Standing in Awe of God | Javan Shashaty | Ecclesiastes 5

Well, today as we continue our study in Well, today as we continue our study in the book of Ecclesiastes, we're going to the book of Ecclesiastes, we're going to the book of Ecclesiastes, we're going to talk about something called reverence. talk about something called reverence. talk about something called reverence. Say, reverence. Say, reverence. Say, reverence. >> Reverence. >> Reverence. >> Reverence. >> Reverence simply means a deep respect >> Reverence simply means a deep respect >> Reverence simply means a deep respect for something or someone. And all of us for something or someone. And all of us for something or someone. And all of us inherently know there are certain inherently know there are certain inherently know there are certain environments that require our reverence. environments that require our reverence. environments that require our reverence. You know, you would never see someone You know, you would never see someone You know, you would never see someone laughing loudly at a funeral. You don't laughing loudly at a funeral. You don't laughing loudly at a funeral. You don't crack jokes while the bride is walking crack jokes while the bride is walking crack jokes while the bride is walking down the aisle at a wedding. You don't down the aisle at a wedding. You don't down the aisle at a wedding. You don't stroll into a courtroom with flip- flops stroll into a courtroom with flip- flops stroll into a courtroom with flip- flops and put your feet up on the desk. It and put your feet up on the desk. It and put your feet up on the desk. It doesn't work that way. Why? Because doesn't work that way. Why? Because doesn't work that way. Why? Because there are places and moments that there are places and moments that there are places and moments that require reverence. You know, I would require reverence. You know, I would require reverence. You know, I would I've loved watching the World Cup with I've loved watching the World Cup with I've loved watching the World Cup with my kids. Just watching these moments of my kids. Just watching these moments of my kids. Just watching these moments of brilliance on the field, but what I love brilliance on the field, but what I love brilliance on the field, but what I love is before the game starts, all the teams is before the game starts, all the teams is before the game starts, all the teams arms around each other singing at the arms around each other singing at the arms around each other singing at the top of their lungs their national top of their lungs their national top of their lungs their national anthem. And even if it's not the anthem anthem. And even if it's not the anthem anthem. And even if it's not the anthem of your country, when you see a group of of your country, when you see a group of of your country, when you see a group of people in patriotism with their arms people in patriotism with their arms people in patriotism with their arms around each other singing at the top of around each other singing at the top of around each other singing at the top of their lungs, you can hear a pin drop, their lungs, you can hear a pin drop, their lungs, you can hear a pin drop, can't you? There's such a powerful can't you? There's such a powerful can't you? There's such a powerful moment of reverence where people are moment of reverence where people are moment of reverence where people are united together focusing on something.

united together focusing on something. united together focusing on something. And here's what we know to be true. The And here's what we know to be true. The And here's what we know to be true. The greater the place, the greater the greater the place, the greater the greater the place, the greater the reverence that we show. So how much reverence that we show. So how much reverence that we show. So how much more, if there's reverence in a more, if there's reverence in a more, if there's reverence in a courtroom and on a soccer field, should courtroom and on a soccer field, should courtroom and on a soccer field, should we show reverence in the house of God? we show reverence in the house of God? we show reverence in the house of God? How much more should we treat God with How much more should we treat God with How much more should we treat God with the level of respect and honor that he the level of respect and honor that he the level of respect and honor that he deserves to? And today in Ecclesiastes deserves to? And today in Ecclesiastes deserves to? And today in Ecclesiastes chapter 5, it's exactly what this text chapter 5, it's exactly what this text chapter 5, it's exactly what this text is going to teach us. I pray that the is going to teach us. I pray that the is going to teach us. I pray that the Lord would speak to us today that he Lord would speak to us today that he Lord would speak to us today that he would shift some things in us as we go would shift some things in us as we go would shift some things in us as we go through this text. He would give us that through this text. He would give us that through this text. He would give us that reverence for him. That we'd walk out of reverence for him. That we'd walk out of reverence for him. That we'd walk out of this room with an even greater respect this room with an even greater respect this room with an even greater respect for the God that we serve than when we for the God that we serve than when we for the God that we serve than when we walked in. So, we're going to begin walked in. So, we're going to begin walked in. So, we're going to begin reading Ecclesiastes chapter 5, verse reading Ecclesiastes chapter 5, verse reading Ecclesiastes chapter 5, verse one. If you're at verse one, say, "I'm one. If you're at verse one, say, "I'm one. If you're at verse one, say, "I'm there." there." there." >> I'm there. >> I'm there. >> I'm there. >> Here's what it says. >> Here's what it says. >> Here's what it says. Guard your steps when you go to the Guard your steps when you go to the Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather house of God. Go near to listen rather house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools who than to offer the sacrifice of fools who than to offer the sacrifice of fools who do not know that they do wrong. Stop do not know that they do wrong. Stop do not know that they do wrong. Stop right there. Chapter 5 begins with a right there. Chapter 5 begins with a right there. Chapter 5 begins with a warning about how we enter the house of warning about how we enter the house of warning about how we enter the house of God. And what does Solomon say? Guard God. And what does Solomon say? Guard God. And what does Solomon say? Guard your steps. That word for guard in the your steps. That word for guard in the your steps. That word for guard in the Hebrew has the idea of intention. Verse Hebrew has the idea of intention. Verse Hebrew has the idea of intention. Verse one could read like this. Be very one could read like this. Be very one could read like this. Be very careful about how you enter the house of careful about how you enter the house of careful about how you enter the house of God. Think carefully before you walk God. Think carefully before you walk God. Think carefully before you walk into God's house. I love what into God's house. I love what into God's house. I love what commentator Alexander McLaren said. He commentator Alexander McLaren said. He commentator Alexander McLaren said. He said, "Fruitful and acceptable worship said, "Fruitful and acceptable worship said, "Fruitful and acceptable worship begins before it begins." Listen, the

begins before it begins." Listen, the begins before it begins." Listen, the approach to our worship matters a lot approach to our worship matters a lot approach to our worship matters a lot more than most of us realize. And what's more than most of us realize. And what's more than most of us realize. And what's the right approach that we're supposed the right approach that we're supposed the right approach that we're supposed to have? The first thing that Solomon to have? The first thing that Solomon to have? The first thing that Solomon says, two words in verse one, go near. says, two words in verse one, go near. says, two words in verse one, go near. He says, "Guard your steps when you He says, "Guard your steps when you He says, "Guard your steps when you enter the house of God. Go near." Pause enter the house of God. Go near." Pause enter the house of God. Go near." Pause for a second just to acknowledge how for a second just to acknowledge how for a second just to acknowledge how cool that is. Even in the Old Testament, cool that is. Even in the Old Testament, cool that is. Even in the Old Testament, the invitation of God was to go near to the invitation of God was to go near to the invitation of God was to go near to his presence, to go near into his house his presence, to go near into his house his presence, to go near into his house in order to meet with him. That in order to meet with him. That in order to meet with him. That invitation's repeated again in the New invitation's repeated again in the New invitation's repeated again in the New Testament. James 4:8, it says, "Come Testament. James 4:8, it says, "Come Testament. James 4:8, it says, "Come near to God and he will do what? Come near to God and he will do what? Come near to God and he will do what? Come near to you." The invitation that was on near to you." The invitation that was on near to you." The invitation that was on the table for the people in Solomon's the table for the people in Solomon's the table for the people in Solomon's day and James's audience is also on the day and James's audience is also on the day and James's audience is also on the table for us. You can draw near to God. table for us. You can draw near to God. table for us. You can draw near to God. You can come near into his presence. But You can come near into his presence. But You can come near into his presence. But there's a purpose. There's a purpose for there's a purpose. There's a purpose for there's a purpose. There's a purpose for why you come near. What does Solomon why you come near. What does Solomon why you come near. What does Solomon say? Guard your steps when you enter the say? Guard your steps when you enter the say? Guard your steps when you enter the house of God. Go near to what? Speak. house of God. Go near to what? Speak. house of God. Go near to what? Speak. No. Go near to what?

No. Go near to what? No. Go near to what? >> Listen. >> Listen. >> Listen. The purpose for why we guard our steps. The purpose for why we guard our steps. The purpose for why we guard our steps. The purpose for why we go near is to The purpose for why we go near is to The purpose for why we go near is to listen. This reminds me of what Paul listen. This reminds me of what Paul listen. This reminds me of what Paul said in Romans 10:17. Faith comes from said in Romans 10:17. Faith comes from said in Romans 10:17. Faith comes from what? Hearing the message. And the what? Hearing the message. And the what? Hearing the message. And the message is heard through the word about message is heard through the word about message is heard through the word about Christ. You know what that means? The Christ. You know what that means? The Christ. You know what that means? The way that faith becomes a reality in your way that faith becomes a reality in your way that faith becomes a reality in your heart is by listening to the message of heart is by listening to the message of heart is by listening to the message of the gospel. by hearing it, by coming the gospel. by hearing it, by coming the gospel. by hearing it, by coming near to God's presence and listening to near to God's presence and listening to near to God's presence and listening to the message about Christ. That is how the message about Christ. That is how the message about Christ. That is how faith forms in your heart. You think faith forms in your heart. You think faith forms in your heart. You think being in the house of God is a serious being in the house of God is a serious being in the house of God is a serious thing? It absolutely is. We draw near in thing? It absolutely is. We draw near in thing? It absolutely is. We draw near in order to listen. Church, we are not here order to listen. Church, we are not here order to listen. Church, we are not here today to check some spiritual box. We today to check some spiritual box. We today to check some spiritual box. We are not in the room this morning to play are not in the room this morning to play are not in the room this morning to play some Christian game to make ourselves some Christian game to make ourselves some Christian game to make ourselves feel better. We are here to listen to feel better. We are here to listen to feel better. We are here to listen to the voice of almighty God. the voice of almighty God. the voice of almighty God. >> We're here to listen to our father.

>> We're here to listen to our father. >> We're here to listen to our father. Something powerful happens when God's Something powerful happens when God's Something powerful happens when God's people gather to listen. It was true people gather to listen. It was true people gather to listen. It was true back then and it's also true today. back then and it's also true today. back then and it's also true today. Unfortunately, Unfortunately, Unfortunately, this doesn't always happen though. this doesn't always happen though. this doesn't always happen though. People don't always enter with an People don't always enter with an People don't always enter with an expectation to hear from God. Solomon expectation to hear from God. Solomon expectation to hear from God. Solomon says some people enter God's house to says some people enter God's house to says some people enter God's house to offer the sacrifice of fools. And even offer the sacrifice of fools. And even offer the sacrifice of fools. And even worse, they are completely oblivious worse, they are completely oblivious worse, they are completely oblivious that their sacrifice is foolish. He says that their sacrifice is foolish. He says that their sacrifice is foolish. He says they don't even know they do wrong. So they don't even know they do wrong. So they don't even know they do wrong. So question is, well, what's the sacrifice question is, well, what's the sacrifice question is, well, what's the sacrifice of fools? I'm glad you asked because of fools? I'm glad you asked because of fools? I'm glad you asked because Solomon's going to tell us in verse two. Solomon's going to tell us in verse two. Solomon's going to tell us in verse two. He says, do not be quick with your mouth He says, do not be quick with your mouth He says, do not be quick with your mouth and do not be hasty in your heart to and do not be hasty in your heart to and do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in utter anything before God. God is in utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your heaven and you are on earth. So let your heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be what? words be what? words be what? >> Few. A dream comes when there are many >> Few. A dream comes when there are many >> Few. A dream comes when there are many cares and many words mark the speech of cares and many words mark the speech of cares and many words mark the speech of a what? a what? a what? >> Fool. So Solomon seems to indicate the >> Fool. So Solomon seems to indicate the >> Fool. So Solomon seems to indicate the sacrifice of fools, the opposite of sacrifice of fools, the opposite of sacrifice of fools, the opposite of listening in the house of God is listening in the house of God is listening in the house of God is speaking. The sacrifice of fools has a speaking. The sacrifice of fools has a speaking. The sacrifice of fools has a lot to do with their words. The warning lot to do with their words. The warning lot to do with their words. The warning he gives to his readers in verse three, he gives to his readers in verse three, he gives to his readers in verse three, do not be quick with your words. That do not be quick with your words. That do not be quick with your words. That word for quick in the Hebrew, it means word for quick in the Hebrew, it means word for quick in the Hebrew, it means rash or hurried. He says, do not be rash or hurried. He says, do not be rash or hurried. He says, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything hasty in your heart to utter anything hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. What Solomon is addressing

before God. What Solomon is addressing before God. What Solomon is addressing is the prayers of God's people. And is the prayers of God's people. And is the prayers of God's people. And these days, just like it was back then, these days, just like it was back then, these days, just like it was back then, we are far too casual in the way we we are far too casual in the way we we are far too casual in the way we approach God in prayer. Now, don't get approach God in prayer. Now, don't get approach God in prayer. Now, don't get me wrong. God wants our authenticity me wrong. God wants our authenticity me wrong. God wants our authenticity when we pray. Absolutely, he does. You when we pray. Absolutely, he does. You when we pray. Absolutely, he does. You don't have to use big words. You don't don't have to use big words. You don't don't have to use big words. You don't have to sound all formal when you pray. have to sound all formal when you pray. have to sound all formal when you pray. You don't have to say, "The thou God in You don't have to say, "The thou God in You don't have to say, "The thou God in heaven, thou do thus bless us this thou heaven, thou do thus bless us this thou heaven, thou do thus bless us this thou day." You don't have to do that. Okay? day." You don't have to do that. Okay? day." You don't have to do that. Okay? That's not what Solomon is talking about That's not what Solomon is talking about That's not what Solomon is talking about here. What he's talking about is here. What he's talking about is here. What he's talking about is addressing God with reverence. And I'm addressing God with reverence. And I'm addressing God with reverence. And I'm afraid in the church today, our prayers afraid in the church today, our prayers afraid in the church today, our prayers sound much more like we're talking to sound much more like we're talking to sound much more like we're talking to Siri than we're talking to a holy God. Siri than we're talking to a holy God. Siri than we're talking to a holy God. It's not like we're talking to a buddy, It's not like we're talking to a buddy, It's not like we're talking to a buddy, a friend. And absolutely, God is a a friend. And absolutely, God is a a friend. And absolutely, God is a friend and wants our authenticity, but friend and wants our authenticity, but friend and wants our authenticity, but he is holy and he is righteous. Solomon he is holy and he is righteous. Solomon he is holy and he is righteous. Solomon says we don't even know that we do says we don't even know that we do says we don't even know that we do wrong. There should be a reverence for wrong. There should be a reverence for wrong. There should be a reverence for how we pray. Why is that? Why is there a how we pray. Why is that? Why is there a how we pray. Why is that? Why is there a reverence when we address God in prayer? reverence when we address God in prayer? reverence when we address God in prayer? Look at what he says at the end of verse Look at what he says at the end of verse Look at what he says at the end of verse two. God is in heaven and you are where?

two. God is in heaven and you are where? two. God is in heaven and you are where? On earth. There are three reasons why we On earth. There are three reasons why we On earth. There are three reasons why we show reverence in prayer. Location, show reverence in prayer. Location, show reverence in prayer. Location, location, location. location, location. location, location. God is in heaven. God is in heaven. God is in heaven. You are on earth. Our reverence has You are on earth. Our reverence has You are on earth. Our reverence has everything to do with where God is and everything to do with where God is and everything to do with where God is and where we are. And because God's in where we are. And because God's in where we are. And because God's in heaven and because we are on earth, heaven and because we are on earth, heaven and because we are on earth, what's Solomon's solution? Let your what's Solomon's solution? Let your what's Solomon's solution? Let your words be few. words be few. words be few. This is Solomon's polite way of saying, This is Solomon's polite way of saying, This is Solomon's polite way of saying, "Shut up. "Shut up. "Shut up. God's in heaven. You are on earth. God's in heaven. You are on earth. God's in heaven. You are on earth. So shut up. So shut up. So shut up. Let your words be few." And some of you Let your words be few." And some of you Let your words be few." And some of you are like, "Javin, come on now. This is are like, "Javin, come on now. This is are like, "Javin, come on now. This is the Old Testament. This is talking about the Old Testament. This is talking about the Old Testament. This is talking about the temple and the synagogue. This is the temple and the synagogue. This is the temple and the synagogue. This is Old Testament stuff. What about now and Old Testament stuff. What about now and Old Testament stuff. What about now and the New Testament in the age of grace? the New Testament in the age of grace? the New Testament in the age of grace? This can't possibly be true, can it?" This can't possibly be true, can it?" This can't possibly be true, can it?" Well, the New Testament I read seems to Well, the New Testament I read seems to Well, the New Testament I read seems to reiterate this same point over and over reiterate this same point over and over reiterate this same point over and over and over again. Jesus himself says this and over again. Jesus himself says this and over again. Jesus himself says this in Matthew 6. And when you pray, do not in Matthew 6. And when you pray, do not in Matthew 6. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they keep on babbling like pagans, for they keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of think they will be heard because of think they will be heard because of their what? Many words. Do not be like their what? Many words. Do not be like their what? Many words. Do not be like them, for your father knows what you them, for your father knows what you them, for your father knows what you need before you even ask. You think need before you even ask. You think need before you even ask. You think Jesus is saying the same thing that Jesus is saying the same thing that Jesus is saying the same thing that Solomon said? God is in heaven. You are Solomon said? God is in heaven. You are Solomon said? God is in heaven. You are on earth. Let your words be few. Now, on earth. Let your words be few. Now, on earth. Let your words be few. Now, let's be clear. There is nothing wrong

let's be clear. There is nothing wrong let's be clear. There is nothing wrong with praying prayers for a long time. with praying prayers for a long time. with praying prayers for a long time. There's nothing irreverent about sitting There's nothing irreverent about sitting There's nothing irreverent about sitting in the presence of God and praying for in the presence of God and praying for in the presence of God and praying for hours. The problem is when you pray for hours. The problem is when you pray for hours. The problem is when you pray for a long time just for the sake of praying a long time just for the sake of praying a long time just for the sake of praying for a long time. You're not actually for a long time. You're not actually for a long time. You're not actually talking to God. You're doing what Jesus talking to God. You're doing what Jesus talking to God. You're doing what Jesus calls babbling in your prayers. I love calls babbling in your prayers. I love calls babbling in your prayers. I love what the great DL Moody said. He said, what the great DL Moody said. He said, what the great DL Moody said. He said, "Some people's prayers need to be cut "Some people's prayers need to be cut "Some people's prayers need to be cut short at both ends and set on fire in short at both ends and set on fire in short at both ends and set on fire in the middle. Cut off the beginning, cut off the end, Cut off the beginning, cut off the end, and set the middle part on fire and let and set the middle part on fire and let and set the middle part on fire and let your words be few. Charles Spurgeon said your words be few. Charles Spurgeon said your words be few. Charles Spurgeon said it like this. It is not the length of it like this. It is not the length of it like this. It is not the length of our prayers, but the strength of our our prayers, but the strength of our our prayers, but the strength of our prayers that makes the difference. Just prayers that makes the difference. Just prayers that makes the difference. Just by praying for a long time, God isn't up by praying for a long time, God isn't up by praying for a long time, God isn't up there like, "All right, after the 20 there like, "All right, after the 20 there like, "All right, after the 20 minute mark, then I'll start listening." minute mark, then I'll start listening." minute mark, then I'll start listening." No, he's listening to your prayers right No, he's listening to your prayers right No, he's listening to your prayers right now. How much more so because of what now. How much more so because of what now. How much more so because of what Christ has done, the access that you Christ has done, the access that you Christ has done, the access that you have to God, he hears you. He's have to God, he hears you. He's have to God, he hears you. He's listening. listening. listening. Be quick to listen and slow to speak.

Be quick to listen and slow to speak. Be quick to listen and slow to speak. Not be quick with your words or hasty in Not be quick with your words or hasty in Not be quick with your words or hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. your heart to utter anything before God. your heart to utter anything before God. Instead, let your words be few. Then in Instead, let your words be few. Then in Instead, let your words be few. Then in verse three, we get this interesting verse three, we get this interesting verse three, we get this interesting line. A dream comes when there are many line. A dream comes when there are many line. A dream comes when there are many cares. You think, what does that mean? cares. You think, what does that mean? cares. You think, what does that mean? Well, the dream that Solomon is talking Well, the dream that Solomon is talking Well, the dream that Solomon is talking about is not the good kind. about is not the good kind. about is not the good kind. It's the dream that keeps you up at It's the dream that keeps you up at It's the dream that keeps you up at night. The dream where you can't sleep night. The dream where you can't sleep night. The dream where you can't sleep because of the many cares that are on because of the many cares that are on because of the many cares that are on your mind. And he says, "And many words your mind. And he says, "And many words your mind. And he says, "And many words mark the speech of a fool." You know how mark the speech of a fool." You know how mark the speech of a fool." You know how to identify a fool in a crowd? It's the to identify a fool in a crowd? It's the to identify a fool in a crowd? It's the one talking. I know that's ironic for me one talking. I know that's ironic for me one talking. I know that's ironic for me to say right now, but stay with me for a to say right now, but stay with me for a to say right now, but stay with me for a second. Okay? Stay with me. All right? second. Okay? Stay with me. All right? second. Okay? Stay with me. All right? Some of you are like, "I know, Javin." Some of you are like, "I know, Javin." Some of you are like, "I know, Javin." No, no, no. Hey, just stay with me for a No, no, no. Hey, just stay with me for a No, no, no. Hey, just stay with me for a second. All right? second. All right? second. All right? Too much talking is one of the clear Too much talking is one of the clear Too much talking is one of the clear signs of a foolish person. You know signs of a foolish person. You know signs of a foolish person. You know Solomon said it himself in Proverbs 17. Solomon said it himself in Proverbs 17. Solomon said it himself in Proverbs 17. He said, "The one who has knowledge uses He said, "The one who has knowledge uses He said, "The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint and whoever has words with restraint and whoever has words with restraint and whoever has understanding is tempered. Even fools understanding is tempered. Even fools understanding is tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep what?

are thought wise if they keep what? are thought wise if they keep what? Silent and discerning if they hold their Silent and discerning if they hold their Silent and discerning if they hold their tongues." You know, you might know in tongues." You know, you might know in tongues." You know, you might know in your mind that you're a fool, but if you your mind that you're a fool, but if you your mind that you're a fool, but if you talk too much, everyone else is going to talk too much, everyone else is going to talk too much, everyone else is going to know, too. know, too. know, too. God is in heaven. You are on earth. Many God is in heaven. You are on earth. Many God is in heaven. You are on earth. Many words mark the speech of a fool. So words mark the speech of a fool. So words mark the speech of a fool. So let's let our words be few before God. let's let our words be few before God. let's let our words be few before God. Let's keep reading. Look at verse four. Let's keep reading. Look at verse four. Let's keep reading. Look at verse four. It says, "When you make a vow to God, do It says, "When you make a vow to God, do It says, "When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no not delay to fulfill it. He has no not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. It pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. It pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make is better not to make a vow than to make is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. Do not let your one and not fulfill it. Do not let your one and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into what? Sin. And do mouth lead you into what? Sin. And do mouth lead you into what? Sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My not protest to the temple messenger, "My not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be vow was a mistake." Why should God be vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the angry at what you say and destroy the angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and work of your hands? Much dreaming and work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are what? many words are what? many words are what? >> Meaningless. Therefore, fear God. >> Meaningless. Therefore, fear God. >> Meaningless. Therefore, fear God. You know, Solomon brings up a topic that You know, Solomon brings up a topic that You know, Solomon brings up a topic that we don't often talk about in church. we don't often talk about in church. we don't often talk about in church. It's a topic of vows. A vow is simply a It's a topic of vows. A vow is simply a It's a topic of vows. A vow is simply a promise to someone that you're going to promise to someone that you're going to promise to someone that you're going to do something. You make a promise. You do something. You make a promise. You do something. You make a promise. You give them your vow or your word. This is give them your vow or your word. This is give them your vow or your word. This is what I'm going to do. We see vows happen what I'm going to do. We see vows happen what I'm going to do. We see vows happen all throughout the Bible. Think of all throughout the Bible. Think of all throughout the Bible. Think of Samson. Samson took what's called the Samson. Samson took what's called the Samson. Samson took what's called the Nazerite vow. He promised not to drink Nazerite vow. He promised not to drink Nazerite vow. He promised not to drink wine, not to touch anything that was wine, not to touch anything that was wine, not to touch anything that was dead, and not to cut his hair. Think of dead, and not to cut his hair. Think of dead, and not to cut his hair. Think of Hannah in the Old Testament. Hannah made Hannah in the Old Testament. Hannah made Hannah in the Old Testament. Hannah made a vow before God that if God gave her a a vow before God that if God gave her a a vow before God that if God gave her a child, she would dedicate that child child, she would dedicate that child child, she would dedicate that child back to the Lord, and he would serve in back to the Lord, and he would serve in back to the Lord, and he would serve in the temple for the rest of his life. And the temple for the rest of his life. And the temple for the rest of his life. And she fulfilled that vow. Even in the New

she fulfilled that vow. Even in the New she fulfilled that vow. Even in the New Testament, Paul makes a vow in Acts 17 Testament, Paul makes a vow in Acts 17 Testament, Paul makes a vow in Acts 17 and it leads him to cut his hair off and it leads him to cut his hair off and it leads him to cut his hair off completely. We don't know exactly what completely. We don't know exactly what completely. We don't know exactly what that vow was, but we see vows and that vow was, but we see vows and that vow was, but we see vows and promises that are made all throughout promises that are made all throughout promises that are made all throughout the Bible. And it might sound strange to the Bible. And it might sound strange to the Bible. And it might sound strange to make a vow or a promise to God, but we make a vow or a promise to God, but we make a vow or a promise to God, but we do this a lot today, too, don't we? We do this a lot today, too, don't we? We do this a lot today, too, don't we? We say things like, "God, if you get me out say things like, "God, if you get me out say things like, "God, if you get me out of this, I promise I will serve you the of this, I promise I will serve you the of this, I promise I will serve you the rest of my life." And then the trial rest of my life." And then the trial rest of my life." And then the trial goes away, and we completely forget goes away, and we completely forget goes away, and we completely forget about our vow. You say, "God, I will go about our vow. You say, "God, I will go about our vow. You say, "God, I will go wherever you send me within a 10 mile wherever you send me within a 10 mile wherever you send me within a 10 mile radius. radius. radius. Just send me, Lord. I'm ready to be a Just send me, Lord. I'm ready to be a Just send me, Lord. I'm ready to be a missionary in my neighborhood across the missionary in my neighborhood across the missionary in my neighborhood across the street. street. street. Say, "God, if you open the door, I will Say, "God, if you open the door, I will Say, "God, if you open the door, I will serve in youth ministry." And then he serve in youth ministry." And then he serve in youth ministry." And then he opens the door. You're like, "God, open opens the door. You're like, "God, open opens the door. You're like, "God, open another one. another one. another one. God, if you bless my business, I'll give God, if you bless my business, I'll give God, if you bless my business, I'll give generously." Remember back in January generously." Remember back in January generously." Remember back in January when you said, "God, I promise, I vow when you said, "God, I promise, I vow when you said, "God, I promise, I vow this is the year where I read the Bible this is the year where I read the Bible this is the year where I read the Bible consistently."

consistently." consistently." How's that been going seven months in? How's that been going seven months in? How's that been going seven months in? We make vows before God all the time. We make vows before God all the time. We make vows before God all the time. What did verse four say? When you make a What did verse four say? When you make a What did verse four say? When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. We are so quick in our culture today to We are so quick in our culture today to We are so quick in our culture today to make promises before a holy God that we make promises before a holy God that we make promises before a holy God that we never intend to fulfill. That's why never intend to fulfill. That's why never intend to fulfill. That's why Solomon says in verse 5, "It is better Solomon says in verse 5, "It is better Solomon says in verse 5, "It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not to make a vow than to make one and not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it." You know what that not fulfill it." You know what that not fulfill it." You know what that means? It's better to just do it. If you means? It's better to just do it. If you means? It's better to just do it. If you have intentions to do something, just go have intentions to do something, just go have intentions to do something, just go and do it instead of making an empty and do it instead of making an empty and do it instead of making an empty promise that you're not able to fulfill. promise that you're not able to fulfill. promise that you're not able to fulfill. Now, I know it might seem strange to Now, I know it might seem strange to Now, I know it might seem strange to talk about vows in church in 2026, but talk about vows in church in 2026, but talk about vows in church in 2026, but we have to talk about this because this we have to talk about this because this we have to talk about this because this applies to our lives in so many ways. applies to our lives in so many ways. applies to our lives in so many ways. And our irreverence for God is what And our irreverence for God is what And our irreverence for God is what causes us to make these empty promises causes us to make these empty promises causes us to make these empty promises that we can't keep. Our low view of God that we can't keep. Our low view of God that we can't keep. Our low view of God where we've placed him on the same level where we've placed him on the same level where we've placed him on the same level as us instead of on the throne in heaven as us instead of on the throne in heaven as us instead of on the throne in heaven where he belongs causes us to promise where he belongs causes us to promise where he belongs causes us to promise things that we never follow up on. One things that we never follow up on. One things that we never follow up on. One of the best examples of how we have of the best examples of how we have of the best examples of how we have degraded vows in our culture is the vows degraded vows in our culture is the vows degraded vows in our culture is the vows of marriage. Listen, if you're married of marriage. Listen, if you're married of marriage. Listen, if you're married in this room, when you stood at that in this room, when you stood at that in this room, when you stood at that altar, you made vows to each other. You altar, you made vows to each other. You altar, you made vows to each other. You made vows in the sight of God. But the made vows in the sight of God. But the made vows in the sight of God. But the world has convinced you that those vows world has convinced you that those vows world has convinced you that those vows were just a suggestion. Oh, you didn't were just a suggestion. Oh, you didn't were just a suggestion. Oh, you didn't really mean those things. Everybody says really mean those things. Everybody says really mean those things. Everybody says that. Those are just words that people that. Those are just words that people that. Those are just words that people say on their wedding day, they don't say on their wedding day, they don't say on their wedding day, they don't actually mean much. And if you fall out actually mean much. And if you fall out actually mean much. And if you fall out of love or the person isn't meeting your

of love or the person isn't meeting your of love or the person isn't meeting your needs like you thought they would, all needs like you thought they would, all needs like you thought they would, all of a sudden, you can just leave and of a sudden, you can just leave and of a sudden, you can just leave and abandon the vows that you made. Sadly, abandon the vows that you made. Sadly, abandon the vows that you made. Sadly, this attitude has also crept into the this attitude has also crept into the this attitude has also crept into the church. church. church. This has crept into our hearts as This has crept into our hearts as This has crept into our hearts as Christians. Some of you right now, Christians. Some of you right now, Christians. Some of you right now, you're struggling in your marriage. you're struggling in your marriage. you're struggling in your marriage. Things are tense. Feels like an argument Things are tense. Feels like an argument Things are tense. Feels like an argument could break out at any second. Let's could break out at any second. Let's could break out at any second. Let's just say it's not what you thought it just say it's not what you thought it just say it's not what you thought it would be when you stood at the altar and would be when you stood at the altar and would be when you stood at the altar and made those vows. Listen, just because made those vows. Listen, just because made those vows. Listen, just because things are difficult, just because it's things are difficult, just because it's things are difficult, just because it's not what you thought does not give us not what you thought does not give us not what you thought does not give us the liberty to go back on our promise, the liberty to go back on our promise, the liberty to go back on our promise, to break a vow that we made before God. to break a vow that we made before God. to break a vow that we made before God. I am amazed at how many Christian I am amazed at how many Christian I am amazed at how many Christian couples are so quick to jump to divorce couples are so quick to jump to divorce couples are so quick to jump to divorce when things aren't going their way. I'm when things aren't going their way. I'm when things aren't going their way. I'm amazed at how many Christian marriages amazed at how many Christian marriages amazed at how many Christian marriages when one little thing goes wrong are so when one little thing goes wrong are so when one little thing goes wrong are so quick to go back on their vow. Listen, quick to go back on their vow. Listen, quick to go back on their vow. Listen, you made a vow not just to that person. you made a vow not just to that person. you made a vow not just to that person. You made a vow before God. In riches and You made a vow before God. In riches and You made a vow before God. In riches and in poverty, in sickness and in health, in poverty, in sickness and in health, in poverty, in sickness and in health, for better or for what?

for better or for what? for better or for what? >> Worse. That means if it gets better or >> Worse. That means if it gets better or >> Worse. That means if it gets better or if it gets worse, fulfill your vow and if it gets worse, fulfill your vow and if it gets worse, fulfill your vow and do not delay. You made a promise before do not delay. You made a promise before do not delay. You made a promise before the living God. You fulfill your the living God. You fulfill your the living God. You fulfill your marriage vows not just because you love marriage vows not just because you love marriage vows not just because you love that person. You fulfill your marriage that person. You fulfill your marriage that person. You fulfill your marriage vows because you love God, because you vows because you love God, because you vows because you love God, because you love Jesus and you have such a reverence love Jesus and you have such a reverence love Jesus and you have such a reverence for him and his word that you are for him and his word that you are for him and his word that you are willing to stay. willing to stay. willing to stay. And in that day, people were looking to And in that day, people were looking to And in that day, people were looking to get out of their vows in every way they get out of their vows in every way they get out of their vows in every way they could. They used the classic excuse of could. They used the classic excuse of could. They used the classic excuse of just kidding or I didn't really mean it. just kidding or I didn't really mean it. just kidding or I didn't really mean it. They would say things like, "I was just They would say things like, "I was just They would say things like, "I was just emotional that day. I didn't know what I emotional that day. I didn't know what I emotional that day. I didn't know what I was saying." In Solomon's culture, was saying." In Solomon's culture, was saying." In Solomon's culture, apparently, they would run to someone apparently, they would run to someone apparently, they would run to someone called the temple messenger. Now, called the temple messenger. Now, called the temple messenger. Now, scholars debate who this was or what scholars debate who this was or what scholars debate who this was or what this role actually accomplished, but it this role actually accomplished, but it this role actually accomplished, but it seems like there was someone in the seems like there was someone in the seems like there was someone in the temple who would take account or would temple who would take account or would temple who would take account or would have reference to different vows that have reference to different vows that have reference to different vows that were made. Regardless of who this was, were made. Regardless of who this was, were made. Regardless of who this was, the point remains clear. Your word the point remains clear. Your word the point remains clear. Your word should mean something, especially before should mean something, especially before should mean something, especially before God. Jesus says this Matthew 5:37 all God. Jesus says this Matthew 5:37 all God. Jesus says this Matthew 5:37 all you need to say is simply yes or no.

you need to say is simply yes or no. you need to say is simply yes or no. Anything beyond this comes from the evil Anything beyond this comes from the evil Anything beyond this comes from the evil one. So Solomon says when you make a vow one. So Solomon says when you make a vow one. So Solomon says when you make a vow do not delay to fulfill it. Jesus says do not delay to fulfill it. Jesus says do not delay to fulfill it. Jesus says be so full of integrity that you don't be so full of integrity that you don't be so full of integrity that you don't even need to make a vow. You don't even even need to make a vow. You don't even even need to make a vow. You don't even need to make a promise. You don't have need to make a promise. You don't have need to make a promise. You don't have to preface anything by saying you can to preface anything by saying you can to preface anything by saying you can trust me. I promise you. I promise. trust me. I promise you. I promise. trust me. I promise you. I promise. Jesus says why do you have to say that? Jesus says why do you have to say that? Jesus says why do you have to say that? Is your word so low that people can't Is your word so low that people can't Is your word so low that people can't trust you where you have to preface it trust you where you have to preface it trust you where you have to preface it by saying I promise over and over again? by saying I promise over and over again? by saying I promise over and over again? Let your yes be yes and your word and Let your yes be yes and your word and Let your yes be yes and your word and your no be no. Solomon seems to indicate your no be no. Solomon seems to indicate your no be no. Solomon seems to indicate there are consequences when we break our there are consequences when we break our there are consequences when we break our vow. Look at verse six. The end of verse vow. Look at verse six. The end of verse vow. Look at verse six. The end of verse six, he says, "Why should God be angry six, he says, "Why should God be angry six, he says, "Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of at what you say and destroy the work of at what you say and destroy the work of your hands?" your hands?" your hands?" Now, this doesn't mean God is going to Now, this doesn't mean God is going to Now, this doesn't mean God is going to wreck your business or your company if wreck your business or your company if wreck your business or your company if you fail to fulfill your vow. But you fail to fulfill your vow. But you fail to fulfill your vow. But disregarding vows without repentance disregarding vows without repentance disregarding vows without repentance like this is a serious thing. You know like this is a serious thing. You know like this is a serious thing. You know what the Bible calls going against a what the Bible calls going against a what the Bible calls going against a vow? Sin.

vow? Sin. vow? Sin. It's why Solomon says, "Do not let your It's why Solomon says, "Do not let your It's why Solomon says, "Do not let your mouth lead you into sin." Which is why mouth lead you into sin." Which is why mouth lead you into sin." Which is why verse 7 ends the way it does. Look at verse 7 ends the way it does. Look at verse 7 ends the way it does. Look at the last three words of verse 7. the last three words of verse 7. the last three words of verse 7. Solomon says, 'Therefore, meaning in Solomon says, 'Therefore, meaning in Solomon says, 'Therefore, meaning in light of everything we've talked about light of everything we've talked about light of everything we've talked about so far, therefore, so far, therefore, so far, therefore, fear God. fear God. fear God. The problem itself is not making vows or The problem itself is not making vows or The problem itself is not making vows or promises. This is an issue of reverence. promises. This is an issue of reverence. promises. This is an issue of reverence. This is an issue of respect for the God This is an issue of respect for the God This is an issue of respect for the God that we serve. And I think I think those that we serve. And I think I think those that we serve. And I think I think those two words there at the end of verse 7 two words there at the end of verse 7 two words there at the end of verse 7 are the basis for everything else that are the basis for everything else that are the basis for everything else that we've read so far. Because you know, if we've read so far. Because you know, if we've read so far. Because you know, if you fear God, you will guard your steps you fear God, you will guard your steps you fear God, you will guard your steps in his house. If you fear God, you will in his house. If you fear God, you will in his house. If you fear God, you will go near to listen rather than to speak. go near to listen rather than to speak. go near to listen rather than to speak. If you fear God, you will not offer the If you fear God, you will not offer the If you fear God, you will not offer the sacrifice of fools. If you fear God, you sacrifice of fools. If you fear God, you sacrifice of fools. If you fear God, you will not be quick with your mouth. If will not be quick with your mouth. If will not be quick with your mouth. If you fear God, you will not be hasty in you fear God, you will not be hasty in you fear God, you will not be hasty in your heart. If you fear God, you will your heart. If you fear God, you will your heart. If you fear God, you will let your words be few. And if you fear let your words be few. And if you fear let your words be few. And if you fear God, you will fulfill your vow. All of God, you will fulfill your vow. All of God, you will fulfill your vow. All of this stems from a healthy reverence for this stems from a healthy reverence for this stems from a healthy reverence for the God that we serve. God is in heaven the God that we serve. God is in heaven the God that we serve. God is in heaven and we are on earth. And he must be and we are on earth. And he must be and we are on earth. And he must be revered above all things if we are to revered above all things if we are to revered above all things if we are to walk in obedience to him. Let's keep walk in obedience to him. Let's keep walk in obedience to him. Let's keep reading. Look at verse eight.

reading. Look at verse eight. reading. Look at verse eight. Solomon says, 'If you see the poor Solomon says, 'If you see the poor Solomon says, 'If you see the poor oppressed in a district and justice and oppressed in a district and justice and oppressed in a district and justice and rights denied, do not be what? Surprised rights denied, do not be what? Surprised rights denied, do not be what? Surprised at such things. For one official is eyed at such things. For one official is eyed at such things. For one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are by a higher one, and over them both are by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still. The increase from others higher still. The increase from others higher still. The increase from the land is taken by all, and the king the land is taken by all, and the king the land is taken by all, and the king himself profits from the fields. You himself profits from the fields. You himself profits from the fields. You know, there are a few times in the know, there are a few times in the know, there are a few times in the scriptures where the Bible tells us not scriptures where the Bible tells us not scriptures where the Bible tells us not to be surprised at something. I think to be surprised at something. I think to be surprised at something. I think about what Peter says. He says, 'Do not about what Peter says. He says, 'Do not about what Peter says. He says, 'Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that be surprised at the fiery ordeal that be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come to test you. So, we shouldn't has come to test you. So, we shouldn't has come to test you. So, we shouldn't be surprised when we experience trials. be surprised when we experience trials. be surprised when we experience trials. John tells us in first John not to be John tells us in first John not to be John tells us in first John not to be surprised if the world hates us, which surprised if the world hates us, which surprised if the world hates us, which we act surprised all the time as a we act surprised all the time as a we act surprised all the time as a church. Like, why does the world hate church. Like, why does the world hate church. Like, why does the world hate me? And John goes, you're surprised me? And John goes, you're surprised me? And John goes, you're surprised about that? It hated Jesus. It's going about that? It hated Jesus. It's going about that? It hated Jesus. It's going to hate you, too. Jesus himself said to hate you, too. Jesus himself said to hate you, too. Jesus himself said this to Nicodemus when he was explaining this to Nicodemus when he was explaining this to Nicodemus when he was explaining the gospel. He said, you need to be born the gospel. He said, you need to be born the gospel. He said, you need to be born again. And Nicodemus said, again. And Nicodemus said, again. And Nicodemus said, Jesus said, 'Why are you surprised? You Jesus said, 'Why are you surprised? You Jesus said, 'Why are you surprised? You should not be surprised to hear me tell should not be surprised to hear me tell should not be surprised to hear me tell you that you need to be born again.

you that you need to be born again. you that you need to be born again. Bible talks a lot about not being Bible talks a lot about not being Bible talks a lot about not being surprised by things. And here Solomon surprised by things. And here Solomon surprised by things. And here Solomon says there's three things you shouldn't says there's three things you shouldn't says there's three things you shouldn't be surprised by. The poor oppressed, be surprised by. The poor oppressed, be surprised by. The poor oppressed, justice denied, and rights denied. justice denied, and rights denied. justice denied, and rights denied. Unfortunately, injustice and oppression Unfortunately, injustice and oppression Unfortunately, injustice and oppression has existed in our world for centuries. has existed in our world for centuries. has existed in our world for centuries. There have always been high officials There have always been high officials There have always been high officials and people in power that have hoarded and people in power that have hoarded and people in power that have hoarded all the power for themselves and they've all the power for themselves and they've all the power for themselves and they've abused it to put other people's down abused it to put other people's down abused it to put other people's down people down. And in order to stay on people down. And in order to stay on people down. And in order to stay on top, they oppress those that need the top, they oppress those that need the top, they oppress those that need the power to serve them. power to serve them. power to serve them. Unfortunately, we shouldn't be surprised Unfortunately, we shouldn't be surprised Unfortunately, we shouldn't be surprised when these things happen. Solomon says, when these things happen. Solomon says, when these things happen. Solomon says, "Don't be surprised when the poor are "Don't be surprised when the poor are "Don't be surprised when the poor are oppressed, when injustice happens." oppressed, when injustice happens." oppressed, when injustice happens." However, not being surprised doesn't However, not being surprised doesn't However, not being surprised doesn't mean we just sit back and accept it mean we just sit back and accept it mean we just sit back and accept it either. Because Solomon says this in either. Because Solomon says this in either. Because Solomon says this in Proverbs 31:8, "Speak up for those who Proverbs 31:8, "Speak up for those who Proverbs 31:8, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the cannot speak for themselves, for the cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak rights of all who are destitute. Speak rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly. Defend the rights up and judge fairly. Defend the rights up and judge fairly. Defend the rights of the poor and the needy." Look at me. of the poor and the needy." Look at me. of the poor and the needy." Look at me. Leaders in this world will act unjustly.

Leaders in this world will act unjustly. Leaders in this world will act unjustly. There will be oppression. There will be There will be oppression. There will be There will be oppression. There will be people in power who take advantage of people in power who take advantage of people in power who take advantage of that power to abuse the weak. We should that power to abuse the weak. We should that power to abuse the weak. We should not be surprised, but we also have a not be surprised, but we also have a not be surprised, but we also have a responsibility to stand for what's responsibility to stand for what's responsibility to stand for what's right. What Solomon is saying is don't right. What Solomon is saying is don't right. What Solomon is saying is don't be shocked when it happens, but also be shocked when it happens, but also be shocked when it happens, but also don't be part of the problem. And then don't be part of the problem. And then don't be part of the problem. And then verse 9, we get one of the most verse 9, we get one of the most verse 9, we get one of the most difficult verses in all of Ecclesiastes. difficult verses in all of Ecclesiastes. difficult verses in all of Ecclesiastes. I say it's difficult because the wording I say it's difficult because the wording I say it's difficult because the wording in the Hebrew is very ambiguous, which in the Hebrew is very ambiguous, which in the Hebrew is very ambiguous, which means a lot of different translations, means a lot of different translations, means a lot of different translations, they translate it different ways. We're they translate it different ways. We're they translate it different ways. We're not 100% sure what Solomon is trying to not 100% sure what Solomon is trying to not 100% sure what Solomon is trying to say in verse 9. Look at verse 9 again. say in verse 9. Look at verse 9 again. say in verse 9. Look at verse 9 again. says, "The increase from the land is says, "The increase from the land is says, "The increase from the land is taken by all and the king himself taken by all and the king himself taken by all and the king himself profits from the fields." Now, this profits from the fields." Now, this profits from the fields." Now, this seems to suggest that no matter how seems to suggest that no matter how seems to suggest that no matter how powerful someone is, that at the end of powerful someone is, that at the end of powerful someone is, that at the end of the day, they depend on God's provision the day, they depend on God's provision the day, they depend on God's provision for everything. So even a king who uses for everything. So even a king who uses for everything. So even a king who uses their power, someone who's in authority, their power, someone who's in authority, their power, someone who's in authority, who uses the power that God's given them who uses the power that God's given them who uses the power that God's given them to oppress others, at the end of the to oppress others, at the end of the to oppress others, at the end of the day, they are still dependent on God.

day, they are still dependent on God. day, they are still dependent on God. And that should bring us comfort and And that should bring us comfort and And that should bring us comfort and relief that even those who have the relief that even those who have the relief that even those who have the greatest power are still dependent on greatest power are still dependent on greatest power are still dependent on the work of the fields, that God is the work of the fields, that God is the work of the fields, that God is ultimately in control. So here's what we ultimately in control. So here's what we ultimately in control. So here's what we can take away from verse 9. Even if it can take away from verse 9. Even if it can take away from verse 9. Even if it seems like evil is winning, even if it seems like evil is winning, even if it seems like evil is winning, even if it seems like oppression and injustice are seems like oppression and injustice are seems like oppression and injustice are happening all over the world and we happening all over the world and we happening all over the world and we can't control it, God ultimately has the can't control it, God ultimately has the can't control it, God ultimately has the final word. God is the one who will final word. God is the one who will final word. God is the one who will return one day. Jesus will make all return one day. Jesus will make all return one day. Jesus will make all wrong things right again and will wrong things right again and will wrong things right again and will restore justice the way that it was restore justice the way that it was restore justice the way that it was meant to be. Let's keep reading verse meant to be. Let's keep reading verse meant to be. Let's keep reading verse 10. We'll read through verse 17. 10. We'll read through verse 17. 10. We'll read through verse 17. Solomon says, "Whoever loves money never Solomon says, "Whoever loves money never Solomon says, "Whoever loves money never has enough, and whoever loves wealth is has enough, and whoever loves wealth is has enough, and whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This never satisfied with their income. This never satisfied with their income. This too is what? too is what? too is what? >> Meaningless. Verse 11. As goods >> Meaningless. Verse 11. As goods >> Meaningless. Verse 11. As goods increase, so do those who consume them. increase, so do those who consume them. increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owners And what benefit are they to the owners And what benefit are they to the owners except to feast their eyes on them? The except to feast their eyes on them? The except to feast their eyes on them? The sleep of the laborer is sweet, whether sleep of the laborer is sweet, whether sleep of the laborer is sweet, whether they eat little or much. But as for the they eat little or much. But as for the they eat little or much. But as for the rich, their abundance permits them no rich, their abundance permits them no rich, their abundance permits them no sleep. I've seen a grievous evil under sleep. I've seen a grievous evil under sleep. I've seen a grievous evil under the sun, wealth hoarded to the harm of the sun, wealth hoarded to the harm of the sun, wealth hoarded to the harm of its owners, or wealth lost through some its owners, or wealth lost through some its owners, or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when they have misfortune, so that when they have misfortune, so that when they have children, there is nothing left for them children, there is nothing left for them children, there is nothing left for them to inherit. Verse 15, everyone comes to inherit. Verse 15, everyone comes to inherit. Verse 15, everyone comes naked from their mother's womb, and as naked from their mother's womb, and as naked from their mother's womb, and as everyone comes, so they depart. They everyone comes, so they depart. They everyone comes, so they depart. They take nothing from their toil that they take nothing from their toil that they take nothing from their toil that they can carry in their hands. This too is a can carry in their hands. This too is a can carry in their hands. This too is a grievous evil. As everyone comes, so grievous evil. As everyone comes, so grievous evil. As everyone comes, so they depart. And what do they gain since they depart. And what do they gain since they depart. And what do they gain since they toil for the wind? All their days they toil for the wind? All their days they toil for the wind? All their days they eat in darkness with great

they eat in darkness with great they eat in darkness with great frustration, affliction, and anger. Ah, frustration, affliction, and anger. Ah, frustration, affliction, and anger. Ah, if you missed depressed Solomon, he's if you missed depressed Solomon, he's if you missed depressed Solomon, he's back. back. back. He says, "All their days they eat in He says, "All their days they eat in He says, "All their days they eat in darkness with great frustration, darkness with great frustration, darkness with great frustration, affliction, and anger." You think, affliction, and anger." You think, affliction, and anger." You think, "Yikes! "Yikes! "Yikes! How does someone get that low? How does How does someone get that low? How does How does someone get that low? How does someone become that hopeless?" You know someone become that hopeless?" You know someone become that hopeless?" You know what Solomon's answer to that is? One what Solomon's answer to that is? One what Solomon's answer to that is? One word, money. word, money. word, money. It's interesting. You know, money has a It's interesting. You know, money has a It's interesting. You know, money has a way of capturing our hearts like few way of capturing our hearts like few way of capturing our hearts like few other things can because it makes us other things can because it makes us other things can because it makes us feel powerful, right? We feel feel powerful, right? We feel feel powerful, right? We feel unstoppable, almost immortal, like unstoppable, almost immortal, like unstoppable, almost immortal, like nothing can hold us back. And because we nothing can hold us back. And because we nothing can hold us back. And because we feel like the most powerful person in feel like the most powerful person in feel like the most powerful person in the room, you know what happens to our the room, you know what happens to our the room, you know what happens to our reverence for God? We think that we're on the top. We're in We think that we're on the top. We're in control. We're seated on the throne control. We're seated on the throne control. We're seated on the throne because we have all the resources and because we have all the resources and because we have all the resources and all the power. But Solomon says that all the power. But Solomon says that all the power. But Solomon says that life, it's meaningless.

life, it's meaningless. life, it's meaningless. Think about this. We live in the Think about this. We live in the Think about this. We live in the wealthiest nation the world has ever wealthiest nation the world has ever wealthiest nation the world has ever known. And praise God for that. Never known. And praise God for that. Never known. And praise God for that. Never has there been another country that's has there been another country that's has there been another country that's possessed more abundance than the United possessed more abundance than the United possessed more abundance than the United States of America. And it's amazing with States of America. And it's amazing with States of America. And it's amazing with all this abundance, with all the wealth all this abundance, with all the wealth all this abundance, with all the wealth and all the possessions, everyone's and all the possessions, everyone's and all the possessions, everyone's happy. There's no greed. There's no happy. There's no greed. There's no happy. There's no greed. There's no envy. envy. envy. Everyone's satisfied. Everyone's satisfied. Everyone's satisfied. And things are completely great And things are completely great And things are completely great everywhere you look. Right? everywhere you look. Right? everywhere you look. Right? We wish. We wish. We wish. The reality is that what Solomon says in The reality is that what Solomon says in The reality is that what Solomon says in verse 10 still rings true today. Whoever verse 10 still rings true today. Whoever verse 10 still rings true today. Whoever loves money never has enough. And loves money never has enough. And loves money never has enough. And whoever loves wealth is never satisfied whoever loves wealth is never satisfied whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. Wouldn't it be great with their income. Wouldn't it be great with their income. Wouldn't it be great if that verse was written on every if that verse was written on every if that verse was written on every currency around the world? You pick up a currency around the world? You pick up a currency around the world? You pick up a $100 bill and you're like, "Oh, this is $100 bill and you're like, "Oh, this is $100 bill and you're like, "Oh, this is great." Whoever loves money never has great." Whoever loves money never has great." Whoever loves money never has enough. Whoever loves wealth is never enough. Whoever loves wealth is never enough. Whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. satisfied with their income. satisfied with their income. You can have this. You can have this. You can have this. It would change our perspective a lot. It would change our perspective a lot. It would change our perspective a lot. Huh? Now, let me be clear. The Bible Huh? Now, let me be clear. The Bible Huh? Now, let me be clear. The Bible never says that it's sinful or wrong to never says that it's sinful or wrong to never says that it's sinful or wrong to have money. That's not the issue. The have money. That's not the issue. The have money. That's not the issue. The key here is in the wording. It doesn't key here is in the wording. It doesn't key here is in the wording. It doesn't say whoever has money never has enough.

say whoever has money never has enough. say whoever has money never has enough. Whoever has money is never satisfied. Whoever has money is never satisfied. Whoever has money is never satisfied. What does it say? Whoever loves money What does it say? Whoever loves money What does it say? Whoever loves money never has enough. Whoever loves money is never has enough. Whoever loves money is never has enough. Whoever loves money is never satisfied. Sounds a lot like what never satisfied. Sounds a lot like what never satisfied. Sounds a lot like what Paul said to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:10. Paul said to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:10. Paul said to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:10. For the love of money is a root of all For the love of money is a root of all For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. And some people eager for kinds of evil. And some people eager for kinds of evil. And some people eager for money have wandered from the faith and money have wandered from the faith and money have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. pierced themselves with many griefs. pierced themselves with many griefs. This verse has been misqued more than This verse has been misqued more than This verse has been misqued more than many others. People will say money is many others. People will say money is many others. People will say money is the root of all evil. That's not what the root of all evil. That's not what the root of all evil. That's not what the Bible says. It says the love of the Bible says. It says the love of the Bible says. It says the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. money is the root of all kinds of evil. money is the root of all kinds of evil. There's a big difference between having There's a big difference between having There's a big difference between having money and loving it. Did you know that money and loving it. Did you know that money and loving it. Did you know that there's a big difference between having there's a big difference between having there's a big difference between having money and your money having you? money and your money having you? money and your money having you? >> You can have money and not love it. You >> You can have money and not love it. You >> You can have money and not love it. You can also love money and not have it. can also love money and not have it. can also love money and not have it. That's why there's credit card debt. That's why there's credit card debt. That's why there's credit card debt. The issue is not money itself. The issue is not money itself. The issue is not money itself. Money is amoral. Money is amoral. Money is amoral. It's neither good nor bad. It's what you It's neither good nor bad. It's what you It's neither good nor bad. It's what you do with it that actually matters. And do with it that actually matters. And do with it that actually matters. And you know who knew this more than anybody you know who knew this more than anybody you know who knew this more than anybody else? The guy who's writing these words.

else? The guy who's writing these words. else? The guy who's writing these words. King Solomon is pretty widely recognized King Solomon is pretty widely recognized King Solomon is pretty widely recognized as the richest king who ever lived. He as the richest king who ever lived. He as the richest king who ever lived. He had more wealth, more possessions, his had more wealth, more possessions, his had more wealth, more possessions, his palace, all of the things that he owned, palace, all of the things that he owned, palace, all of the things that he owned, his livestock, his gold, his silver, his livestock, his gold, his silver, his livestock, his gold, his silver, everything. Solomon among historians is everything. Solomon among historians is everything. Solomon among historians is recognized as one of, if not the recognized as one of, if not the recognized as one of, if not the wealthiest rulers in the history of the wealthiest rulers in the history of the wealthiest rulers in the history of the world. And it's that same King Solomon world. And it's that same King Solomon world. And it's that same King Solomon who's going to give us his observations who's going to give us his observations who's going to give us his observations about wealth. And you know how he does about wealth. And you know how he does about wealth. And you know how he does it? He gives us five side effects of it? He gives us five side effects of it? He gives us five side effects of loving money. Think of this as a loving money. Think of this as a loving money. Think of this as a commercial. Love of money. Talk to your commercial. Love of money. Talk to your commercial. Love of money. Talk to your doctor today. Side effects may include. doctor today. Side effects may include. doctor today. Side effects may include. And then he goes through the five side And then he goes through the five side And then he goes through the five side effects of what it looks like to love effects of what it looks like to love effects of what it looks like to love money. You ready? money. You ready? money. You ready? >> All right. Three people are ready. You >> All right. Three people are ready. You >> All right. Three people are ready. You ready? ready? ready? >> All right. Here's the first one. The >> All right. Here's the first one. The >> All right. Here's the first one. The first side effect of loving money is first side effect of loving money is first side effect of loving money is discontentment. Say discontentment. discontentment. Say discontentment. discontentment. Say discontentment. >> Discontentment. >> Discontentment. >> Discontentment. >> Solomon says, "Whoever loves wealth is >> Solomon says, "Whoever loves wealth is >> Solomon says, "Whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income." It never satisfied with their income." It never satisfied with their income." It doesn't matter how much you get. If you doesn't matter how much you get. If you doesn't matter how much you get. If you love money, it's never going to be love money, it's never going to be love money, it's never going to be enough. It's just going to drive you to enough. It's just going to drive you to enough. It's just going to drive you to want more and more and more. Anyone in want more and more and more. Anyone in want more and more and more. Anyone in the room feel that? Any honest people the room feel that? Any honest people the room feel that? Any honest people willing to admit it? That's what money willing to admit it? That's what money willing to admit it? That's what money will do to you. It just drives you to will do to you. It just drives you to will do to you. It just drives you to want more, to chase after wealth, and want more, to chase after wealth, and want more, to chase after wealth, and you get to the end of it and you're you get to the end of it and you're you get to the end of it and you're like, "Why am I more miserable now than like, "Why am I more miserable now than like, "Why am I more miserable now than when I started? I gained all this when I started? I gained all this when I started? I gained all this success. I got all these possessions and success. I got all these possessions and success. I got all these possessions and all this wealth, and I still feel so all this wealth, and I still feel so all this wealth, and I still feel so dissatisfied. Still feel so

dissatisfied. Still feel so dissatisfied. Still feel so discontented." It's because that was discontented." It's because that was discontented." It's because that was never meant to satisfy you. Many people never meant to satisfy you. Many people never meant to satisfy you. Many people have looked for fulfillment and have looked for fulfillment and have looked for fulfillment and satisfaction through the love of money. satisfaction through the love of money. satisfaction through the love of money. Don't make that same mistake. The second Don't make that same mistake. The second Don't make that same mistake. The second side effect of loving money, consumers. side effect of loving money, consumers. side effect of loving money, consumers. Say consumers. Say consumers. Say consumers. Verse 11 says, "As goods increase, so do Verse 11 says, "As goods increase, so do Verse 11 says, "As goods increase, so do those who consume them? And what benefit those who consume them? And what benefit those who consume them? And what benefit are they to the owners except to feast are they to the owners except to feast are they to the owners except to feast their eyes on them?" Solomon seems to be their eyes on them?" Solomon seems to be their eyes on them?" Solomon seems to be speaking from experience, isn't he? He speaking from experience, isn't he? He speaking from experience, isn't he? He thinks the more that I get as goods thinks the more that I get as goods thinks the more that I get as goods increase, so do those who consume them. increase, so do those who consume them. increase, so do those who consume them. Meaning the more money I make, the more Meaning the more money I make, the more Meaning the more money I make, the more possessions I have, the more other possessions I have, the more other possessions I have, the more other people want from me. They just expect people want from me. They just expect people want from me. They just expect things. Solomon goes, "Every time I go things. Solomon goes, "Every time I go things. Solomon goes, "Every time I go to Cheesecake Factory, they expect me to to Cheesecake Factory, they expect me to to Cheesecake Factory, they expect me to cover the bill every time. Without cover the bill every time. Without cover the bill every time. Without fail." He says, "This is one of the side fail." He says, "This is one of the side fail." He says, "This is one of the side effects of wealth." And listen, if you effects of wealth." And listen, if you effects of wealth." And listen, if you love money, that will drive you love money, that will drive you love money, that will drive you absolutely crazy. Like, there's all absolutely crazy. Like, there's all absolutely crazy. Like, there's all these people that want something from these people that want something from these people that want something from me. And I'm not saying that's a good me. And I'm not saying that's a good me. And I'm not saying that's a good thing. But listen, if you love Jesus thing. But listen, if you love Jesus thing. But listen, if you love Jesus more than you love money, you will see more than you love money, you will see more than you love money, you will see money as just a tool to be used for the money as just a tool to be used for the money as just a tool to be used for the kingdom of God. And it will give you a kingdom of God. And it will give you a kingdom of God. And it will give you a heart of generosity. That doesn't mean heart of generosity. That doesn't mean heart of generosity. That doesn't mean you always cover the bill at Cheesecake you always cover the bill at Cheesecake you always cover the bill at Cheesecake Factory. That's not what I'm saying.

Factory. That's not what I'm saying. Factory. That's not what I'm saying. What I'm saying is when you have a heart What I'm saying is when you have a heart What I'm saying is when you have a heart that's generous, you're looking to bless that's generous, you're looking to bless that's generous, you're looking to bless people. You're looking to fit the needs people. You're looking to fit the needs people. You're looking to fit the needs the needs of others, to meet their the needs of others, to meet their the needs of others, to meet their needs, to help them to help them to move needs, to help them to help them to move needs, to help them to help them to move forward in life. The second side effect forward in life. The second side effect forward in life. The second side effect is consumers. is consumers. is consumers. Number three, the third side effect of Number three, the third side effect of Number three, the third side effect of loving money is sleeplessness. Say loving money is sleeplessness. Say loving money is sleeplessness. Say sleeplessness. sleeplessness. sleeplessness. >> Verse 12, it says, "The sleep of a >> Verse 12, it says, "The sleep of a >> Verse 12, it says, "The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether they eat laborer is sweet, whether they eat laborer is sweet, whether they eat little or much, but as for the rich, little or much, but as for the rich, little or much, but as for the rich, their abundance permits them no sleep." their abundance permits them no sleep." their abundance permits them no sleep." I picture Solomon I picture Solomon I picture Solomon late at night, 1:00 a.m. He just grabbed late at night, 1:00 a.m. He just grabbed late at night, 1:00 a.m. He just grabbed a couple Oreos and a glass of milk and a couple Oreos and a glass of milk and a couple Oreos and a glass of milk and he's walking on the roof of his palace. he's walking on the roof of his palace. he's walking on the roof of his palace. He's looking out over his whole kingdom He's looking out over his whole kingdom He's looking out over his whole kingdom and everyone's sound asleep. and everyone's sound asleep. and everyone's sound asleep. It's completely quiet It's completely quiet It's completely quiet and he's thinking to himself, and he's thinking to himself, and he's thinking to himself, why is it that all these peasants can why is it that all these peasants can why is it that all these peasants can sleep fine sleep fine sleep fine and I'm here up walking around the roof and I'm here up walking around the roof and I'm here up walking around the roof of my palace?

of my palace? of my palace? And you know his answer And you know his answer And you know his answer because those laborers, because those laborers, because those laborers, those who work hard, they don't have the those who work hard, they don't have the those who work hard, they don't have the same cares on their mind. same cares on their mind. same cares on their mind. They've discovered something called They've discovered something called They've discovered something called contentment. contentment. contentment. They're not not up late at night They're not not up late at night They're not not up late at night thinking about the markets. thinking about the markets. thinking about the markets. They're at peace. They're at peace. They're at peace. And if you're honest, some of you here And if you're honest, some of you here And if you're honest, some of you here today, you relate a lot to Solomon. It today, you relate a lot to Solomon. It today, you relate a lot to Solomon. It feels like every night you're walking on feels like every night you're walking on feels like every night you're walking on the roof of a palace, looking over your the roof of a palace, looking over your the roof of a palace, looking over your kingdom and your empire, and you think, kingdom and your empire, and you think, kingdom and your empire, and you think, "What's all this for? "What's all this for? "What's all this for? I try so hard to sleep, but every time I I try so hard to sleep, but every time I I try so hard to sleep, but every time I put my head on my pillow at night, my put my head on my pillow at night, my put my head on my pillow at night, my mind is racing and racing and racing, mind is racing and racing and racing, mind is racing and racing and racing, and I can't seem to rest." Listen, I and I can't seem to rest." Listen, I and I can't seem to rest." Listen, I pray that the Lord would give you peace. pray that the Lord would give you peace. pray that the Lord would give you peace. That he would give you rest in your That he would give you rest in your That he would give you rest in your heart. That just like Paul, you would heart. That just like Paul, you would heart. That just like Paul, you would discover the secret of what it means to discover the secret of what it means to discover the secret of what it means to be content. That whether you have a lot be content. That whether you have a lot be content. That whether you have a lot or you have a little, you can do all or you have a little, you can do all or you have a little, you can do all things through Christ who gives you things through Christ who gives you things through Christ who gives you strength. And that you can go to sleep.

strength. And that you can go to sleep. strength. And that you can go to sleep. Listen. that even with all the worries Listen. that even with all the worries Listen. that even with all the worries that are on your mind, running your that are on your mind, running your that are on your mind, running your business, running your company, even business, running your company, even business, running your company, even with all of the cares that you can sleep with all of the cares that you can sleep with all of the cares that you can sleep knowing that the God you serve never knowing that the God you serve never knowing that the God you serve never does. He neither sleeps nor slumbers and does. He neither sleeps nor slumbers and does. He neither sleeps nor slumbers and you can go to bed dependent on him. That you can go to bed dependent on him. That you can go to bed dependent on him. That when you wake up, all that time that you when you wake up, all that time that you when you wake up, all that time that you were asleep, he took good care of your were asleep, he took good care of your were asleep, he took good care of your kingdom. He took good care of the kingdom. He took good care of the kingdom. He took good care of the resources that he placed in your hands. resources that he placed in your hands. resources that he placed in your hands. You can do it with the power of God's You can do it with the power of God's You can do it with the power of God's help. help. help. Number four, the fourth side effect of Number four, the fourth side effect of Number four, the fourth side effect of loving money is greed. Say greed. loving money is greed. Say greed. loving money is greed. Say greed. >> Greed. >> Greed. >> Greed. >> Verse 13, it says, 'I have seen a >> Verse 13, it says, 'I have seen a >> Verse 13, it says, 'I have seen a grievous evil under the sun. Wealth grievous evil under the sun. Wealth grievous evil under the sun. Wealth hoarded to the harm of its owners or hoarded to the harm of its owners or hoarded to the harm of its owners or wealth lost through some misfortune so wealth lost through some misfortune so wealth lost through some misfortune so that when they have children, there's that when they have children, there's that when they have children, there's nothing left for them to inherit. And nothing left for them to inherit. And nothing left for them to inherit. And then verse 15, he says, "Everyone comes then verse 15, he says, "Everyone comes then verse 15, he says, "Everyone comes naked from their mother's womb. And as naked from their mother's womb. And as naked from their mother's womb. And as everyone comes, so they depart. They everyone comes, so they depart. They everyone comes, so they depart. They take nothing from the toil of their take nothing from the toil of their take nothing from the toil of their hands that they can carry with them. hands that they can carry with them. hands that they can carry with them. You will take nothing with you in your You will take nothing with you in your You will take nothing with you in your hands. The empire you've built, the hands. The empire you've built, the hands. The empire you've built, the storehouses worth of possessions and storehouses worth of possessions and storehouses worth of possessions and wealth. Solomon says, "Naked you came wealth. Solomon says, "Naked you came wealth. Solomon says, "Naked you came into this world and naked you're going into this world and naked you're going into this world and naked you're going to leave it." This reminds me of a to leave it." This reminds me of a to leave it." This reminds me of a parable that Jesus told in Luke 12.

parable that Jesus told in Luke 12. parable that Jesus told in Luke 12. Listen to this. The ground of a certain Listen to this. The ground of a certain Listen to this. The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. rich man yielded an abundant harvest. rich man yielded an abundant harvest. And he thought to himself, "What shall I And he thought to himself, "What shall I And he thought to himself, "What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops." do? I have no place to store my crops." do? I have no place to store my crops." And then he said, 'This is what I'll do. And then he said, 'This is what I'll do. And then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build I will tear down my barns and build I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my bigger ones, and there I will store my bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain, and I'll say to myself, surplus grain, and I'll say to myself, surplus grain, and I'll say to myself, which he's talking to himself, probably which he's talking to himself, probably which he's talking to himself, probably a bad idea to begin with, "You have a bad idea to begin with, "You have a bad idea to begin with, "You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. plenty of grain laid up for many years. plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy. Eat, drink, and be Take life easy. Eat, drink, and be Take life easy. Eat, drink, and be merry." But God said to him, "You what? merry." But God said to him, "You what? merry." But God said to him, "You what? Fool. Fool. Fool. This very night your life will be This very night your life will be This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get demanded from you. Then who will get demanded from you. Then who will get what you've prepared for yourself? And what you've prepared for yourself? And what you've prepared for yourself? And this is how it will be with whoever this is how it will be with whoever this is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is stores up things for themselves but is stores up things for themselves but is not rich towards God. not rich towards God. not rich towards God. See, the problem is not storing up See, the problem is not storing up See, the problem is not storing up things for yourself. It's storing up things for yourself. It's storing up things for yourself. It's storing up things for yourself at the expense of things for yourself at the expense of things for yourself at the expense of your relationship with God. It's what your relationship with God. It's what your relationship with God. It's what Solomon said. You brought nothing into Solomon said. You brought nothing into Solomon said. You brought nothing into this world and you will show up at the this world and you will show up at the this world and you will show up at the gates of eternity with nothing in your gates of eternity with nothing in your gates of eternity with nothing in your hands.

hands. hands. What did Jesus say to the man who built What did Jesus say to the man who built What did Jesus say to the man who built bigger barns for all his possessions, bigger barns for all his possessions, bigger barns for all his possessions, bigger warehouses for all of his bigger warehouses for all of his bigger warehouses for all of his companies, and he was not rich toward companies, and he was not rich toward companies, and he was not rich toward God? What did Jesus say to him? You God? What did Jesus say to him? You God? What did Jesus say to him? You fool. fool. fool. You fool. You fool. You fool. At the expense of your relationship with At the expense of your relationship with At the expense of your relationship with the God of the universe, you've chased the God of the universe, you've chased the God of the universe, you've chased after wealth and possessions, and you've after wealth and possessions, and you've after wealth and possessions, and you've only grown more frustrated. Which leads only grown more frustrated. Which leads only grown more frustrated. Which leads us to the fifth and final side effect of us to the fifth and final side effect of us to the fifth and final side effect of loving money. Frustration. Say loving money. Frustration. Say loving money. Frustration. Say frustration. frustration. frustration. Verse 16. He says, "This too is a Verse 16. He says, "This too is a Verse 16. He says, "This too is a grievous evil. As everyone comes, so grievous evil. As everyone comes, so grievous evil. As everyone comes, so they depart. And what do they gain? they depart. And what do they gain? they depart. And what do they gain? Since they toil for the wind, all their Since they toil for the wind, all their Since they toil for the wind, all their days they eat in darkness with great days they eat in darkness with great days they eat in darkness with great frustration, affliction, and anger." frustration, affliction, and anger." frustration, affliction, and anger." Some of you can relate a lot to those Some of you can relate a lot to those Some of you can relate a lot to those words. words. words. You work like crazy. You work like crazy. You work like crazy. You've built your empire. You've You've built your empire. You've You've built your empire. You've experienced great success. Praise God experienced great success. Praise God experienced great success. Praise God for that.

for that. for that. But you stay up late at night walking on But you stay up late at night walking on But you stay up late at night walking on the roof of your palace and thinking the roof of your palace and thinking the roof of your palace and thinking all this for what? all this for what? all this for what? My life is just full of frustration. My life is just full of frustration. My life is just full of frustration. It's full of affliction. I'm more angry It's full of affliction. I'm more angry It's full of affliction. I'm more angry now than when I started. now than when I started. now than when I started. And you realize that when you die, you And you realize that when you die, you And you realize that when you die, you can't take that empire with you. It can't take that empire with you. It can't take that empire with you. It won't cross over into eternity. won't cross over into eternity. won't cross over into eternity. and the frustration keeps building in and the frustration keeps building in and the frustration keeps building in your heart. It's why Solomon says, "All your heart. It's why Solomon says, "All your heart. It's why Solomon says, "All their days they eat in darkness." their days they eat in darkness." their days they eat in darkness." It's a pretty depressing way to end the It's a pretty depressing way to end the It's a pretty depressing way to end the chapter, isn't it? And if it just ended chapter, isn't it? And if it just ended chapter, isn't it? And if it just ended there, that would seem hopeless. But there, that would seem hopeless. But there, that would seem hopeless. But thank the Lord, it's not the end of thank the Lord, it's not the end of thank the Lord, it's not the end of chapter 5. We're going to close in verse chapter 5. We're going to close in verse chapter 5. We're going to close in verse 18. 18. 18. Solomon says, ' This is what I have Solomon says, ' This is what I have Solomon says, ' This is what I have observed to be good, that it is observed to be good, that it is observed to be good, that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to appropriate for a person to eat, to appropriate for a person to eat, to drink, and to find satisfaction in their drink, and to find satisfaction in their drink, and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the toilsome labor under the sun during the toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them, for few days of life God has given them, for few days of life God has given them, for this is their lot. Verse 19, moreover, this is their lot. Verse 19, moreover, this is their lot. Verse 19, moreover, when God gives someone wealth and when God gives someone wealth and when God gives someone wealth and possessions and the ability to enjoy possessions and the ability to enjoy possessions and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and to be them, to accept their lot and to be them, to accept their lot and to be happy in their toil, this is a what?

happy in their toil, this is a what? happy in their toil, this is a what? Gift of God. Verse 20. They seldom Gift of God. Verse 20. They seldom Gift of God. Verse 20. They seldom reflect on the days of their life reflect on the days of their life reflect on the days of their life because God keeps them occupied with because God keeps them occupied with because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart. How does Solomon end? gladness of heart. How does Solomon end? gladness of heart. How does Solomon end? He says, "This is what I have observed He says, "This is what I have observed He says, "This is what I have observed to be good." In other words, as I look to be good." In other words, as I look to be good." In other words, as I look around at the world, this is what I see around at the world, this is what I see around at the world, this is what I see to be a good thing. This is my to be a good thing. This is my to be a good thing. This is my conclusion for how to make sense of all conclusion for how to make sense of all conclusion for how to make sense of all of this. You ready for his conclusion? of this. You ready for his conclusion? of this. You ready for his conclusion? It's appropriate for a person to eat, It's appropriate for a person to eat, It's appropriate for a person to eat, drink, and find satisfaction in their drink, and find satisfaction in their drink, and find satisfaction in their labor because they have a few days that labor because they have a few days that labor because they have a few days that God has given them and that's it. That's God has given them and that's it. That's God has given them and that's it. That's their lot. So when God gives you wealth their lot. So when God gives you wealth their lot. So when God gives you wealth and possessions and the ability to enjoy and possessions and the ability to enjoy and possessions and the ability to enjoy them, them, them, do it. It's a gift of God. He says they do it. It's a gift of God. He says they do it. It's a gift of God. He says they seldom reflect on the days of their life seldom reflect on the days of their life seldom reflect on the days of their life because God keeps them occupied with because God keeps them occupied with because God keeps them occupied with gladness in their heart. Sounds a lot gladness in their heart. Sounds a lot gladness in their heart. Sounds a lot like the American dream to me, doesn't like the American dream to me, doesn't like the American dream to me, doesn't it? it? it? Eat, drink, and find satisfaction. And Eat, drink, and find satisfaction. And Eat, drink, and find satisfaction. And if God gives you wealth and possessions, if God gives you wealth and possessions, if God gives you wealth and possessions, enjoy them. Stay occupied for as long as enjoy them. Stay occupied for as long as enjoy them. Stay occupied for as long as you can with gladness of heart. Make the you can with gladness of heart. Make the you can with gladness of heart. Make the most out of a bad situation. And to some most out of a bad situation. And to some most out of a bad situation. And to some extent, what Solomon says is absolutely extent, what Solomon says is absolutely extent, what Solomon says is absolutely right.

right. right. Any enjoyment that we have, any Any enjoyment that we have, any Any enjoyment that we have, any possession, any wealth, is it a gift of possession, any wealth, is it a gift of possession, any wealth, is it a gift of God? God? God? >> You believe that? Is it a gift of God? >> You believe that? Is it a gift of God? >> You believe that? Is it a gift of God? >> Absolutely it is. 100%. And if there is >> Absolutely it is. 100%. And if there is >> Absolutely it is. 100%. And if there is anything that God has given you any anything that God has given you any anything that God has given you any resource, it is absolutely a gift from resource, it is absolutely a gift from resource, it is absolutely a gift from him that we should enjoy. However, him that we should enjoy. However, him that we should enjoy. However, Solomon's premise is this is life under Solomon's premise is this is life under Solomon's premise is this is life under the sun. the sun. the sun. This is everything that we can see, the This is everything that we can see, the This is everything that we can see, the things that are not eternal. things that are not eternal. things that are not eternal. And the world has convinced you and I And the world has convinced you and I And the world has convinced you and I that enjoyment that enjoyment that enjoyment is the meaning of life. is the meaning of life. is the meaning of life. We spend our days using wealth and We spend our days using wealth and We spend our days using wealth and possessions to accumulate experiences possessions to accumulate experiences possessions to accumulate experiences and things that will bring us happiness and things that will bring us happiness and things that will bring us happiness because we think that staying occupied because we think that staying occupied because we think that staying occupied with enjoyment is the answer. While all with enjoyment is the answer. While all with enjoyment is the answer. While all the while the cares of this world, look the while the cares of this world, look the while the cares of this world, look at me, the desires of this life, wealth at me, the desires of this life, wealth at me, the desires of this life, wealth and possessions and enjoyment has lured and possessions and enjoyment has lured and possessions and enjoyment has lured us to sleep where we refuse to focus on us to sleep where we refuse to focus on us to sleep where we refuse to focus on the things of God and the things that the things of God and the things that the things of God and the things that actually matter. We are so occupied with actually matter. We are so occupied with actually matter. We are so occupied with gladness of heart. We're so occupied gladness of heart. We're so occupied gladness of heart. We're so occupied with enjoyment that we seldom reflect on with enjoyment that we seldom reflect on with enjoyment that we seldom reflect on the days of our lives. We seldom pause.

the days of our lives. We seldom pause. the days of our lives. We seldom pause. We don't stop to think about what's We don't stop to think about what's We don't stop to think about what's actually happening. You know what that actually happening. You know what that actually happening. You know what that phrase seldom reflect actually means in phrase seldom reflect actually means in phrase seldom reflect actually means in Hebrew? It means will not remember. So Hebrew? It means will not remember. So Hebrew? It means will not remember. So that verse could say the people who that verse could say the people who that verse could say the people who spend their days with gladness of heart spend their days with gladness of heart spend their days with gladness of heart focusing on enjoyment, you're going to focusing on enjoyment, you're going to focusing on enjoyment, you're going to get to the end of it and you won't even get to the end of it and you won't even get to the end of it and you won't even remember it all. You'll get to the end remember it all. You'll get to the end remember it all. You'll get to the end and you'll think, "What was all of this and you'll think, "What was all of this and you'll think, "What was all of this for?" Listen, the answer to life is not for?" Listen, the answer to life is not for?" Listen, the answer to life is not found in enjoyment. The answer to life found in enjoyment. The answer to life found in enjoyment. The answer to life is not just accumulating more stuff, to is not just accumulating more stuff, to is not just accumulating more stuff, to get more possessions, and to do more fun get more possessions, and to do more fun get more possessions, and to do more fun things while you have time on this things while you have time on this things while you have time on this earth. Yes, enjoyment is a gift from earth. Yes, enjoyment is a gift from earth. Yes, enjoyment is a gift from God, but there is so much more. And God, but there is so much more. And God, but there is so much more. And there are times in our lives where we there are times in our lives where we there are times in our lives where we just need to stop and reflect. To stop just need to stop and reflect. To stop just need to stop and reflect. To stop and think about what life really is. and think about what life really is. and think about what life really is. What is all of this actually about? And What is all of this actually about? And What is all of this actually about? And when you have a moment like that to when you have a moment like that to when you have a moment like that to reflect and to make a decision, reflect and to make a decision, reflect and to make a decision, to focus on the most important things, I to focus on the most important things, I to focus on the most important things, I pray that you would take it. Let's pray.

pray that you would take it. Let's pray. pray that you would take it. Let's pray. Jesus, thank you for your grace. Jesus, thank you for your grace. Jesus, thank you for your grace. God, thank you for your word. Thank you God, thank you for your word. Thank you God, thank you for your word. Thank you for the way that it challenges us, the for the way that it challenges us, the for the way that it challenges us, the way it encourages us. God, you are in heaven and we are on God, you are in heaven and we are on earth. Give us greater reverence for you Lord Give us greater reverence for you Lord in Jesus name. in Jesus name. in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Amen. You know, even the great Socrates said, You know, even the great Socrates said, You know, even the great Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth "The unexamined life is not worth "The unexamined life is not worth living." living." living." Reflecting on life, Reflecting on life, Reflecting on life, thinking about all the things that have thinking about all the things that have thinking about all the things that have captured your heart and distracted you captured your heart and distracted you captured your heart and distracted you and brought you away is actually a and brought you away is actually a and brought you away is actually a really good thing to do. For some of us really good thing to do. For some of us really good thing to do. For some of us here, we've been so occupied with here, we've been so occupied with here, we've been so occupied with gladness, gladness, gladness, so preoccupied with fun that we seldom so preoccupied with fun that we seldom so preoccupied with fun that we seldom reflect. reflect. reflect. If you're honest, there's some of you If you're honest, there's some of you If you're honest, there's some of you here, it's been years since you've here, it's been years since you've here, it's been years since you've reflected on your life.

reflected on your life. reflected on your life. I believe God's given you this moment I believe God's given you this moment I believe God's given you this moment right now, this opportunity to actually right now, this opportunity to actually right now, this opportunity to actually reflect, to think about the things that reflect, to think about the things that reflect, to think about the things that truly matter, to put aside all of the truly matter, to put aside all of the truly matter, to put aside all of the cares of life, the wealth, the cares of life, the wealth, the cares of life, the wealth, the possessions, the experiences, the possessions, the experiences, the possessions, the experiences, the enjoyment. Listen, you're going to get enjoyment. Listen, you're going to get enjoyment. Listen, you're going to get to the end and realize none of that was to the end and realize none of that was to the end and realize none of that was the answer. Right now, you have an the answer. Right now, you have an the answer. Right now, you have an opportunity to reflect on your life and opportunity to reflect on your life and opportunity to reflect on your life and to hear the greatest message in the to hear the greatest message in the to hear the greatest message in the history of the world. To hear the history of the world. To hear the history of the world. To hear the message that God loves you. Look at me. message that God loves you. Look at me. message that God loves you. Look at me. God loves you. He created you for a God loves you. He created you for a God loves you. He created you for a perfect relationship with him. And the perfect relationship with him. And the perfect relationship with him. And the reason you're trying to find reason you're trying to find reason you're trying to find satisfaction and wealth and possessions satisfaction and wealth and possessions satisfaction and wealth and possessions is because there's a hole in your heart. is because there's a hole in your heart. is because there's a hole in your heart. There's a void that you're trying to There's a void that you're trying to There's a void that you're trying to fill. God created you for that void to fill. God created you for that void to fill. God created you for that void to be fulfilled with him and him alone. But be fulfilled with him and him alone. But be fulfilled with him and him alone. But here's the problem. Our sin, our here's the problem. Our sin, our here's the problem. Our sin, our rebellion against God, it separates us rebellion against God, it separates us rebellion against God, it separates us from relationship with him. There's a from relationship with him. There's a from relationship with him. There's a barrier. There's a gap between us and barrier. There's a gap between us and barrier. There's a gap between us and God.

God. God. But God didn't just leave us here on But God didn't just leave us here on But God didn't just leave us here on this earth to figure it out. The answer this earth to figure it out. The answer this earth to figure it out. The answer of life, it's not just what Solomon of life, it's not just what Solomon of life, it's not just what Solomon says. Make the most of it. Have fun. says. Make the most of it. Have fun. says. Make the most of it. Have fun. Enjoy. No, no, no, no. God knows that we Enjoy. No, no, no, no. God knows that we Enjoy. No, no, no, no. God knows that we could never do enough to restore the could never do enough to restore the could never do enough to restore the relationship with him. God is holy. That relationship with him. God is holy. That relationship with him. God is holy. That gap of sin, it cannot just be filled by gap of sin, it cannot just be filled by gap of sin, it cannot just be filled by doing enough good things. When you stand doing enough good things. When you stand doing enough good things. When you stand before the throne in heaven one day, the before the throne in heaven one day, the before the throne in heaven one day, the question isn't going to be, "Do your question isn't going to be, "Do your question isn't going to be, "Do your good deeds outweigh your bad?" That's good deeds outweigh your bad?" That's good deeds outweigh your bad?" That's not it. That's not the answer. God knew not it. That's not the answer. God knew not it. That's not the answer. God knew that we could never get back to him on that we could never get back to him on that we could never get back to him on our own. So, you know what he did? He our own. So, you know what he did? He our own. So, you know what he did? He sent his one and only son Jesus Christ sent his one and only son Jesus Christ sent his one and only son Jesus Christ to die a criminal's death on a cross to to die a criminal's death on a cross to to die a criminal's death on a cross to pay the penalty for our sin. The Bible pay the penalty for our sin. The Bible pay the penalty for our sin. The Bible says without the shedding of blood there says without the shedding of blood there says without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Someone had to die to is no forgiveness. Someone had to die to is no forgiveness. Someone had to die to pay the penalty. The wages of sin is pay the penalty. The wages of sin is pay the penalty. The wages of sin is death. And Jesus went to the cross death. And Jesus went to the cross death. And Jesus went to the cross instead of you. He paid the price for instead of you. He paid the price for instead of you. He paid the price for you. And three days later he rose again you. And three days later he rose again you. And three days later he rose again proving that death is not the end of proving that death is not the end of proving that death is not the end of your story either. And because death your story either. And because death your story either. And because death isn't the end, we don't just live life isn't the end, we don't just live life isn't the end, we don't just live life for enjoyment. We don't just live our for enjoyment. We don't just live our for enjoyment. We don't just live our lives trying to have as much fun as we lives trying to have as much fun as we lives trying to have as much fun as we possibly can, distracted by gladness and possibly can, distracted by gladness and possibly can, distracted by gladness and simplicity of heart. That's not the simplicity of heart. That's not the simplicity of heart. That's not the point. Because there is hope in Christ, point. Because there is hope in Christ, point. Because there is hope in Christ, because there is eternity, we spend our because there is eternity, we spend our because there is eternity, we spend our lives for him alone, for Jesus.

lives for him alone, for Jesus. lives for him alone, for Jesus. He rose again so you can have He rose again so you can have He rose again so you can have relationship. And here's the truth. relationship. And here's the truth. relationship. And here's the truth. Here's the message of the gospel. Here's the message of the gospel. Here's the message of the gospel. If you repent of your sin and put your If you repent of your sin and put your If you repent of your sin and put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ faith and trust in Jesus Christ faith and trust in Jesus Christ and you choose to follow him, the Bible and you choose to follow him, the Bible and you choose to follow him, the Bible says you will be saved. You confess with says you will be saved. You confess with says you will be saved. You confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord. Believe your mouth that Jesus is Lord. Believe your mouth that Jesus is Lord. Believe in your heart that God raised him from in your heart that God raised him from in your heart that God raised him from the dead. You know, people in Solomon's the dead. You know, people in Solomon's the dead. You know, people in Solomon's day, they seldom reflect. day, they seldom reflect. day, they seldom reflect. Today is a day we're going to reflect a Today is a day we're going to reflect a Today is a day we're going to reflect a little bit. And if that's you and you little bit. And if that's you and you little bit. And if that's you and you know you've been chasing after all the know you've been chasing after all the know you've been chasing after all the wrong things and Jesus is calling you wrong things and Jesus is calling you wrong things and Jesus is calling you home, if you stay up late at night home, if you stay up late at night home, if you stay up late at night trying to figure out what the answer is trying to figure out what the answer is trying to figure out what the answer is to life, listen, this is it. This is it. to life, listen, this is it. This is it. to life, listen, this is it. This is it. It's found in the gospel of Jesus It's found in the gospel of Jesus It's found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "I'm the way, the Christ. Jesus said, "I'm the way, the Christ. Jesus said, "I'm the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to truth, and the life, and no one comes to truth, and the life, and no one comes to the father except through me. There is the father except through me. There is the father except through me. There is no other way." no other way." no other way." So, if that's you and you know So, if that's you and you know So, if that's you and you know you need to do something about this, you you need to do something about this, you you need to do something about this, you have to make a decision to say no to the have to make a decision to say no to the have to make a decision to say no to the world and to say yes to Jesus. Here's world and to say yes to Jesus. Here's world and to say yes to Jesus. Here's what we're going to do. The worship what we're going to do. The worship what we're going to do. The worship team's going to lead us in a song. And team's going to lead us in a song. And team's going to lead us in a song. And as they sing, if you know you need to as they sing, if you know you need to as they sing, if you know you need to make this decision, I'm going to ask you make this decision, I'm going to ask you make this decision, I'm going to ask you to do something bold to actually stand to do something bold to actually stand to do something bold to actually stand up out of your seat while the song plays up out of your seat while the song plays up out of your seat while the song plays and walk forward right here to the front and walk forward right here to the front and walk forward right here to the front of the stage. The reason we do this here of the stage. The reason we do this here of the stage. The reason we do this here at Calvary, one of the reasons it at Calvary, one of the reasons it at Calvary, one of the reasons it symbolizes something. You're saying, symbolizes something. You're saying, symbolizes something. You're saying, "I'm leaving my life of sin behind and "I'm leaving my life of sin behind and "I'm leaving my life of sin behind and I'm walking towards Jesus. I'm walking I'm walking towards Jesus. I'm walking I'm walking towards Jesus. I'm walking towards his redemption and his hope and towards his redemption and his hope and towards his redemption and his hope and his healing." No one's going to force

his healing." No one's going to force his healing." No one's going to force you to do this. You have to say yes. You you to do this. You have to say yes. You you to do this. You have to say yes. You have to willingly admit, "I'm done have to willingly admit, "I'm done have to willingly admit, "I'm done chasing after enjoyment and the chasing after enjoyment and the chasing after enjoyment and the pleasures of life. And I know I was pleasures of life. And I know I was pleasures of life. And I know I was created for a relationship with God in created for a relationship with God in created for a relationship with God in Christ." Christ." Christ." Before this song plays, can I offer you Before this song plays, can I offer you Before this song plays, can I offer you one warning? one warning? one warning? Count the cost. Count the cost. Count the cost. Jesus said, "You should never start to Jesus said, "You should never start to Jesus said, "You should never start to build a tower, get halfway through, and build a tower, get halfway through, and build a tower, get halfway through, and realize you don't have the resources to realize you don't have the resources to realize you don't have the resources to finish." He was talking about finish." He was talking about finish." He was talking about disciplehip. disciplehip. disciplehip. Count the cost. Are you willing to say, Count the cost. Are you willing to say, Count the cost. Are you willing to say, "I'm leaving my life of sin behind and "I'm leaving my life of sin behind and "I'm leaving my life of sin behind and I'm choosing Jesus." I'm choosing Jesus." I'm choosing Jesus." If you are, If you are, If you are, his grace and his love are inviting you his grace and his love are inviting you his grace and his love are inviting you home today. So, if that's you, as this home today. So, if that's you, as this home today. So, if that's you, as this song plays, stand up and walk forward song plays, stand up and walk forward song plays, stand up and walk forward now. We fall down. We fall down. We lay our crowns at the feet We lay our crowns at the feet We lay our crowns at the feet of Jesus.

the greatness of the greatness of his mercy and love at the feet his mercy and love at the feet his mercy and love at the feet of Jesus. of Jesus. of Jesus. As we cry holy, holy, As we cry holy, holy, As we cry holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, we cry holy, holy, we cry holy, holy, we cry holy, holy, holy. holy. holy. We cry holy, holy, We cry holy, holy, We cry holy, holy, holy holy holy is the lamb. Oh, we cry holy, holy, Oh, we cry holy, holy, holy. holy. holy. We cry holy, holy, We cry holy, holy, We cry holy, holy, holy. holy. holy. We cry holy, holy, We cry holy, holy, We cry holy, holy, holy holy holy is the lamb.

if you're still walking up, we'll wait if you're still walking up, we'll wait for you. Come on. I know some of you have tears in your I know some of you have tears in your eyes. eyes. eyes. Listen, the world can beat us up. Listen, the world can beat us up. Listen, the world can beat us up. Can make us think that life is hopeless. Can make us think that life is hopeless. Can make us think that life is hopeless. But today is about finding hope in But today is about finding hope in But today is about finding hope in Jesus. Finally surrendering to a Jesus. Finally surrendering to a Jesus. Finally surrendering to a relationship with God through Christ. relationship with God through Christ. relationship with God through Christ. So, in a minute, we're going to pray So, in a minute, we're going to pray So, in a minute, we're going to pray the most powerful words that will ever the most powerful words that will ever the most powerful words that will ever come out of your mouth in prayer. It's come out of your mouth in prayer. It's come out of your mouth in prayer. It's going to sound something like this. God, going to sound something like this. God, going to sound something like this. God, I open my heart. I invite you inside. I open my heart. I invite you inside. I open my heart. I invite you inside. Forgive my sin today. I repent. You're Forgive my sin today. I repent. You're Forgive my sin today. I repent. You're going to ask God to fill you with his going to ask God to fill you with his going to ask God to fill you with his Holy Spirit, which the Bible says Holy Spirit, which the Bible says Holy Spirit, which the Bible says happens in that moment of salvation. happens in that moment of salvation. happens in that moment of salvation. And you will commit to walk with him all And you will commit to walk with him all And you will commit to walk with him all the days of your life. But before we the days of your life. But before we the days of your life. But before we pray, I just want to wait one more pray, I just want to wait one more pray, I just want to wait one more moment. We're not going to delay just moment. We're not going to delay just moment. We're not going to delay just for the sake of delaying. But if you're for the sake of delaying. But if you're for the sake of delaying. But if you're here and you know you need to do this here and you know you need to do this here and you know you need to do this and you're sitting in your seat right and you're sitting in your seat right and you're sitting in your seat right now, your hands are shaking and you're now, your hands are shaking and you're now, your hands are shaking and you're thinking, "I know I need to be up thinking, "I know I need to be up thinking, "I know I need to be up there." That's not emotion. Listen, there." That's not emotion. Listen, there." That's not emotion. Listen, that's the Holy Spirit of God drawing that's the Holy Spirit of God drawing that's the Holy Spirit of God drawing you.

you. you. The most important vow you will ever The most important vow you will ever The most important vow you will ever make is the one that's about to happen make is the one that's about to happen make is the one that's about to happen right here. right here. right here. So don't delay. We're not going to play So don't delay. We're not going to play So don't delay. We're not going to play another song, but I'm going to wait one another song, but I'm going to wait one another song, but I'm going to wait one more moment if there's anyone else that more moment if there's anyone else that more moment if there's anyone else that says, "I know I need to be up there." says, "I know I need to be up there." says, "I know I need to be up there." Listen, he loves you. Listen, he loves you. Listen, he loves you. If you forget everything else, remember If you forget everything else, remember If you forget everything else, remember he loves you. He loves you. And he's he loves you. He loves you. And he's he loves you. He loves you. And he's going to keep pursuing your heart, too. going to keep pursuing your heart, too. going to keep pursuing your heart, too. He's going to keep calling you home. He's going to keep calling you home. He's going to keep calling you home. Yeah. Come on. right, guys. Here's what we're going to right, guys. Here's what we're going to do. I'm going to ask you to repeat this do. I'm going to ask you to repeat this do. I'm going to ask you to repeat this prayer out loud after me. Okay? Say prayer out loud after me. Okay? Say prayer out loud after me. Okay? Say this. Lord God, this. Lord God, this. Lord God, I open my heart I open my heart I open my heart and I invite you inside.

and I invite you inside. and I invite you inside. Forgive my sin. Forgive my sin. Forgive my sin. Today I repent. Today I repent. Today I repent. Now fill me with your spirit. Now fill me with your spirit. Now fill me with your spirit. and I will walk with you and I will walk with you and I will walk with you all the days of my life. all the days of my life. all the days of my life. I pray this in Jesus name. I pray this in Jesus name. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Hey guys, before you go, here's what we Hey guys, before you go, here's what we Hey guys, before you go, here's what we want to do. We want to spend just a want to do. We want to spend just a want to do. We want to spend just a couple minutes with you. We would love couple minutes with you. We would love couple minutes with you. We would love to give you a Bible and some next steps to give you a Bible and some next steps to give you a Bible and some next steps in your walk with the Lord. I would love in your walk with the Lord. I would love in your walk with the Lord. I would love to shake your hand and meet you to shake your hand and meet you to shake your hand and meet you personally. Also, you see the red exit personally. Also, you see the red exit personally. Also, you see the red exit sign over here? We're going to go to the sign over here? We're going to go to the sign over here? We're going to go to the room that's right next to this one. five room that's right next to this one. five room that's right next to this one. five minutes, we'll have you right back in minutes, we'll have you right back in minutes, we'll have you right back in with your family and friends. Okay, go with your family and friends. Okay, go with your family and friends. Okay, go ahead and head this way, church. Can we ahead and head this way, church. Can we ahead and head this way, church. Can we give them a hand as they go? give them a hand as they go? give them a hand as they go? Praise the Lord. Hey, we're going to Praise the Lord. Hey, we're going to Praise the Lord. Hey, we're going to close by celebrating all that God has close by celebrating all that God has close by celebrating all that God has done, rejoicing in his goodness and his done, rejoicing in his goodness and his done, rejoicing in his goodness and his love for us. So, church, let's stand love for us. So, church, let's stand love for us. So, church, let's stand together and let's close by singing together and let's close by singing together and let's close by singing worship to our savior. Come on, I won't stand on words of man. God, I'll I won't stand on words of man. God, I'll stand on yours instead. All of my hope, stand on yours instead. All of my hope, stand on yours instead. All of my hope, all of my faith, all of this in your all of my faith, all of this in your all of my faith, all of this in your name and the world can not deny. All name and the world can not deny. All name and the world can not deny. All that you've done in my life. All of my

that you've done in my life. All of my that you've done in my life. All of my days, all of my praise, all of Jesus. days, all of my praise, all of Jesus. days, all of my praise, all of Jesus. I want world. world. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Our God is faithful. Our God is faithful. It has been such a pleasure worshiping It has been such a pleasure worshiping It has been such a pleasure worshiping with you all this morning. We hope that with you all this morning. We hope that with you all this morning. We hope that you have a great rest of your week. If you have a great rest of your week. If you have a great rest of your week. If you need prayer, we're going to have our you need prayer, we're going to have our you need prayer, we're going to have our prayer team down here to meet with you prayer team down here to meet with you prayer team down here to meet with you and to pray with you. If not, we hope to and to pray with you. If not, we hope to and to pray with you. If not, we hope to see you back here next week. Have a see you back here next week. Have a see you back here next week. Have a great rest of your day.

Thanks for listening to today's message. Thanks for listening to today's message. You know, here at Calvary, we believe a You know, here at Calvary, we believe a You know, here at Calvary, we believe a relationship with Jesus changes relationship with Jesus changes relationship with Jesus changes everything. And if you've decided to everything. And if you've decided to everything. And if you've decided to follow Jesus, we'd love for you to text follow Jesus, we'd love for you to text follow Jesus, we'd love for you to text the word believe to 31352. the word believe to 31352. the word believe to 31352. So you can find out what it means to So you can find out what it means to So you can find out what it means to follow Christ. And to learn more about follow Christ. And to learn more about follow Christ. And to learn more about Calvary and all of our campuses, you're Calvary and all of our campuses, you're Calvary and all of our campuses, you're free to visit calvaryftl.org.