it.
Life has a temporary and fleeting nature to it. With each passing breath and each moving step, we can never go back. Life is like stepping in a moving stream. The waters keep flowing. Live, therefore, each moment with intentionality, purpose, and joy.
To enjoy life, we are to:
- Remember life has seasons. Light as well as darkness, good as well as bad, happiness as well as sadness, hope as well as despair, mountaintop experiences as well as dark valleys, are experienced in life. Life has difficult periods. They are real.
- Relish each moment. Since life is fleeting, we are to live each moment to the fullest, taking nothing for granted. With a glance at the past and an eye on the future, we delight and appreciate each minute of the present.
- Rejoice in each day. We can’t alter the experiences and circumstances life brings, and we can’t change the course of the times of light and darkness, but we can choose to be joyful. Joy is a deep settled conviction that knows that God is in control and behind the scenes of what happens to us. Knowing that God has us in His sight and under His care enables us to be joyful in spite of difficult circumstances and disappointing seasons. Joyful living is a wise choice.
- Realize the judgment. At the end of life, there is an accounting. The books will open, and we will have to explain our actions. God will bring all of life into judgment—the steps we took, the words we spoke, and the attitudes we displayed. Every secret deed whether good or evil will be judged (12:14). Sort of like school, in the end, there is a test. God will judge us all.
Vs 7-8: Solomon is no dreary pessimist. He encourages us to rejoice in every day but to remember that eternity is far longer than a person’s life span. Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days alright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” The wise person doesn’t just think about the moment and its impact; he or she takes the long-range view toward eternity. Approach your decisions from God’s perspective – consider their impact ten years from now and into eternity. Live with an attitude that although our lives are short, we will live with God forever.
Vs 9-10: We often hear people say, “It doesn’t matter.” But many of your choices will be irreversible – they will stay with you for a lifetime. What you do when you’re young does matter. Enjoy life now, but don’t do anything physically, morally, or spiritually that will prevent you from enjoying life when you are old.
2. Fear God and Keep His Commandments Ecclesiastes 12:12-14
12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. 13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
The enjoyment of life does not imply living as we please, but rather fearing God as we live.
Reverent obedience of God is the way to enjoy the life He has given.
- Fearing God is a common emphasis in all Hebrew wisdom literature. It’s a repeated command in scripture, mentioned around 300 times. In fact, Solomon reiterated this command, “Fear God,” multiple times: 3:14; 5:7; 7:18; 8:12, 13; and 12:13. At the heart of fearing God is not dread or terror, but a deep reverence of God, standing before Him in awe. The author of Hebrews provided a good description of this reverential fear: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29). Reverence and awe are the motivating factors for us to remember (12:1) as we stand before the Creator of the universe.
- Fearing God includes an understanding of how much God hates sin and understanding His judgment on sin—even in the life of a believer. Solomon reminded his readers of God’s judgment (11:10; 12:14). As children, the fear of discipline, coming from a loving heart, from our parents no doubt prevented some evil actions on our part. The same should be true in our relationship with God. We should fear His correction, and, therefore, seek to live our lives in such a way that pleases Him.
- Fearing God will impact the way we live our lives. And when we fear God, subsequently, obedience will characterize our lives. As it has been said, "The greatest visible evidence to the fear of God is obedience to God.”
Vs 12: There are endless opinions about life and philosophies about how we should live that could be read and studied forever. It is not wrong to study these opinions, but we should spend the majority of our time feeding on the truth of God’s Word. Wisdom should lead to action. Wise students of the Bible will understand and do what they are taught. Because our time on earth is so short, we should use it to learn important truths – they affect this life and eternity.
That obedience is reflected in Solomon’s command to “keep His commandments.” Obedience is a central theme throughout Scripture. From the story of creation to the end of Revelation, it’s difficult to turn a page that doesn’t deal—directly or indirectly—with God’s call for obedience. As a result, God places a high premium on our obedience.
In our day, however, obeying God’s commands often is ignored, dismissed, or glossed over. Why? Because obedience slaps us in the face. It confronts our sin, challenges our lives, runs contrary to our unwritten mantra: Who are you to tell me what to do.
God commands us to obey, not because He is on a power trip, but rather because He wants what's best for us. God's commands are not to kill our fun, but to increase our enjoyment. God's commandments are not to box us in but rather provide a wall of protection. Disobey those commands, and quickly we will see how much sadness we can experience. Disobedience leads to trouble.
Here are four reasons for keeping His commands.
- Obedience proves our salvation. One of the evidence or signs of knowing that we know God is that we obey His commandments.
- Obedience transforms our lives. Knowing God results in a changed life, expressed in words, deeds, and attitudes. A lack of change is a sure sign that we don’t know God. God’s truth transforms our lives.
- Obedience springs from our love. A believer keeps the commandments because of the love relationship between him and God.
- Obedience characterizes our life. Believers live like their Master. Just as Jesus lived in obedience to the Father, so will His followers.
Conclusion: The reason we heed this three-fold advice—enjoy life, fear God, and keep His commandments—is because our time is limited. Life under the sun will soon be over. Our lives pass quickly. Time is running out. The following poem says it best:
When as a child, I laughed and wept, time crept;
When as a youth, I dreamed and talked, time walked;
When I became a full-grown man, time ran;
When older still I daily grew, time flew;
Soon I shall find in traveling on, time gone.
In his final conclusion and personal application, Solomon then presents four pictures of life and attaches to each picture a practical admonition for his readers to heed:
- Life is an ADVENTURE - live by faith
- Life is a GIFT - enjoy it
- Life is a SCHOOL - learn your lessons
- Life is a STEWARDSHIP - fear God
These four pictures parallel the four arguments that Solomon had wrestled with throughout the book: Life is not monotonous; rather, it is an adventure of faith that is anything but predictable or tedious. Yes, death is certain, but life is a gift from God and He wants us to enjoy it. Are there questions we can't answer and problems we can't solve? Don't despair. God teaches us His truth as we advance in "the school of life," and He will give us wisdom enough to make sensible decisions. Finally, as far as wealth is concerned, all of life is a stewardship from God; and one day He will call us to give an account. Therefore, "fear God, and keep His commandments."
Obedient submission to God is the only way we can find meaning, purpose, and joy in life. That truth flies in the face of what the world teaches us – and what our own human nature desires. Solomon looked everywhere for meaning and purpose, but he came up empty. Our own experiences can surely attest to that. Like Solomon, we must keep coming back to God as the source of what we need to make life full and meaningful.
Solomon’s conclusion is plain and simple. We might even wonder what took him so long to get there. But, then, we too have gone or are going through the same meandering steps trying to find meaning to our lives. Every person does; every person will.
We are to enjoy every day of life as a gift from God. Do things that bring joy to life; don’t be a prude. Nevertheless, act responsibly. God will hold us accountable for ways we enjoy life. Sometimes His judgment is immediate; at other times, it may be delayed. But it will come. Meaning in life is rooted in our reverent obedience of God. Obedience is the key to a full life.
To understand this conclusion better, it helps to remember a few things about Solomon. He was arguably the Bill Gates of his time—rich beyond compare, powerful and influential, well-known way beyond the realm of his kingdom, not only for his wealth, but for his wisdom and influence. There literally was nothing material out of his reach, and he had the world at his command. But in spite of his wisdom and power, he had a weakness for foreign, ungodly women, who were successful in their efforts to tempt him into joining them in some of their pagan rituals and relaxing God’s commands concerning the laws that God had given the nation of Israel regarding worship. In the book of Ecclesiastes Solomon laments many of the mistakes that he made and comments on his personal experiences with wealth, influence, women, and what he had also observed in the lives of others who also sought-after worldly pleasures. Like so many people who seem—according to the world’s standards—to “have it all,” he found that there is nothing that truly satisfies in this life but to love and serve God.
This explains what he refers to as “the end of the matter” in Ecc. 12:13. He is letting his readers know that as a man who seemingly had it all, the “all” that so many chase is utterly meaningless, and we’ll do better to spend our best energy seeking to serve and please God rather than pursuing earthly pleasures.
