The Fear of the Lord in Life's Unjust Moments
Book of Ecclesiastes • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Transcript
Text: Ecclesiastes 7:15–29
Prayer for the Church
Prayer for the Church
Time to pray for the upcoming Youth Conference
Analogy: Thatcher when I bought my truck Vs. Thatcher owning the truck
Today we will look at one of those engine lights that we often struggle to manage.
Summary Statement: The fear of the Lord leads to godly wisdom that recognizes our limitations and humbles us during life’s unjust moments.
Introduction:
Introduction:
Solomon is going to address something the at most of us have thought - even felt in life.
Our life has not been as full as Solomons.
Solomon says “All things I have seen in the days of my vanity”
Braggadocious travel anthem, listing place names at a rapid-fire pace to showcase the singer’s extensive journeys; Reno, Chicago, Fargo, Minnesota, Buffalo, Toronto, Winslow, Sarasota, Wichita, Tulsa
Chorus:
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere
Ecclesiastes 7:15 “15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.”
I have seen good people suffer while the wicked prosper.
The Teacher observes the reality that some righteous people die young while the wicked live long.
The Teacher observes the reality that some righteous people die young while the wicked live long.
Does this happen in history?
Abel and Cain - first death is a martyrs death, first injustice is a murderer gets to live
Naboth owns a vineyard and wont sell, Ahab’s wife schemes and finds a way to have him killed. - man lost his life over some grapes.
One of the first deacons has a short, chapter long ministry, before being killed by Saul.
God comes to this world and is killed by the hands of sinful men.
This does not only happen but it is the story of fallen humanity.
This challenges promises of long life for the righteous.
Exodus 20:12 “12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”
We really love the truism - statements that seem so obviousy true they seem unnecessary to say. Galatians 6:7 “7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
This is when the light comes on the dash board for many people.
Messages from those telling me why they no longer attend church who desire to be involved with Christianity.
Have you witnessed or experienced a moment when a good person suffered unjustly while an evil person prospered?
How did it affect your faith and perspective on life?
Some decide to ignore it until they can’t.
Others decide they will will just get out and walk.
I want you to have more then a piece of black electrical tape over the light today, though I am not going to give you the answer to why. But I will give you something better.
I. Warning do not to fall into extremes—self-righteousness or wickedness—but to trust in God's wisdom.
I. Warning do not to fall into extremes—self-righteousness or wickedness—but to trust in God's wisdom.
A. Some respond by trying harder to be righteous, to force God’s blessing.
A. Some respond by trying harder to be righteous, to force God’s blessing.
Ecclesiastes 7:16 “16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?”
How would we even do this?
Are we being told to moderate our holiness by a holy God?
Comedian Michael Jr - "You know somebody’s over-saved if they pray over their food at a buffet… for every trip!" Me: "Hey man, how you doing?" Over-saved person: "Blessed and highly favored!" Hey man you hungry - hungry for the meat of God’s Word. Me: "Hey, how you doing?"- "I’m too blessed to be stressed and too anointed to be disappointed!"
We have the context of this book and the entire Bible to know God is not telling us to mix a little sin in with our godly living.
This would be like the friends of Job judging him because he must have brought it upon himself.
Attempting to outdo others in morality to escape injustice.
Leads to psychological turmoil—a life of inward trembling and distress.
Here are a few ways we try to demand results.
Self-righteous legalism (Pharisees in Matt 23)
Prosperity theology (assuming good behavior guarantees blessings)
Trying to manipulate God (thinking righteousness forces His favor)
B. Some respond by throwing their hands in the air in despair and live life as if their are no rules of the universe.
B. Some respond by throwing their hands in the air in despair and live life as if their are no rules of the universe.
Ecclesiastes 7:17 “17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?”
When injustice shatters our expectations, the temptation is to indulge in sin.
This leads to destruction and premature death.
Transition: Which extreme do you lean toward? (1) Self-righteous striving that believes you can scheme and get the results you want from life. (2) Give yourself to all pleasures to try to numb or avoid the pain of reality.
II. Grab a hold of wisdom right now with both hands.
II. Grab a hold of wisdom right now with both hands.
A. It is good we take hold of both.
A. It is good we take hold of both.
Ecclesiastes 7:18 “18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.”
Take hold of both warnings to avoid the extremes.
Do not run away from this.
B. The fear of the Lord is our deliverance from the fears of this world.
B. The fear of the Lord is our deliverance from the fears of this world.
The one that fears God will be saved from both of this dangers.
True wisdom always starts with the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 1:7 “7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
The fear of the Lord is not terror but a trembling joy in the presence of God… The fear of the Lord is the gloomy flip side of joy. - Michael Reeves
We want a God that is bigger and stronger than us - we just often do not want one greater than our comprehension.
C. Wisdom is the strength you need.
C. Wisdom is the strength you need.
Ecclesiastes 7:19 “19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.”
Wisdom is powerful—it gives strength greater than ten rulers.
Wisdom frees us from the crushing burden of controlling our own destiny.
Don’t try to make yourself look strong.
Strength is not found in your self righteousness
Strength is not found in your rebellion.
Wisdom tells us our lives our better spent trusting God with the unknown than judging Him for what He allows.
D. Wisdom causes us to recognize our own sinfulness and limitations
D. Wisdom causes us to recognize our own sinfulness and limitations
Ecclesiastes 7:20 “20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.”
We are not truly innocent; none of us is without sin.
When criticized, remember: You have done the same to others.
When we see sin this world we should be reminded of own sin before God. Ecclesiastes 7:21–22 “21 Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: 22 For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.”
When we should see a tragedy in this world we should be reminded we are all sinner.
This message is so important God sent His son to deliver this message.
Yes, on the cross but also in a conversation.
Jesus mentions the Tower of Siloam in Luke 13:1-5 to address a common belief that suffering is always a direct punishment for sin.
Luke 13:5 “5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
In our search for sinners, we should always find ourselves as the chief.
The difference between us and those we perceive as the worst of sinners is far narrower than we care to admit.
Transition: Recognizing our need and limitations leads us to look outside of ourselves and this world for help.
Since we are deeply flawed, we must place our trust in God alone.
Since we are deeply flawed, we must place our trust in God alone.
A. Our wisdom has its limits—some things remain beyond our understanding.
A. Our wisdom has its limits—some things remain beyond our understanding.
Ecclesiastes 7:23 “23 All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.”
Solomon sought to grasp the mysteries of life, but they were “far from me.”
God’s ways are higher than ours. Isaiah 55:8–9 “8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Incredible paradox:
God is so loving he allows us to question Him and live.
God is all knowing and should never need be questioned.
B. Solomon observed the dangers of sexual folly—sin traps and enslaves
B. Solomon observed the dangers of sexual folly—sin traps and enslaves
Reminder this is a personal testimony. 1 Kings 11
The immoral woman is a hunter, ensnaring foolish men (Prov. 23:27–28).
Only those who please God escape her; sinners fall into her trap. Proverbs 22:14 “14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.”
Integrity is rare; people are deeply corrupted by sin. Ecclesiastes 7:27–28 “27 Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account: 28 Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.”
1. Solomon found very few upright men and no women in his harem.
2. This is not a sexist statement but a lament over humanity’s moral failure.
C. The real problem is not God’s design but humanity’s rebellion
C. The real problem is not God’s design but humanity’s rebellion
Ecclesiastes 7:29 “29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.”
God created us upright, but we have pursued sinful schemes.
Adam and Eve sought wisdom apart from God, leading to death.
Solomon did the same—there is nothing new under the sun.
The Root of All Human Struggle:
We are not content with what God has given or what God has said.
The enemy whispers, Did God really say...?
This desire for control leads us into destruction.
The answer is not self-effort but trusting in the righteousness of Another—Jesus Christ
Reflection:
Where are you most tempted to be discontent with God’s provision or word?
Are you seeking wisdom and fulfillment outside of God?
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
How does Asaph’s Prayer About Envying the Wicked reflect what is taught in this passage?
How does Asaph’s Prayer About Envying the Wicked reflect what is taught in this passage?
Our theology shapes your prayers, and your prayers reveal your theology. It is in our prayers that our theology comes alive.
Warning do not to fall into extremes—self-righteousness or wickedness—but to trust in God's wisdom.
Fear God by not ascribing evil to God because of the brokenness of this world.
Psalm 73:1–3“1 Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. 2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. 3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
Declaration of faith - God is good, certainly to those with a sincere heart toward Him.
Fear God by resisting the temptation to become overly righteous to control outcomes.
Psalm 73:13–14“13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. 14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.”
Fear God by avoiding the temptation to give up and embrace sin.
Psalm 73:21–22“21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. 22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.”
Asaph acknowledges that his thinking was driven by emotion and instinct rather than faith.
Rather than abandoning faith, we should cling to God even in confusion.
Grab a hold of wisdom right now with both hands.
Asaph realized that human wisdom is limited—we cannot fully understand why the wicked prosper.
Psalm 73:16–17“16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.”
Trusting in God’s eternal justice keeps us from despair.
Since we are deeply flawed, we must place our trust in God alone.
Psalm 73:25–26“25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. 26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.”
The wicked follow their own schemes, but God alone is our portion and strength.
Faith is living without scheming.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 9:10), and Christ is the fulfillment of that wisdom.
To know Christ is to possess true wisdom—the ability to see life from God’s perspective.
The wisdom we need is not found in human reasoning or life experience, but in Jesus Christ Himself.
1 Corinthians 1:30“30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:”
Asaph reached the same conclusion—God is enough, no matter what happens in this life.
