Pursuing A Meaningful Life

PURSUING A MEANINGFUL LIFE

Eccl 12:13-14

INTRODUCTION

A. Harold Kushner observed over 30 years of ministry as a congregational rabbi that “Most people are not afraid of dying; they are afraid of not having lived.”

B. In searching for a life of significance, Solomon had the means to explore all that life under the sun (a term used 29 times) has to offer, and he concluded that it is all chasing after the wind (meaningless [vanity] occurs 34 times).

C. One by one, the things humans pursue in search of meaning are tested by Solomon and found wanting.

I. SEVEN THINGS THAT DO NOT GIVE MEANING TO LIFE

A. Wisdom (1:17)

B. Pleasure (2:1-11)

C. Work (2:21)

D. Popularity (4:13-16)

E. Money (5:10-12)

F. Religion (5:1)

G. Morality (7:15)

Transition: If a meaningful life is not found in these pursuits, where will it be found? (Eccl 12:13-14)

II. THE ANSWER: FEAR GOD AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS (Eccl 12:13-14)

A. Would John debate Solomon’s conclusion? (1 John 4:17-18)

1. There is a slavish dread and fear (Rom 8:15).

2. There is filial respect and reverence (Heb 12:3-11; 28-29).

B. When the sixth seal is opened, we see two scenes. First, those who did not fear God fear him. In the second, those who feared him sing of salvation (Rev 6:12-17; 7:9-17).

Transition: Some might point to people who, without God, came to the end of life in great triumph. But the end of life as we know it is not the end of life as it will be known; instead, it is only the beginning (V. 14).

III. THERE IS A BITTER IRONY IN SOLOMON’S WORDS

A. He did not practice what he preached (1 Kgs 11:3-5)

B. It is not the one who starts or runs well, but the one who finishes well that wins (Eccl 9:11-12; Heb 12:1-2).

CONCLUSION

A. The Hillbilly Heartthrob Faron Young sang, “I want to live fast, love hard, die young, and leave a beautiful memory.”

B. We should not be so concerned about the memory we leave as we are about the record that precedes us to judgment because—let’s face it—we will not be remembered that long, but eternity will last forever (Rev 20:11-15).