Realities That Give Life Definition And Meaning

REALITIES THAT GIVE LIFE DEFINITION AND MEANING

ECCLESIASTES 9:1- 10

GOODNEWS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

BUCAS, Daraga Albay

January 7, 2007

Introduction

A. About the Disaster that hits Albay

B. About the predictions in year 2007 by some Psychics

Philosophies of life that wont’ work

1. Materialism – Philosophy says, “Possessions satisfy – provide yourself!” When we buy into this system, we accumulate things because we think objects will make us happy or comfortable, somehow bringing us contentment

Illustrations: He who dies with the most toys wins

What does it means? It is “materialism to the max.” For them, it is a meaningful and fulfilling life. Oh, I can say, it’s a futility of materialism.

2. Epicureanism – It centered around the idea that the pleasure of the individual was the sole or chief good in life. If it feels good, grab it. This philososphyadvocated living in such a way as to derive the greatest amount of pleasure possible during one’s lifetime

To the Epicureans, virtue in itself had no value and was beneficial only when it served as a means to gain happiness. Reciprocity was recommended, not because it was right and noble, but because it paid off. Friendships rested on the same selfish basis, that is, the pleasure resulting to the possessor. While the pursuit of pleasure formed the focal point of the philosophy, paradoxically Epicurus referred to life as a “bitter gift.” (wikpedia.org)

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3. Humanism – It says, “Humanity is glorious – exalt yourself!” It’s the age-old idea that there is no such thing as depravity. According to this believe. We humans possess great potential. We can therefore do it on our own. We’re good enough, were strong enough and certainly capable enough to pull it off, regardless. Example of this philosophy is embodied in the poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley.

Got the picture? Humanists teach we are masters of our own fate, captain of our souls. We are indomitable, unconquerable, and invincible. This is a philosophy that needs to be blasted.

4. Fatalism – The view that human deliberation and actions are pointless and ineffectual in determining events, because whatever will be will be. “The game is fixed – resign yourself!”

For examples:

• If it is fated for you to recover from your illness, then you will recover whether you call a doctor or not.

• Likewise, if you are fated not to recover, you will not do so even if you call a doctor.

This philosophy sucks the hope and motivation from life. We feels like we are robots on this earth. Life becomes depressing.

December of last year, local radio station presented a documentary film that tells about the destruction that will bring about on this earth. A big and huge flood will submerged cities of the world. A person who listened to the program may feels miserable or may be depressed. “If all this is going to happen- why go on living?”

Brothers and sisters, don’t be a victim to these kind of philosophy of life. Take these off in your life.

Now let’s take a look of the realties that give life definition and meaning.

THE SOVEREIGN HAND OF GOD (9:1)

There is no attribute of God more comforting and delightful to his children than his great and glorious sovereignty. Regardless of rank, status, color, creed, age, heritage, intelligence, or temperament, “the hand of God” is upon us. Every believer rejoices in the sovereignty of God. There is no truth of Holy Scripture for which we must more earnestly contend than God’s dominion over all creation, his sovereignty over all the works of his hands, the supremacy of his throne and his right to sit upon it.

God is there and He is not silent. It tells us, among other things, that nothing is out of control. Every thing is under the control of God. “Our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased” (Ps. 115:3).

Being in the sovereign hand of God does not mean a life of smooth sailing or being economically prosperous, physically healthy, protected from pain, enjoying a trouble free occupation, and having everyone smile and appreciate us. As Solomon wrote “Man does not know whether it will be love or hatred; anything awaits him.” But what does help is the knowledge that behind whatever happens is a God who care, who hasn’t lost a handle on the controls.

“Because of our confidence in God’s providential care, we need not fear any evil or harm, even if it does come to us - it can only come by God’s will and ultimately for our good.” (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, pp.341)

(Illus: the time I got sick)

Now, since men are ever bent upon perverting the things of God, here’s a piece of advice regarding the will of God’s purpose: The sovereignty of God’s purpose does not destroy man’s responsibility. Man’s sin has put his will in bondage to sin, not by God’s purpose. We must never use the doctrine of God’s sovereign to excuse our own sinful actions or decisions that hurt another person. He will still hold us accountable four our harmful decisions and sinful actions.