The End Of The Matter Series

The New Testament says, “Therefore [in light of life beyond the grave], be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

This is the true “end of the matter”—not old age and death but being a part of what God is doing in this world, which counts for all eternity.

Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last (C. T. Studd).

So, if you want to find true purpose and meaning to your life, 1st, remember your Creator. Then 2nd…

REMAIN IN GOD’S WORD.

Stay within the boundaries of God’s law. Stick to the Bible, and let God’s permanent principles guide your life above any other.

Ecclesiastes 12:9-10 Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth (ESV).

Proverbs are observations about life, which Solomon studied and wrote about with great care. Unlike the prophets, who received direct revelation from God, Solomon studied God’s creation to discern truth (Psalm 19). Even so, Solomon’s words recorded here are just as much from God’s mouth as those from any of God’s prophets.

Ecclesiastes 12:11 The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd (ESV).

That shepherd is the Lord Himself (Psalm 23:1; 80:1). He is the One who directed Solomon’s study and guided his writing. As such, Solomon’s words are permanent prods to living the good life just like the rest of the Word of God. Therefore…

Ecclesiastes 12:12 My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh (ESV).

Studying human words exhausts you. On the other hand, studying God’s word energizes you to accomplish His good and perfect plans for you. So stick with God’s Word, and be wary of any other words of advice, which could lead you astray.

In Change Your Church for the Good, author and pastor Brad Powell writes about the power of God’s Word to provide meaning to life even after a senseless tragedy. He says:

“It was five days before Christmas. A couple of hardened criminals had staked out several jewelry stores in our area. They were looking for the big score. When they finally selected their target, they went to work. Pretending to have a delivery, they showed up at the doorstep of the jeweler's home. His visiting mother kindly invited them in. The end was already determined.

“While holding her at gunpoint, they waited for his three pre-teen children to come home from school. Upon their arrival, they made the oldest call their daddy. He was home in minutes. Threatening his life and the life of his family, they made him open the safe he had at home. Although this heist was not as profitable as robbing the store itself, it seemed safer, easier, and lucrative enough.

“Oh, that the story ended with only the loss of some jewelry and money. It was not to be. These lunatics wouldn't have it. One by one, they murdered everyone in the home. It was, and remains, an incomprehensible tragedy,” Pastor Brad writes. “We got the call from the man's relative who attended our church. They were asking for prayer, counsel, help, and guidance in working through all of the issues facing them. Of course, our church family was all over it. If the church can't be a support during times like this, there is no point. We would do whatever we could to help the family and community deal with this tragedy.