What the Hevel || J.D. Greear

If you have your Bible and you want to If you have your Bible and you want to open it to the book of Ecclesiastes, open it to the book of Ecclesiastes, open it to the book of Ecclesiastes, then certainly feel free to do that. But then certainly feel free to do that. But then certainly feel free to do that. But if you would remain standing uh for the if you would remain standing uh for the if you would remain standing uh for the reading of God's word, okay? And by the reading of God's word, okay? And by the reading of God's word, okay? And by the way, if you would just look to your left way, if you would just look to your left way, if you would just look to your left and your right, if there is an open and your right, if there is an open and your right, if there is an open seat, it would really help us if you seat, it would really help us if you seat, it would really help us if you would kind of fill those seats. That would kind of fill those seats. That would kind of fill those seats. That way, people that show up 30, 45 minutes way, people that show up 30, 45 minutes way, people that show up 30, 45 minutes late, uh they will have a place to sit. late, uh they will have a place to sit. late, uh they will have a place to sit. So, um here we go. Here we go. So, um here we go. Here we go. So, um here we go. Here we go. Ecclesiastes 1 verse one. You listen as Ecclesiastes 1 verse one. You listen as Ecclesiastes 1 verse one. You listen as I read the first 11 verses. I read the first 11 verses. I read the first 11 verses. The words of the preacher, the son of The words of the preacher, the son of The words of the preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, says the preacher, all is vanities, says the preacher, all is vanities, says the preacher, all is vanity. What does a man gain by all the vanity. What does a man gain by all the vanity. What does a man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun. A toil at which he toils under the sun. A toil at which he toils under the sun. A generation comes and a generation A generation comes and a generation A generation comes and a generation A generation goes and a generation comes, generation goes and a generation comes, generation goes and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. The sun but the earth remains forever. The sun but the earth remains forever. The sun rises, the sun goes down, and it hastens rises, the sun goes down, and it hastens rises, the sun goes down, and it hastens to the place where it's risen from. The to the place where it's risen from. The to the place where it's risen from. The wind blows to the south and goes around wind blows to the south and goes around wind blows to the south and goes around to the north. Around and around goes the to the north. Around and around goes the to the north. Around and around goes the wind and on its circuits the wind wind and on its circuits the wind wind and on its circuits the wind returns. All streams run to the sea, but returns. All streams run to the sea, but returns. All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full. So the place where the sea is not full. So the place where the sea is not full. So the place where the streams flow to there they flow the streams flow to there they flow the streams flow to there they flow again. All things are full of weariness.

again. All things are full of weariness. again. All things are full of weariness. A man cannot utter it. The eye is not A man cannot utter it. The eye is not A man cannot utter it. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear satisfied with seeing, nor the ear satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. What has been is filled with hearing. What has been is filled with hearing. What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be, and what has been done is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing what will be done, and there is nothing what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there a thing of new under the sun. Is there a thing of new under the sun. Is there a thing of which it is said, "See, this is new. which it is said, "See, this is new. which it is said, "See, this is new. It's already been in the ages before It's already been in the ages before It's already been in the ages before us." There is no remembrance of former us." There is no remembrance of former us." There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any things, nor will there be any things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be remembrance of later things yet to be remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after. This is the among those who come after. This is the among those who come after. This is the word of God for the people of God. word of God for the people of God. word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Thanks be to God. Thanks be to God. >> Thanks be to God. You may be seated. Ecclesiastes is one of the most Ecclesiastes is one of the most confusing books in the entire Bible. I confusing books in the entire Bible. I confusing books in the entire Bible. I know some of you might say, "Well, know some of you might say, "Well, know some of you might say, "Well, pastor, the whole Bible feels confusing pastor, the whole Bible feels confusing pastor, the whole Bible feels confusing to me." And that is okay because what we to me." And that is okay because what we to me." And that is okay because what we try to do each week in here is break it try to do each week in here is break it try to do each week in here is break it down to make it really simple. But the down to make it really simple. But the down to make it really simple. But the book of Ecclesiastes is especially book of Ecclesiastes is especially book of Ecclesiastes is especially confusing even for more experienced confusing even for more experienced confusing even for more experienced Bible readers. And that is in part Bible readers. And that is in part Bible readers. And that is in part because it's got a lot of strange verses because it's got a lot of strange verses because it's got a lot of strange verses in it like this one. Ecclesiastes 7:16.

in it like this one. Ecclesiastes 7:16. in it like this one. Ecclesiastes 7:16. Be not overly righteous and do not make Be not overly righteous and do not make Be not overly righteous and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you wear yourself too wise. Why should you wear yourself too wise. Why should you wear yourselves out? In other words, back it yourselves out? In other words, back it yourselves out? In other words, back it down, Bible banger. You're getting into down, Bible banger. You're getting into down, Bible banger. You're getting into this wisdom and Bible study thing a this wisdom and Bible study thing a this wisdom and Bible study thing a little bit too much. How about this one? little bit too much. How about this one? little bit too much. How about this one? Ecclesiastes 10:19. Wine makes life Ecclesiastes 10:19. Wine makes life Ecclesiastes 10:19. Wine makes life happy and money is the answer for happy and money is the answer for happy and money is the answer for everything. And all God's people said, everything. And all God's people said, everything. And all God's people said, "What?" [clears throat] Plus, we find in Ecclesiastes just some Plus, we find in Ecclesiastes just some really odd random advice like really odd random advice like really odd random advice like Ecclesiastes 9:8, "Wear fine clothes Ecclesiastes 9:8, "Wear fine clothes Ecclesiastes 9:8, "Wear fine clothes with a splash of cologne." Granted, I with a splash of cologne." Granted, I with a splash of cologne." Granted, I know some single guys who could really know some single guys who could really know some single guys who could really benefit from that verse. But is that benefit from that verse. But is that benefit from that verse. But is that important enough to include in your important enough to include in your important enough to include in your Bible? Here, one more. Ecclesiastes Bible? Here, one more. Ecclesiastes Bible? Here, one more. Ecclesiastes 4:11. My favorite. If two lie together 4:11. My favorite. If two lie together 4:11. My favorite. If two lie together or they keep warm, how can one keep warm or they keep warm, how can one keep warm or they keep warm, how can one keep warm alone? alone? alone? The writer is saying that it's always The writer is saying that it's always The writer is saying that it's always better to travel with a friend because better to travel with a friend because better to travel with a friend because that way if it gets cold, you'll have that way if it gets cold, you'll have that way if it gets cold, you'll have somebody to spoon with. Y'all, if somebody to spoon with. Y'all, if somebody to spoon with. Y'all, if nothing else in this series, I'm praying nothing else in this series, I'm praying nothing else in this series, I'm praying I never have to apply that verse. My I never have to apply that verse. My I never have to apply that verse. My friend, Pastor Tony Marita says that friend, Pastor Tony Marita says that friend, Pastor Tony Marita says that Ecclesiastes doesn't sound like the kind Ecclesiastes doesn't sound like the kind Ecclesiastes doesn't sound like the kind of Bible book that you would hear read of Bible book that you would hear read of Bible book that you would hear read on positive encouraging kale. It feels on positive encouraging kale. It feels on positive encouraging kale. It feels like it was written on a Monday morning like it was written on a Monday morning like it was written on a Monday morning by somebody who hadn't had their coffee by somebody who hadn't had their coffee by somebody who hadn't had their coffee yet. And yet, and yet this is a book yet. And yet, and yet this is a book yet. And yet, and yet this is a book that gets at the core questions of life.

that gets at the core questions of life. that gets at the core questions of life. I know a lot of people who feel like I know a lot of people who feel like I know a lot of people who feel like Ecclesiastes, Ecclesiastes is the Bible Ecclesiastes, Ecclesiastes is the Bible Ecclesiastes, Ecclesiastes is the Bible book where they feel the most seen. In book where they feel the most seen. In book where they feel the most seen. In this book, you're going to see a man this book, you're going to see a man this book, you're going to see a man wrestle with unanswered questions. wrestle with unanswered questions. wrestle with unanswered questions. You're going to see him wrestle with You're going to see him wrestle with You're going to see him wrestle with disappointments in his life, disappointments in his life, disappointments in his life, frustrations over why things have not frustrations over why things have not frustrations over why things have not turned out the way that he thought they turned out the way that he thought they turned out the way that he thought they were going to, the way they were were going to, the way they were were going to, the way they were supposed to. And this writer is going to supposed to. And this writer is going to supposed to. And this writer is going to show no tolerance for simplistic pat show no tolerance for simplistic pat show no tolerance for simplistic pat answers that people give to those kinds answers that people give to those kinds answers that people give to those kinds of questions. Even religious versions of of questions. Even religious versions of of questions. Even religious versions of those question of those answers, he's those question of those answers, he's those question of those answers, he's just going to brush them aside. Earlier just going to brush them aside. Earlier just going to brush them aside. Earlier this year, I read through the book of this year, I read through the book of this year, I read through the book of Ecclesiastes several times, and I Ecclesiastes several times, and I Ecclesiastes several times, and I thought it so perfectly captured some of thought it so perfectly captured some of thought it so perfectly captured some of the struggles that I was having as a the struggles that I was having as a the struggles that I was having as a middle-aged man, some of the questions I middle-aged man, some of the questions I middle-aged man, some of the questions I found myself asking that I knew I wanted found myself asking that I knew I wanted found myself asking that I knew I wanted to take you through it. So, maybe think to take you through it. So, maybe think to take you through it. So, maybe think of this as my midlife crisis series. Uh of this as my midlife crisis series. Uh of this as my midlife crisis series. Uh although, can we say I'm still although, can we say I'm still although, can we say I'm still middle-aged? I mean, if I'm in the middle-aged? I mean, if I'm in the middle-aged? I mean, if I'm in the middle, I'm going to go ahead and say it middle, I'm going to go ahead and say it middle, I'm going to go ahead and say it that I'm going to live till I'm 106, that I'm going to live till I'm 106, that I'm going to live till I'm 106, which doesn't feel quite right. So, I which doesn't feel quite right. So, I which doesn't feel quite right. So, I know I'm not a young adult. At least know I'm not a young adult. At least know I'm not a young adult. At least I'll say that. Okay, first let's ask I'll say that. Okay, first let's ask I'll say that. Okay, first let's ask this question. Who is the author of this question. Who is the author of this question. Who is the author of Ecclesiastes? Well, verse one says, "The Ecclesiastes? Well, verse one says, "The Ecclesiastes? Well, verse one says, "The words of the preacher, the son of David, words of the preacher, the son of David, words of the preacher, the son of David, the king in Jerusalem." Both Christian the king in Jerusalem." Both Christian the king in Jerusalem." Both Christian and Jewish interpreters have and Jewish interpreters have and Jewish interpreters have traditionally understood this to be traditionally understood this to be traditionally understood this to be solid. Solomon was, of course, the son solid. Solomon was, of course, the son solid. Solomon was, of course, the son of David. He was the king in Jerusalem.

of David. He was the king in Jerusalem. of David. He was the king in Jerusalem. And what the author is going to disclose And what the author is going to disclose And what the author is going to disclose about his life in this book certainly about his life in this book certainly about his life in this book certainly fits Solomon to a tea. But some say this fits Solomon to a tea. But some say this fits Solomon to a tea. But some say this was a book written about Solomon, not by was a book written about Solomon, not by was a book written about Solomon, not by Solomon. Personally, I think Solomon Solomon. Personally, I think Solomon Solomon. Personally, I think Solomon himself wrote it. But the most important himself wrote it. But the most important himself wrote it. But the most important thing to understand hear this is that thing to understand hear this is that thing to understand hear this is that there are two different voices in the there are two different voices in the there are two different voices in the book of Ecclesiastes. There's two book of Ecclesiastes. There's two book of Ecclesiastes. There's two voices. One is the voice of this voices. One is the voice of this voices. One is the voice of this preacher preacher preacher whose observations make up the majority whose observations make up the majority whose observations make up the majority of the book. The author muses, the of the book. The author muses, the of the book. The author muses, the preacher amuses about the absurdity of preacher amuses about the absurdity of preacher amuses about the absurdity of life. Honestly, he's a little bit like a life. Honestly, he's a little bit like a life. Honestly, he's a little bit like a stand-up comic. He looks at life square stand-up comic. He looks at life square stand-up comic. He looks at life square on and says, "Have you ever noticed how on and says, "Have you ever noticed how on and says, "Have you ever noticed how crazy all this is?" And he makes these crazy all this is?" And he makes these crazy all this is?" And he makes these little off-the- cuff comments that that little off-the- cuff comments that that little off-the- cuff comments that that poke fun at the absurdity of life. poke fun at the absurdity of life. poke fun at the absurdity of life. What's the deal with peanuts on What's the deal with peanuts on What's the deal with peanuts on airplanes? That kind of stuff. The other airplanes? That kind of stuff. The other airplanes? That kind of stuff. The other voice is that of a narrator who voice is that of a narrator who voice is that of a narrator who introduces the preacher at the beginning introduces the preacher at the beginning introduces the preacher at the beginning and then he steps off stage and then and then he steps off stage and then and then he steps off stage and then he's going to step back on stage at key he's going to step back on stage at key he's going to step back on stage at key moments, especially in the conclusion to moments, especially in the conclusion to moments, especially in the conclusion to help us make sense of what we've just help us make sense of what we've just help us make sense of what we've just heard the preacher say. In fact, think heard the preacher say. In fact, think heard the preacher say. In fact, think of it like a stage play where the of it like a stage play where the of it like a stage play where the preacher stands off to one side preacher stands off to one side preacher stands off to one side wrestling aloud with the hardest wrestling aloud with the hardest wrestling aloud with the hardest questions of life and then at key questions of life and then at key questions of life and then at key moments the narrator on the other side moments the narrator on the other side moments the narrator on the other side steps forward not to argue with him but steps forward not to argue with him but steps forward not to argue with him but to help us interpret what we're hearing to help us interpret what we're hearing to help us interpret what we're hearing from him saying things like, "Now, does from him saying things like, "Now, does from him saying things like, "Now, does that make sense?" Or, "If what he says that make sense?" Or, "If what he says that make sense?" Or, "If what he says is true, that raises this question."

is true, that raises this question." is true, that raises this question." This was actually a very common literary This was actually a very common literary This was actually a very common literary device back then called Aadian biography device back then called Aadian biography device back then called Aadian biography where the author recounted a story from where the author recounted a story from where the author recounted a story from the perspective of one character and the perspective of one character and the perspective of one character and then from time to time would step out of then from time to time would step out of then from time to time would step out of character to interpret the story. This character to interpret the story. This character to interpret the story. This was kind of how they did stage play. was kind of how they did stage play. was kind of how they did stage play. Sometimes it was a oneman show and he's Sometimes it was a oneman show and he's Sometimes it was a oneman show and he's playing different characters. Verse two playing different characters. Verse two playing different characters. Verse two introduces the theme of the book. All is introduces the theme of the book. All is introduces the theme of the book. All is vanity. This word vanity is going to vanity. This word vanity is going to vanity. This word vanity is going to appear 38 different times throughout the appear 38 different times throughout the appear 38 different times throughout the book. Now, vanity is the word that I am book. Now, vanity is the word that I am book. Now, vanity is the word that I am using because it is the word that the using because it is the word that the using because it is the word that the ESV ESV translation of the Bible, which ESV ESV translation of the Bible, which ESV ESV translation of the Bible, which is the translation I'm using. That's the is the translation I'm using. That's the is the translation I'm using. That's the way it translates this word. But it's way it translates this word. But it's way it translates this word. But it's actually a very hard word to translate actually a very hard word to translate actually a very hard word to translate from Hebrew. In Hebrew, it is the word from Hebrew. In Hebrew, it is the word from Hebrew. In Hebrew, it is the word he and it literally it literally means he and it literally it literally means he and it literally it literally means vapor or smoke. Some translations render vapor or smoke. Some translations render vapor or smoke. Some translations render this word meaningless or feudile. And this word meaningless or feudile. And this word meaningless or feudile. And scholars say it means a little bit of scholars say it means a little bit of scholars say it means a little bit of all those. means vanity, it means all those. means vanity, it means all those. means vanity, it means feudal, it means meaningless. But it's feudal, it means meaningless. But it's feudal, it means meaningless. But it's not fully captured by any of them.

not fully captured by any of them. not fully captured by any of them. Probably the best way to grasp the Probably the best way to grasp the Probably the best way to grasp the meaning they say is to consider the word meaning they say is to consider the word meaning they say is to consider the word picture itself. Smoke or vapor. Think of picture itself. Smoke or vapor. Think of picture itself. Smoke or vapor. Think of a cloud. You know how when you were a a cloud. You know how when you were a a cloud. You know how when you were a kid, the clouds look like these gigantic kid, the clouds look like these gigantic kid, the clouds look like these gigantic comfy pillows that you could just bounce comfy pillows that you could just bounce comfy pillows that you could just bounce around on or curl up in. I remember as a around on or curl up in. I remember as a around on or curl up in. I remember as a kid on my first airplane flight, I think kid on my first airplane flight, I think kid on my first airplane flight, I think I was about 8 years old. I remember how I was about 8 years old. I remember how I was about 8 years old. I remember how disappointed I was when we passed disappointed I was when we passed disappointed I was when we passed through the clouds and you could see through the clouds and you could see through the clouds and you could see that there's really nothing substantive that there's really nothing substantive that there's really nothing substantive to even the fullest looking clouds. You to even the fullest looking clouds. You to even the fullest looking clouds. You pass right through them like they're not pass right through them like they're not pass right through them like they're not even there. In fact, how many of you even there. In fact, how many of you even there. In fact, how many of you have ever skydived before? Raise your have ever skydived before? Raise your have ever skydived before? Raise your hand. Is that the past tense of that hand. Is that the past tense of that hand. Is that the past tense of that word? Sky dove. Sky. I don't know. Um I word? Sky dove. Sky. I don't know. Um I word? Sky dove. Sky. I don't know. Um I promised each of my kids that when they promised each of my kids that when they promised each of my kids that when they turn 18, if they want to go skydiving, I turn 18, if they want to go skydiving, I turn 18, if they want to go skydiving, I will take them. My most recent, some of will take them. My most recent, some of will take them. My most recent, some of you saw me post about this was Rya. Um, you saw me post about this was Rya. Um, you saw me post about this was Rya. Um, this is the look of sheer delight on her this is the look of sheer delight on her this is the look of sheer delight on her face and this is the look of delight on face and this is the look of delight on face and this is the look of delight on my face when we were both safely back on my face when we were both safely back on my face when we were both safely back on the ground. Uh, that is mainly because the ground. Uh, that is mainly because the ground. Uh, that is mainly because my wife said if I heard our daughter my wife said if I heard our daughter my wife said if I heard our daughter skydiving, if I died skydiving, she skydiving, if I died skydiving, she skydiving, if I died skydiving, she would resurrect me and kill me again if would resurrect me and kill me again if would resurrect me and kill me again if if we heard those. So, uh, I was if we heard those. So, uh, I was if we heard those. So, uh, I was relieved. But the best part of relieved. But the best part of relieved. But the best part of skydiving, I think, is when you get to skydiving, I think, is when you get to skydiving, I think, is when you get to pass through a small cloud. They look so pass through a small cloud. They look so pass through a small cloud. They look so solid and so substantive from the solid and so substantive from the solid and so substantive from the outside, but when you go through them, outside, but when you go through them, outside, but when you go through them, you realize there is nothing in them to you realize there is nothing in them to you realize there is nothing in them to grasp. They're real. You can see them.

grasp. They're real. You can see them. grasp. They're real. You can see them. You can feel them. They provide rain. You can feel them. They provide rain. You can feel them. They provide rain. They provide shade. But they have no They provide shade. But they have no They provide shade. But they have no substance for you to rest on. They're substance for you to rest on. They're substance for you to rest on. They're they're transient. You there's nothing they're transient. You there's nothing they're transient. You there's nothing to grasp. They're elusive. They are he. to grasp. They're elusive. They are he. to grasp. They're elusive. They are he. That is what every pleasure and every That is what every pleasure and every That is what every pleasure and every pursuit on earth becomes when you try to pursuit on earth becomes when you try to pursuit on earth becomes when you try to build your life on them. Solomon says, build your life on them. Solomon says, build your life on them. Solomon says, one scholar says the best translation of one scholar says the best translation of one scholar says the best translation of he is absurd. Life has a quality for all he is absurd. Life has a quality for all he is absurd. Life has a quality for all of us, whether we are Christians or not. of us, whether we are Christians or not. of us, whether we are Christians or not. that makes it feel absurd sometimes. that makes it feel absurd sometimes. that makes it feel absurd sometimes. By the way, it's very important to note By the way, it's very important to note By the way, it's very important to note that this book Ecclesiastes that this book Ecclesiastes that this book Ecclesiastes comes right after the book of Proverbs comes right after the book of Proverbs comes right after the book of Proverbs in your Bible. And that placement is in your Bible. And that placement is in your Bible. And that placement is intentional. You see, both Proverbs and intentional. You see, both Proverbs and intentional. You see, both Proverbs and Ecclesiastes are part of what we call Ecclesiastes are part of what we call Ecclesiastes are part of what we call the wisdom literature of the Bible, the wisdom literature of the Bible, the wisdom literature of the Bible, which is basically a a section of books which is basically a a section of books which is basically a a section of books that contain reflections about what life that contain reflections about what life that contain reflections about what life is and how it works. is and how it works. is and how it works. Proverbs and Ecclesiastes sit on Proverbs and Ecclesiastes sit on Proverbs and Ecclesiastes sit on opposite sides of a divine tension. You opposite sides of a divine tension. You opposite sides of a divine tension. You see, Proverbs lays out for us these see, Proverbs lays out for us these see, Proverbs lays out for us these principles and says, "If you live these principles and says, "If you live these principles and says, "If you live these ways, here's generally how your life is ways, here's generally how your life is ways, here's generally how your life is going to go." For example, Proverbs 3:9 going to go." For example, Proverbs 3:9 going to go." For example, Proverbs 3:9 and 10, honor God with the first fruits and 10, honor God with the first fruits and 10, honor God with the first fruits of your wealth. In other words, tithe.

of your wealth. In other words, tithe. of your wealth. In other words, tithe. Put God first in your finances. If you Put God first in your finances. If you Put God first in your finances. If you do, your barns will overflow with plenty do, your barns will overflow with plenty do, your barns will overflow with plenty and your vats will burst with new wine. and your vats will burst with new wine. and your vats will burst with new wine. Or this one. Some of you have heard this Or this one. Some of you have heard this Or this one. Some of you have heard this one. In Proverbs 22:6, train up a child one. In Proverbs 22:6, train up a child one. In Proverbs 22:6, train up a child in the way that he should go, even when in the way that he should go, even when in the way that he should go, even when he is old, then he will not depart from he is old, then he will not depart from he is old, then he will not depart from it. Now, question, are those true? it. Now, question, are those true? it. Now, question, are those true? Yes. Generally, they are true. But are Yes. Generally, they are true. But are Yes. Generally, they are true. But are they ironclad guarantees? they ironclad guarantees? they ironclad guarantees? No. You see, some of us have done No. You see, some of us have done No. You see, some of us have done exactly what Proverbs said in one of exactly what Proverbs said in one of exactly what Proverbs said in one of these verses, and the opposite happened. these verses, and the opposite happened. these verses, and the opposite happened. Some of you worked hard, and you tithed, Some of you worked hard, and you tithed, Some of you worked hard, and you tithed, but then the market crashed. Or you ran but then the market crashed. Or you ran but then the market crashed. Or you ran your business with integrity, but it your business with integrity, but it your business with integrity, but it still failed. or you raised your still failed. or you raised your still failed. or you raised your children to know the Lord. You were children to know the Lord. You were children to know the Lord. You were faithful in church. You were a good faithful in church. You were a good faithful in church. You were a good example to them. Yet one of them or example to them. Yet one of them or example to them. Yet one of them or maybe several of them still walked away. maybe several of them still walked away. maybe several of them still walked away. I remember Crawford Lorent who who is I remember Crawford Lorent who who is I remember Crawford Lorent who who is Pastor Brian's dad stood right here in Pastor Brian's dad stood right here in Pastor Brian's dad stood right here in this stage and said, "Raise your kids this stage and said, "Raise your kids this stage and said, "Raise your kids and you can spoil your grandkids. and you can spoil your grandkids. and you can spoil your grandkids. Spoil your kids and you'll have to raise Spoil your kids and you'll have to raise Spoil your kids and you'll have to raise your grandkids."

your grandkids." your grandkids." Now, that's wisdom. That's wisdom and Now, that's wisdom. That's wisdom and Now, that's wisdom. That's wisdom and it's generally true. But I know faithful it's generally true. But I know faithful it's generally true. But I know faithful parents who did everything they could parents who did everything they could parents who did everything they could and one or more of their children still and one or more of their children still and one or more of their children still chose the wrong path. That does not mean chose the wrong path. That does not mean chose the wrong path. That does not mean those parents failed. Nor does it mean those parents failed. Nor does it mean those parents failed. Nor does it mean that the book of Proverbs is not true. that the book of Proverbs is not true. that the book of Proverbs is not true. This book after all is called Proverbs, This book after all is called Proverbs, This book after all is called Proverbs, not promises. not promises. not promises. Proverbs shows us, it shows us how God Proverbs shows us, it shows us how God Proverbs shows us, it shows us how God laid out his world to work and it laid out his world to work and it laid out his world to work and it generally does work that way. But see, generally does work that way. But see, generally does work that way. But see, we also now live in a world under the we also now live in a world under the we also now live in a world under the curse of sin. a world that is now curse of sin. a world that is now curse of sin. a world that is now subject to futility. subject to futility. subject to futility. By the way, that that reason I'm quoting By the way, that that reason I'm quoting By the way, that that reason I'm quoting that is that's the way Paul in Romans that is that's the way Paul in Romans that is that's the way Paul in Romans 8:20 describes the world we live in now. 8:20 describes the world we live in now. 8:20 describes the world we live in now. The world Paul says that is under the The world Paul says that is under the The world Paul says that is under the curse of sin. He describes that world as curse of sin. He describes that world as curse of sin. He describes that world as subject to futility. And get this, the subject to futility. And get this, the subject to futility. And get this, the word that he uses for futility is the word that he uses for futility is the word that he uses for futility is the word he at least is the Greek version of word he at least is the Greek version of word he at least is the Greek version of that word. Life under the sun is broken. that word. Life under the sun is broken. that word. Life under the sun is broken. Wisdom is still wisdom and wisdom still Wisdom is still wisdom and wisdom still Wisdom is still wisdom and wisdom still works, but there is definitely a glitch works, but there is definitely a glitch works, but there is definitely a glitch in the system. Haven't you experienced in the system. Haven't you experienced in the system. Haven't you experienced that? Some of you have. I know you have.

that? Some of you have. I know you have. that? Some of you have. I know you have. And you haven't really known that you And you haven't really known that you And you haven't really known that you could talk about it in church, right? could talk about it in church, right? could talk about it in church, right? You're like, I feel like this is part of You're like, I feel like this is part of You're like, I feel like this is part of the dirty secret nobody's supposed to the dirty secret nobody's supposed to the dirty secret nobody's supposed to talk about and it harshes everybody's talk about and it harshes everybody's talk about and it harshes everybody's vibe. So, we just don't talk about these vibe. So, we just don't talk about these vibe. So, we just don't talk about these things. So, I'm going to talk about it things. So, I'm going to talk about it things. So, I'm going to talk about it for you. Okay? You did everything the for you. Okay? You did everything the for you. Okay? You did everything the right way and something still fell right way and something still fell right way and something still fell apart. apart. apart. One of my worst college jobs, and I had One of my worst college jobs, and I had One of my worst college jobs, and I had some bad ones, but one of my worst some bad ones, but one of my worst some bad ones, but one of my worst college jobs was standing outside a college jobs was standing outside a college jobs was standing outside a department store at the Crabtree Valley department store at the Crabtree Valley department store at the Crabtree Valley Mall trying to get people to sign up for Mall trying to get people to sign up for Mall trying to get people to sign up for credit cards. Yep. I was that guy. Okay. credit cards. Yep. I was that guy. Okay. credit cards. Yep. I was that guy. Okay. [snorts] I actually did pretty well. And [snorts] I actually did pretty well. And [snorts] I actually did pretty well. And for the first couple of weeks, I was the for the first couple of weeks, I was the for the first couple of weeks, I was the top performer. I mean, how could you say top performer. I mean, how could you say top performer. I mean, how could you say no to this guy? Honestly, right? How no to this guy? Honestly, right? How no to this guy? Honestly, right? How could you say no to that guy? My boss could you say no to that guy? My boss could you say no to that guy? My boss even gave me a bonus. Called me in for a even gave me a bonus. Called me in for a even gave me a bonus. Called me in for a couple weeks, gave me a bonus. Then couple weeks, gave me a bonus. Then couple weeks, gave me a bonus. Then another week after that, he calls a another week after that, he calls a another week after that, he calls a little meeting and tells all of us, all little meeting and tells all of us, all little meeting and tells all of us, all of us credit card pushers that he wants of us credit card pushers that he wants of us credit card pushers that he wants us to start slipping in this really us to start slipping in this really us to start slipping in this really expensive insurance program, getting expensive insurance program, getting expensive insurance program, getting people to sign up for it without people to sign up for it without people to sign up for it without explaining it. He said, "Look, just tell explaining it. He said, "Look, just tell explaining it. He said, "Look, just tell them the initial here, here, here, and them the initial here, here, here, and them the initial here, here, here, and here, and most people won't want to ask here, and most people won't want to ask here, and most people won't want to ask any questions.

any questions. any questions. It was a really bad program, and it cost It was a really bad program, and it cost It was a really bad program, and it cost money." I was like, "I don't feel like I money." I was like, "I don't feel like I money." I was like, "I don't feel like I can do that because that doesn't feel can do that because that doesn't feel can do that because that doesn't feel right." So, on each of the applications, right." So, on each of the applications, right." So, on each of the applications, I would explain the insurance program as I would explain the insurance program as I would explain the insurance program as honestly as I could. And of course, honestly as I could. And of course, honestly as I could. And of course, almost everybody declined it, as they almost everybody declined it, as they almost everybody declined it, as they should have. My boss calls me in and he should have. My boss calls me in and he should have. My boss calls me in and he says, "Hey, you're still our top says, "Hey, you're still our top says, "Hey, you're still our top performer, but none of your customers performer, but none of your customers performer, but none of your customers are buying the insurance program." And are buying the insurance program." And are buying the insurance program." And when I tell him the truth about why he when I tell him the truth about why he when I tell him the truth about why he fired me on the spot. End of story. I fired me on the spot. End of story. I fired me on the spot. End of story. I was jobless over the rest of the break. was jobless over the rest of the break. was jobless over the rest of the break. And I thought, whoa, wait a minute. In And I thought, whoa, wait a minute. In And I thought, whoa, wait a minute. In Proverbs supposed to apply here, doesn't Proverbs supposed to apply here, doesn't Proverbs supposed to apply here, doesn't it say that the one who honors God will it say that the one who honors God will it say that the one who honors God will prosper? And yes, I know ultimately it prosper? And yes, I know ultimately it prosper? And yes, I know ultimately it will prove true in my life, especially will prove true in my life, especially will prove true in my life, especially from the perspective of eternity. But from the perspective of eternity. But from the perspective of eternity. But see, in this broken world, righteousness see, in this broken world, righteousness see, in this broken world, righteousness does not always pay off immediately. does not always pay off immediately. does not always pay off immediately. Some of you have experienced that on a Some of you have experienced that on a Some of you have experienced that on a much deeper level than simply losing a much deeper level than simply losing a much deeper level than simply losing a part-time job. Even after you did the part-time job. Even after you did the part-time job. Even after you did the right thing, right thing, right thing, you lost a marriage or a business or you lost a marriage or a business or you lost a marriage or a business or your livelihood or you got kicked out of your livelihood or you got kicked out of your livelihood or you got kicked out of a school or you lost access to your a school or you lost access to your a school or you lost access to your kids.

kids. kids. or you've tried to honor God in your or you've tried to honor God in your or you've tried to honor God in your dating life, but you still haven't dating life, but you still haven't dating life, but you still haven't gotten married. Even though you've gotten married. Even though you've gotten married. Even though you've watched several friends who didn't do it watched several friends who didn't do it watched several friends who didn't do it right, they got married right, they got married right, they got married and it's all felt absurd. and it's all felt absurd. and it's all felt absurd. And you look at it and you say, "What And you look at it and you say, "What And you look at it and you say, "What the hell?" That's where I got the title the hell?" That's where I got the title the hell?" That's where I got the title of this message, right? Is that okay to of this message, right? Is that okay to of this message, right? Is that okay to say? I feel like that's biblical. I feel say? I feel like that's biblical. I feel say? I feel like that's biblical. I feel like that's biblical. In verse three, like that's biblical. In verse three, like that's biblical. In verse three, the narrator the narrator asks the the narrator the narrator asks the the narrator the narrator asks the controlling question for the whole book. controlling question for the whole book. controlling question for the whole book. What does a man gain by all the toil at What does a man gain by all the toil at What does a man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? Life under which he toils under the sun? Life under which he toils under the sun? Life under the sun means life on earth. Now watch the sun means life on earth. Now watch the sun means life on earth. Now watch this. Life not taking into account this. Life not taking into account this. Life not taking into account eternity. That would be life above the eternity. That would be life above the eternity. That would be life above the sun. He's talking about life under the sun. He's talking about life under the sun. He's talking about life under the curse of sin. Life this side of Eden, a curse of sin. Life this side of Eden, a curse of sin. Life this side of Eden, a life characterized by he. He asked, life characterized by he. He asked, life characterized by he. He asked, "What gain is there to be had here under "What gain is there to be had here under "What gain is there to be had here under the sun?" And here's the key. He is the sun?" And here's the key. He is the sun?" And here's the key. He is going to seek to answer that question in going to seek to answer that question in going to seek to answer that question in Ecclesiastes Ecclesiastes Ecclesiastes using only criteria from under the sun.

using only criteria from under the sun. using only criteria from under the sun. In other words, life without factoring In other words, life without factoring In other words, life without factoring in God or eternity. How can somebody in God or eternity. How can somebody in God or eternity. How can somebody find meaning? How can they find how can find meaning? How can they find how can find meaning? How can they find how can they gain permanence, meaning, they gain permanence, meaning, they gain permanence, meaning, satisfaction in this life under the sun? satisfaction in this life under the sun? satisfaction in this life under the sun? And then the preacher is going to set And then the preacher is going to set And then the preacher is going to set his sights on the most common answers we his sights on the most common answers we his sights on the most common answers we give to that question. and disabuse us give to that question. and disabuse us give to that question. and disabuse us of them. Following the lead of Tim of them. Following the lead of Tim of them. Following the lead of Tim Keller, let me identify three of the Keller, let me identify three of the Keller, let me identify three of the most common answers people under the sun most common answers people under the sun most common answers people under the sun give to how to find meaning in life. I'm give to how to find meaning in life. I'm give to how to find meaning in life. I'm going to give them to you from the first going to give them to you from the first going to give them to you from the first couple of chapters and then I'm going to couple of chapters and then I'm going to couple of chapters and then I'm going to show you how the preacher disabuses us show you how the preacher disabuses us show you how the preacher disabuses us of those. Okay. Stock answer number one of those. Okay. Stock answer number one of those. Okay. Stock answer number one to how we find meaning under the sun is to how we find meaning under the sun is to how we find meaning under the sun is leave a legacy. Leave a legacy. In other leave a legacy. Leave a legacy. In other leave a legacy. Leave a legacy. In other words, I can make my life matter by words, I can make my life matter by words, I can make my life matter by leaving something behind. The academic leaving something behind. The academic leaving something behind. The academic name for this mentality is humanism. And name for this mentality is humanism. And name for this mentality is humanism. And it's the idea that if you leave it's the idea that if you leave it's the idea that if you leave something significant for other humans something significant for other humans something significant for other humans that outlast you and people talk about that outlast you and people talk about that outlast you and people talk about you when you're gone, about how you you when you're gone, about how you you when you're gone, about how you cannot be replaced, well then your life cannot be replaced, well then your life cannot be replaced, well then your life will have meaning. By the way, this is will have meaning. By the way, this is will have meaning. By the way, this is what you always hear brought up at what you always hear brought up at what you always hear brought up at funerals when people talk about how the funerals when people talk about how the funerals when people talk about how the deceased person enriched everybody's deceased person enriched everybody's deceased person enriched everybody's life. They made the world a better life. They made the world a better life. They made the world a better place. They're going to be missed and place. They're going to be missed and place. They're going to be missed and therefore they did not live in vain.

therefore they did not live in vain. therefore they did not live in vain. their lives had meaning. But here's what their lives had meaning. But here's what their lives had meaning. But here's what the author of Ecclesiastes response to the author of Ecclesiastes response to the author of Ecclesiastes response to that is. Again, he's speaking from the that is. Again, he's speaking from the that is. Again, he's speaking from the perspective of as if this world under perspective of as if this world under perspective of as if this world under the sun here is all there is. And brace the sun here is all there is. And brace the sun here is all there is. And brace yourselves. This is brutal. In the yourselves. This is brutal. In the yourselves. This is brutal. In the middle of the funeral, he stands up in middle of the funeral, he stands up in middle of the funeral, he stands up in the back as everybody says all these the back as everybody says all these the back as everybody says all these nice things while this person's life nice things while this person's life nice things while this person's life matters. And he says, "The truth is, matters. And he says, "The truth is, matters. And he says, "The truth is, yeah, there's really no remembrance of yeah, there's really no remembrance of yeah, there's really no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any former things, nor will there be any former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be remembrance of later things yet to be remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after." In other among those who come after." In other among those who come after." In other words, within a generation or two, very words, within a generation or two, very words, within a generation or two, very few people, if any, will remember that few people, if any, will remember that few people, if any, will remember that you even existed. you even existed. you even existed. Let let me prove it. How many people Let let me prove it. How many people Let let me prove it. How many people here right now could name the first here right now could name the first here right now could name the first names of all of your great-grandparents? names of all of your great-grandparents? names of all of your great-grandparents? I'm talking about your mom and dad's I'm talking about your mom and dad's I'm talking about your mom and dad's grandparents. First names. All eight of grandparents. First names. All eight of grandparents. First names. All eight of them. There would be eight of them. Can them. There would be eight of them. Can them. There would be eight of them. Can you give me all eight names? Anybody? you give me all eight names? Anybody? you give me all eight names? Anybody? Okay, maybe a few. How could you name Okay, maybe a few. How could you name Okay, maybe a few. How could you name one of their parents? Could you tell me one of their parents? Could you tell me one of their parents? Could you tell me the first name of any of your the first name of any of your the first name of any of your grandparents' grandparents? And maybe grandparents' grandparents? And maybe grandparents' grandparents? And maybe there's somebody in here who could do there's somebody in here who could do there's somebody in here who could do that. But I promise you, you could not that. But I promise you, you could not that. But I promise you, you could not go much farther back than that. Right?

go much farther back than that. Right? go much farther back than that. Right? But the point is, it doesn't take long But the point is, it doesn't take long But the point is, it doesn't take long for a person to be forgotten even by for a person to be forgotten even by for a person to be forgotten even by their own family. If you've been around their own family. If you've been around their own family. If you've been around this church for a while, you know that this church for a while, you know that this church for a while, you know that Greer family legend, you know, our my Greer family legend, you know, our my Greer family legend, you know, our my one great great great great great great one great great great great great great one great great great great great great uncle was Davy Crockett. But that's the uncle was Davy Crockett. But that's the uncle was Davy Crockett. But that's the only family member I know that goes back only family member I know that goes back only family member I know that goes back several generations. And that's only several generations. And that's only several generations. And that's only because Disney produced a TV series that because Disney produced a TV series that because Disney produced a TV series that has no semblance to his actual life. has no semblance to his actual life. has no semblance to his actual life. For most of us, what we've done will be For most of us, what we've done will be For most of us, what we've done will be really quickly forgotten, even if it was really quickly forgotten, even if it was really quickly forgotten, even if it was great. I was in London a few years ago, great. I was in London a few years ago, great. I was in London a few years ago, and I wanted to see where the famous and I wanted to see where the famous and I wanted to see where the famous Charles Spurgeon Charles Spurgeon Charles Spurgeon had preached back near the beginning of had preached back near the beginning of had preached back near the beginning of the 20th century. Now, if you don't the 20th century. Now, if you don't the 20th century. Now, if you don't know, Charles Spurgeon was maybe the know, Charles Spurgeon was maybe the know, Charles Spurgeon was maybe the most famous preacher in the world at the most famous preacher in the world at the most famous preacher in the world at the time. His church, the Metropolitan time. His church, the Metropolitan time. His church, the Metropolitan Tabernacle, was the largest church in Tabernacle, was the largest church in Tabernacle, was the largest church in the world. So, I did some research and I the world. So, I did some research and I the world. So, I did some research and I figured out that the site of the church figured out that the site of the church figured out that the site of the church was right near where I was staying. So, was right near where I was staying. So, was right near where I was staying. So, I asked my taxi cab driver who literally I asked my taxi cab driver who literally I asked my taxi cab driver who literally seemed to know everything there was to seemed to know everything there was to seemed to know everything there was to know about the city of London. He'd know about the city of London. He'd know about the city of London. He'd never heard of Charles Spurgeon. I was never heard of Charles Spurgeon. I was never heard of Charles Spurgeon. I was like, "Am I just saying it in a weird like, "Am I just saying it in a weird like, "Am I just saying it in a weird American accent?" So, I tried to get my American accent?" So, I tried to get my American accent?" So, I tried to get my best British accent, say Charles best British accent, say Charles best British accent, say Charles Spurgeon. He had no idea who I was Spurgeon. He had no idea who I was Spurgeon. He had no idea who I was talking about or what I was talking talking about or what I was talking talking about or what I was talking about. Eventually, I figured out where about. Eventually, I figured out where about. Eventually, I figured out where it was. And there is a small shell that it was. And there is a small shell that it was. And there is a small shell that remains of that once great church and remains of that once great church and remains of that once great church and most of the people who live in the area.

most of the people who live in the area. most of the people who live in the area. two doors down from that church have no two doors down from that church have no two doors down from that church have no idea who Spurgeon was or what it was. idea who Spurgeon was or what it was. idea who Spurgeon was or what it was. The only way people are actually going The only way people are actually going The only way people are actually going to remember you in 50 years is if you to remember you in 50 years is if you to remember you in 50 years is if you leave millions of dollars to your alma leave millions of dollars to your alma leave millions of dollars to your alma mater. And if you do that, they're going mater. And if you do that, they're going mater. And if you do that, they're going to put up a little plaque with your name to put up a little plaque with your name to put up a little plaque with your name on it so that a bunch of students can on it so that a bunch of students can on it so that a bunch of students can walk by and never even glance at it. And walk by and never even glance at it. And walk by and never even glance at it. And eventually they'll tear that building eventually they'll tear that building eventually they'll tear that building down and they'll put up a new building down and they'll put up a new building down and they'll put up a new building in its place and your name is not going in its place and your name is not going in its place and your name is not going to transfer. In 500 years, it is safe to to transfer. In 500 years, it is safe to to transfer. In 500 years, it is safe to say nobody is going to remember you or say nobody is going to remember you or say nobody is going to remember you or me. You say, "Well, what if I become me. You say, "Well, what if I become me. You say, "Well, what if I become president of the United States?" Okay. president of the United States?" Okay. president of the United States?" Okay. What decade was Millard Filillmore What decade was Millard Filillmore What decade was Millard Filillmore president in? president in? president in? What accomplishments did he make that What accomplishments did he make that What accomplishments did he make that contributed to US history? How many of contributed to US history? How many of contributed to US history? How many of you How many of you even knew Millard you How many of you even knew Millard you How many of you even knew Millard Filillmore was a president? You're like, Filillmore was a president? You're like, Filillmore was a president? You're like, "Is he trying to trick us right now?" "Is he trying to trick us right now?" "Is he trying to trick us right now?" Yeah. The point is everything fades. Yeah. The point is everything fades. Yeah. The point is everything fades. The preacher says it in verse four, "A The preacher says it in verse four, "A The preacher says it in verse four, "A generation goes and a generation comes. generation goes and a generation comes. generation goes and a generation comes. The earth remains forever." Scientists The earth remains forever." Scientists The earth remains forever." Scientists say that organic life leaves virtually say that organic life leaves virtually say that organic life leaves virtually no trace on Earth. If the conditions are no trace on Earth. If the conditions are no trace on Earth. If the conditions are just right, maybe you'll leave a fossil, just right, maybe you'll leave a fossil, just right, maybe you'll leave a fossil, but you're going to have to be buried in but you're going to have to be buried in but you're going to have to be buried in a sudden cataclysmic flood in order for a sudden cataclysmic flood in order for a sudden cataclysmic flood in order for that to happen. So, that's got some that to happen. So, that's got some that to happen. So, that's got some downsides.

downsides. downsides. The point is, life under the sun is The point is, life under the sun is The point is, life under the sun is transient. It's temporary. It's passing. transient. It's temporary. It's passing. transient. It's temporary. It's passing. If you're trying to gain meaning If you're trying to gain meaning If you're trying to gain meaning by leaving a legacy on earth, it's not by leaving a legacy on earth, it's not by leaving a legacy on earth, it's not going to work. It's like trying to grasp going to work. It's like trying to grasp going to work. It's like trying to grasp the wind. It's all hell. the wind. It's all hell. the wind. It's all hell. By the way, this is often the By the way, this is often the By the way, this is often the realization that fuels a midlife crisis. realization that fuels a midlife crisis. realization that fuels a midlife crisis. In midlife, your health and your beauty In midlife, your health and your beauty In midlife, your health and your beauty and your strength that you thought was and your strength that you thought was and your strength that you thought was going to last forever going to last forever going to last forever start to fade and you realize that this start to fade and you realize that this start to fade and you realize that this is not going to last forever. In fact, I is not going to last forever. In fact, I is not going to last forever. In fact, I love what the actress Joan Collins love what the actress Joan Collins love what the actress Joan Collins always said. She said, "Being beautiful always said. She said, "Being beautiful always said. She said, "Being beautiful in life is like being born rich and then in life is like being born rich and then in life is like being born rich and then slowly watching yourself become poor slowly watching yourself become poor slowly watching yourself become poor over the rest of your life. Beauty over the rest of your life. Beauty over the rest of your life. Beauty fades." And so in midlife, some people fades." And so in midlife, some people fades." And so in midlife, some people try to start doing something to hang on try to start doing something to hang on try to start doing something to hang on to that. If you're a guy, you pump to that. If you're a guy, you pump to that. If you're a guy, you pump yourself full of peptides and buy a yourself full of peptides and buy a yourself full of peptides and buy a really hot sports car and unbutton your really hot sports car and unbutton your really hot sports car and unbutton your shirt down to your navl and gross shirt down to your navl and gross shirt down to your navl and gross everybody out.

everybody out. everybody out. Some ladies will nip and tuck and inject Some ladies will nip and tuck and inject Some ladies will nip and tuck and inject and start flirting with their tennis and start flirting with their tennis and start flirting with their tennis instructor. But the simple truth is that instructor. But the simple truth is that instructor. But the simple truth is that youthful beauty is not something we can youthful beauty is not something we can youthful beauty is not something we can hang on to. Like I love what my wife hang on to. Like I love what my wife hang on to. Like I love what my wife always says, as you age, you can look always says, as you age, you can look always says, as you age, you can look older or you can look weird. You got to older or you can look weird. You got to older or you can look weird. You got to choose. Okay. choose. Okay. choose. Okay. After that happens, After that happens, After that happens, we see then a lot of us start looking to we see then a lot of us start looking to we see then a lot of us start looking to what we're building in our career, what we're building in our career, what we're building in our career, thinking that's going to be my mark. thinking that's going to be my mark. thinking that's going to be my mark. That's going to be my that's my glory. That's going to be my that's my glory. That's going to be my that's my glory. That's my my legacy, my that's my That's my my legacy, my that's my That's my my legacy, my that's my permanency and my glory. But by midlife, permanency and my glory. But by midlife, permanency and my glory. But by midlife, many of you start to realize that all many of you start to realize that all many of you start to realize that all those youthful dreams you had about those youthful dreams you had about those youthful dreams you had about changing the world and leaving a changing the world and leaving a changing the world and leaving a permanent mark on the world, they're not permanent mark on the world, they're not permanent mark on the world, they're not really going to happen. Even if they do, really going to happen. Even if they do, really going to happen. Even if they do, eventually they'll be forgotten. I mean, eventually they'll be forgotten. I mean, eventually they'll be forgotten. I mean, Steve Jobs made about as big a mark on Steve Jobs made about as big a mark on Steve Jobs made about as big a mark on the world as you can make. Right? Steve the world as you can make. Right? Steve the world as you can make. Right? Steve Jobs very famously said right before he Jobs very famously said right before he Jobs very famously said right before he died, died, died, he said, "Can't it be that everything he said, "Can't it be that everything he said, "Can't it be that everything that we've accomplished that we've accomplished that we've accomplished as a human race, everything I've as a human race, everything I've as a human race, everything I've accomplished is just going to be erased accomplished is just going to be erased accomplished is just going to be erased in the death of our son?"

in the death of our son?" in the death of our son?" Meaning one day we know physics declares Meaning one day we know physics declares Meaning one day we know physics declares that the sun is going to burn out. And that the sun is going to burn out. And that the sun is going to burn out. And he's like literally at that point it's he's like literally at that point it's he's like literally at that point it's all gone. Everything the human race, all gone. Everything the human race, all gone. Everything the human race, it's like it never even existed. it's like it never even existed. it's like it never even existed. Leaving a legacy is our first response Leaving a legacy is our first response Leaving a legacy is our first response to this question of how to find meaning. to this question of how to find meaning. to this question of how to find meaning. And the author of Ecclesiastes says it And the author of Ecclesiastes says it And the author of Ecclesiastes says it doesn't make a lot of sense. Let me give doesn't make a lot of sense. Let me give doesn't make a lot of sense. Let me give you a second answer that we give. Now, you a second answer that we give. Now, you a second answer that we give. Now, warning, this one's a little nerdy, so warning, this one's a little nerdy, so warning, this one's a little nerdy, so I'm going to cover it quickly. And if I'm going to cover it quickly. And if I'm going to cover it quickly. And if this feels like it's over your head, this feels like it's over your head, this feels like it's over your head, just give me like four minutes, and I'll just give me like four minutes, and I'll just give me like four minutes, and I'll come back to the language of normal come back to the language of normal come back to the language of normal people. Okay. Existentialism. people. Okay. Existentialism. people. Okay. Existentialism. Existentialism says, "Mean does not Existentialism says, "Mean does not Existentialism says, "Mean does not exist. We must therefore create our exist. We must therefore create our exist. We must therefore create our own." Existentialism is a worldview that own." Existentialism is a worldview that own." Existentialism is a worldview that says that because life is a cosmic says that because life is a cosmic says that because life is a cosmic accident, it's inherently meaningless. accident, it's inherently meaningless. accident, it's inherently meaningless. Thus, it is up to you and me to create Thus, it is up to you and me to create Thus, it is up to you and me to create our own meaning. That was literally how our own meaning. That was literally how our own meaning. That was literally how some of our most famous existentialists some of our most famous existentialists some of our most famous existentialists and nealist philosophers, people like and nealist philosophers, people like and nealist philosophers, people like Jean Paul Sartra and Friedrich Nichi, Jean Paul Sartra and Friedrich Nichi, Jean Paul Sartra and Friedrich Nichi, that's how they said it. When you that's how they said it. When you that's how they said it. When you embrace that there is no God, when you embrace that there is no God, when you embrace that there is no God, when you embrace that God is dead, there's no embrace that God is dead, there's no embrace that God is dead, there's no design, no plan, then you are now free design, no plan, then you are now free design, no plan, then you are now free to concoct your own meaning. Or Alber to concoct your own meaning. Or Alber to concoct your own meaning. Or Alber Camu or it looks like Albert Cas who Camu or it looks like Albert Cas who Camu or it looks like Albert Cas who said that because we are the result of said that because we are the result of said that because we are the result of blind force and chance, get this. He blind force and chance, get this. He blind force and chance, get this. He said, "It is literally insane. It is said, "It is literally insane. It is said, "It is literally insane. It is [clears throat] a kind of insanity to [clears throat] a kind of insanity to [clears throat] a kind of insanity to think that life could have meaning." He think that life could have meaning." He think that life could have meaning." He said, "But but but it's a useful and said, "But but but it's a useful and said, "But but but it's a useful and happy insanity and we should all happy insanity and we should all happy insanity and we should all participate in it. Either that or commit participate in it. Either that or commit participate in it. Either that or commit suicide," he said. Both are valid suicide," he said. Both are valid suicide," he said. Both are valid options.

options. options. Existentialism is essentially what Existentialism is essentially what Existentialism is essentially what popular atheists like Sam Harris or popular atheists like Sam Harris or popular atheists like Sam Harris or Richard Dawkins say. They say, "Yeah, Richard Dawkins say. They say, "Yeah, Richard Dawkins say. They say, "Yeah, developing a sacrificial love for others developing a sacrificial love for others developing a sacrificial love for others or pursuing meaning doesn't make a lot or pursuing meaning doesn't make a lot or pursuing meaning doesn't make a lot of sense in a survival of the of sense in a survival of the of sense in a survival of the fittestbased evolutionary model, but fittestbased evolutionary model, but fittestbased evolutionary model, but they are useful fictions that evolution they are useful fictions that evolution they are useful fictions that evolution is programmed into us and they feel good is programmed into us and they feel good is programmed into us and they feel good when we do them, so we should embrace when we do them, so we should embrace when we do them, so we should embrace them." The problem with that, of course, them." The problem with that, of course, them." The problem with that, of course, is that it is intellectually is that it is intellectually is that it is intellectually self-defeating. I mean, if we're just self-defeating. I mean, if we're just self-defeating. I mean, if we're just the product of blind force and chance, the product of blind force and chance, the product of blind force and chance, why should we demand that life have any why should we demand that life have any why should we demand that life have any meaning? Why should we expect it to? And meaning? Why should we expect it to? And meaning? Why should we expect it to? And why should we care about things like why should we care about things like why should we care about things like justice? justice? justice? Justice is just a preference. It's a Justice is just a preference. It's a Justice is just a preference. It's a useful tool for propagating our species, useful tool for propagating our species, useful tool for propagating our species, but there's no such thing as actual but there's no such thing as actual but there's no such thing as actual justice. Because in order for there to justice. Because in order for there to justice. Because in order for there to be actual justice, there has to be a be actual justice, there has to be a be actual justice, there has to be a justice definer. To say something is not justice definer. To say something is not justice definer. To say something is not as it ought to be as it ought to be as it ought to be supposes that you know what it ought to supposes that you know what it ought to supposes that you know what it ought to be. It's like CS Lewis said in mere be. It's like CS Lewis said in mere be. It's like CS Lewis said in mere Christianity. A man does not call a line Christianity. A man does not call a line Christianity. A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of what crooked unless he has some idea of what crooked unless he has some idea of what a straight line is. The book of a straight line is. The book of a straight line is. The book of Ecclesiastes is filled with ought Ecclesiastes is filled with ought Ecclesiastes is filled with ought language. It's the whole premise of the language. It's the whole premise of the language. It's the whole premise of the book of Ecclesiastes. The world ought book of Ecclesiastes. The world ought book of Ecclesiastes. The world ought not be like this. The innocent ought not not be like this. The innocent ought not not be like this. The innocent ought not suffer. Many of you have said those same suffer. Many of you have said those same suffer. Many of you have said those same things. Even if you don't believe in things. Even if you don't believe in things. Even if you don't believe in God, you're like, "That's not right.

God, you're like, "That's not right. God, you're like, "That's not right. that ought not be that way. But the that ought not be that way. But the that ought not be that way. But the moment you say the word ought or ought moment you say the word ought or ought moment you say the word ought or ought not, you are presupposing that you got not, you are presupposing that you got not, you are presupposing that you got some idea in your head of what ought to some idea in your head of what ought to some idea in your head of what ought to be. Existentialism and nealism are be. Existentialism and nealism are be. Existentialism and nealism are intellectually self-defeating. If life intellectually self-defeating. If life intellectually self-defeating. If life under the sun is all there is, there is under the sun is all there is, there is under the sun is all there is, there is no meaning. By the way, many atheists no meaning. By the way, many atheists no meaning. By the way, many atheists come to a point where they realize that come to a point where they realize that come to a point where they realize that in fact most of the atheists that I see in fact most of the atheists that I see in fact most of the atheists that I see become Christians, this is usually part become Christians, this is usually part become Christians, this is usually part of their story. Most of them don't go of their story. Most of them don't go of their story. Most of them don't go from no god to resurrection of Jesus. from no god to resurrection of Jesus. from no god to resurrection of Jesus. Most of them pass through something like Most of them pass through something like Most of them pass through something like this. For example, last spring I read this. For example, last spring I read this. For example, last spring I read the autobiographical account of a guy the autobiographical account of a guy the autobiographical account of a guy named Charles Murray. If you don't know, named Charles Murray. If you don't know, named Charles Murray. If you don't know, Charles Murray is one of America's best Charles Murray is one of America's best Charles Murray is one of America's best known social scientists, one of the best known social scientists, one of the best known social scientists, one of the best known public intellectuals. He's an MIT known public intellectuals. He's an MIT known public intellectuals. He's an MIT guy. For decades, Charles Murray wrote guy. For decades, Charles Murray wrote guy. For decades, Charles Murray wrote and spoke as an agnostic. But he and spoke as an agnostic. But he and spoke as an agnostic. But he recently became a Christian. And he said recently became a Christian. And he said recently became a Christian. And he said that one of the things that moved him that one of the things that moved him that one of the things that moved him toward belief in God was that when he toward belief in God was that when he toward belief in God was that when he and his wife had their first child, his and his wife had their first child, his and his wife had their first child, his wife said to him, "I seem to love my wife said to him, "I seem to love my wife said to him, "I seem to love my daughter far more than your theory of daughter far more than your theory of daughter far more than your theory of evolution requires.

evolution requires. evolution requires. A lot of atheists have traveled a A lot of atheists have traveled a A lot of atheists have traveled a similar journey. They recognize in the similar journey. They recognize in the similar journey. They recognize in the love they feel for a child or in their love they feel for a child or in their love they feel for a child or in their longing for meaning something that longing for meaning something that longing for meaning something that atheistic materialism cannot account atheistic materialism cannot account atheistic materialism cannot account for. Okay. All right. That's the end of for. Okay. All right. That's the end of for. Okay. All right. That's the end of the really, you know, heady the really, you know, heady the really, you know, heady philosophical stuff, right? Number philosophical stuff, right? Number philosophical stuff, right? Number three, hedenism. three, hedenism. three, hedenism. Hedenism is the idea that you should Hedenism is the idea that you should Hedenism is the idea that you should stop searching for meaning and just stop searching for meaning and just stop searching for meaning and just enjoy life. Now, some of you like, "Ah, enjoy life. Now, some of you like, "Ah, enjoy life. Now, some of you like, "Ah, you just talked about a big word, you just talked about a big word, you just talked about a big word, existentialism, and now you're using existentialism, and now you're using existentialism, and now you're using another one, hedonism." Fine. Okay. The another one, hedonism." Fine. Okay. The another one, hedonism." Fine. Okay. The urban way of saying this is treat urban way of saying this is treat urban way of saying this is treat yourself. yourself. yourself. Hedenism means you're going to live a Hedenism means you're going to live a Hedenism means you're going to live a treat yourself life. When I was a treat yourself life. When I was a treat yourself life. When I was a teenager, there was a movie that came teenager, there was a movie that came teenager, there was a movie that came out called Crimes and Misdemeanors. That out called Crimes and Misdemeanors. That out called Crimes and Misdemeanors. That was a social commentary on modern life. was a social commentary on modern life. was a social commentary on modern life. And one of the main characters said at And one of the main characters said at And one of the main characters said at the very end of the movie, "All the the very end of the movie, "All the the very end of the movie, "All the meaning that you can hope for in this meaning that you can hope for in this meaning that you can hope for in this life is just to enjoy the pleasures of life is just to enjoy the pleasures of life is just to enjoy the pleasures of the day. Enjoy creativity. Write a poem. the day. Enjoy creativity. Write a poem. the day. Enjoy creativity. Write a poem. Hug a child. Take a ride in the boat in Hug a child. Take a ride in the boat in Hug a child. Take a ride in the boat in the lake. Enjoy your family and work. the lake. Enjoy your family and work. the lake. Enjoy your family and work. That's all you can do. That's all you can do. That's all you can do. Enjoy your life. It's all there is.

Enjoy your life. It's all there is. Enjoy your life. It's all there is. The preacher in Ecclesiastes says that The preacher in Ecclesiastes says that The preacher in Ecclesiastes says that the problem with hedonism the problem with hedonism the problem with hedonism is that fleshly pleasures never satisfy. is that fleshly pleasures never satisfy. is that fleshly pleasures never satisfy. And in chapter two, at least if not, at And in chapter two, at least if not, at And in chapter two, at least if not, at least if they're going to try to be the least if they're going to try to be the least if they're going to try to be the substance of your life. And in chapter substance of your life. And in chapter substance of your life. And in chapter two, the preacher puts forward himself two, the preacher puts forward himself two, the preacher puts forward himself as exhibit A. Check out chapter 2 verse as exhibit A. Check out chapter 2 verse as exhibit A. Check out chapter 2 verse one. Look at this. I said in my heart, one. Look at this. I said in my heart, one. Look at this. I said in my heart, come now, I will test you with pleasure. come now, I will test you with pleasure. come now, I will test you with pleasure. Enjoy yourself. See, treat yourself. Enjoy yourself. See, treat yourself. Enjoy yourself. See, treat yourself. This is what he said. Jump down to verse This is what he said. Jump down to verse This is what he said. Jump down to verse 10. And whatever my eyes desired, I did 10. And whatever my eyes desired, I did 10. And whatever my eyes desired, I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from not keep from them. I kept my heart from not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure. No pleasure. According to no pleasure. No pleasure. According to no pleasure. No pleasure. According to the book of First Kings, everything in the book of First Kings, everything in the book of First Kings, everything in Solomon's house was made of gold. Solomon's house was made of gold. Solomon's house was made of gold. Like silver, bronze, those are trash. Like silver, bronze, those are trash. Like silver, bronze, those are trash. Gold. He was smart. He was well read. Gold. He was smart. He was well read. Gold. He was smart. He was well read. His kingdom was prosperous. His power His kingdom was prosperous. His power His kingdom was prosperous. His power was unchallenged. He ate great food was unchallenged. He ate great food was unchallenged. He ate great food every night. And every night, he had a every night. And every night, he had a every night. And every night, he had a thousand different sexual options. In thousand different sexual options. In thousand different sexual options. In addition to all this, he wrote New York addition to all this, he wrote New York addition to all this, he wrote New York Times best-selling books on multiple Times best-selling books on multiple Times best-selling books on multiple subjects. He was one of the most popular subjects. He was one of the most popular subjects. He was one of the most popular songwriters of his day. Furthermore, he songwriters of his day. Furthermore, he songwriters of his day. Furthermore, he not only built an incredible house for not only built an incredible house for not only built an incredible house for himself that would have showed up on MTV himself that would have showed up on MTV himself that would have showed up on MTV cribs if they had that show back then, cribs if they had that show back then, cribs if they had that show back then, but he also made one of the most but he also made one of the most but he also made one of the most impressive temples to God the world had impressive temples to God the world had impressive temples to God the world had ever seen. The man accomplished just ever seen. The man accomplished just ever seen. The man accomplished just about everything we would want to about everything we would want to about everything we would want to accomplish. Then verse 11, I considered accomplish. Then verse 11, I considered accomplish. Then verse 11, I considered all that my hands had done and all the all that my hands had done and all the all that my hands had done and all the toil I had expended in doing, and toil I had expended in doing, and toil I had expended in doing, and behold, you can see it coming. All of it behold, you can see it coming. All of it behold, you can see it coming. All of it was he like striving after the wind, and was he like striving after the wind, and was he like striving after the wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the there was nothing to be gained under the there was nothing to be gained under the sun. He said, "I thought I'd feel sun. He said, "I thought I'd feel sun. He said, "I thought I'd feel complete if I accomplished everything I complete if I accomplished everything I complete if I accomplished everything I set out to accomplish, and if I treated

set out to accomplish, and if I treated set out to accomplish, and if I treated myself to every pleasure and had power myself to every pleasure and had power myself to every pleasure and had power at my fingertips, but I didn't feel at my fingertips, but I didn't feel at my fingertips, but I didn't feel complete when I got there. complete when I got there. complete when I got there. In fact, I'm reminded here of what In fact, I'm reminded here of what In fact, I'm reminded here of what somebody I would consider the opposite somebody I would consider the opposite somebody I would consider the opposite of Solomon said, the hip hop star Drake of Solomon said, the hip hop star Drake of Solomon said, the hip hop star Drake in an interview. In fact, we I was like, in an interview. In fact, we I was like, in an interview. In fact, we I was like, I got to write that down. He said, I got to write that down. He said, I got to write that down. He said, "There was a point where I felt like I "There was a point where I felt like I "There was a point where I felt like I needed to keep the company of a needed to keep the company of a needed to keep the company of a different woman every night. different woman every night. different woman every night. I was trying to fill a void. But in I was trying to fill a void. But in I was trying to fill a void. But in those moments after sex, I'd know it those moments after sex, I'd know it those moments after sex, I'd know it wasn't working. Those quiet moments are wasn't working. Those quiet moments are wasn't working. Those quiet moments are the realest moments a man will ever have the realest moments a man will ever have the realest moments a man will ever have in his life. The next day, I'd convince in his life. The next day, I'd convince in his life. The next day, I'd convince myself to do it again. But during that myself to do it again. But during that myself to do it again. But during that time, I knew it wasn't working. time, I knew it wasn't working. time, I knew it wasn't working. You guys know I could quote a bazillion You guys know I could quote a bazillion You guys know I could quote a bazillion rich or famous people who would say the rich or famous people who would say the rich or famous people who would say the exact same thing. In fact, I have quoted exact same thing. In fact, I have quoted exact same thing. In fact, I have quoted them to you before. Jim Carrey, Tom them to you before. Jim Carrey, Tom them to you before. Jim Carrey, Tom Brady, Katy Perry, Matt Dylan, tons of Brady, Katy Perry, Matt Dylan, tons of Brady, Katy Perry, Matt Dylan, tons of others. others. others. This realization This realization This realization leaves you with an especially desparing leaves you with an especially desparing leaves you with an especially desparing kind of pain. It's a hopeless kind of kind of pain. It's a hopeless kind of kind of pain. It's a hopeless kind of pain. I love how the British Christian pain. I love how the British Christian pain. I love how the British Christian philosopher GK Chesterton said it. Watch philosopher GK Chesterton said it. Watch philosopher GK Chesterton said it. Watch this. Meaningless does not come from this. Meaningless does not come from this. Meaningless does not come from being weary of pain.

being weary of pain. being weary of pain. Meaningless comes from being weary of Meaningless comes from being weary of Meaningless comes from being weary of pleasure. pleasure. pleasure. In other words, you've traveled this In other words, you've traveled this In other words, you've traveled this long and winding road all the way to the long and winding road all the way to the long and winding road all the way to the destination only to find out the land destination only to find out the land destination only to find out the land that it promised to you didn't really that it promised to you didn't really that it promised to you didn't really exist. exist. exist. Recently, in my own life, I've been Recently, in my own life, I've been Recently, in my own life, I've been wrestling with a couple of deepseated I wrestling with a couple of deepseated I wrestling with a couple of deepseated I know no other way to describe this than know no other way to describe this than know no other way to describe this than deep-seated idols in my life. lies that deep-seated idols in my life. lies that deep-seated idols in my life. lies that I have believed since I was a teenager. I have believed since I was a teenager. I have believed since I was a teenager. I believe if I could just obtain these I believe if I could just obtain these I believe if I could just obtain these things that life would be so perfect, things that life would be so perfect, things that life would be so perfect, life would be complete. By the way, some life would be complete. By the way, some life would be complete. By the way, some of them are legitimate goals I've set, of them are legitimate goals I've set, of them are legitimate goals I've set, professional goals, financial milestones professional goals, financial milestones professional goals, financial milestones I've tried to reach, things I want to I've tried to reach, things I want to I've tried to reach, things I want to see in my family. And like everybody, see in my family. And like everybody, see in my family. And like everybody, there's other things that I've struggled there's other things that I've struggled there's other things that I've struggled with desiring that are overtly sinful. with desiring that are overtly sinful. with desiring that are overtly sinful. There's some sinful pleasure about which There's some sinful pleasure about which There's some sinful pleasure about which I've thought, I bet you that kind of I've thought, I bet you that kind of I've thought, I bet you that kind of sinful pleasure, I bet you that yields a sinful pleasure, I bet you that yields a sinful pleasure, I bet you that yields a joy and a thrill in life like nothing joy and a thrill in life like nothing joy and a thrill in life like nothing else can. And I've had to preach to else can. And I've had to preach to else can. And I've had to preach to myself this message of Ecclesiastes.

myself this message of Ecclesiastes. myself this message of Ecclesiastes. Those things are a mirage. They are Those things are a mirage. They are Those things are a mirage. They are heir. Clouds you try to grasp that turn heir. Clouds you try to grasp that turn heir. Clouds you try to grasp that turn out to be meaningless vapor. When you out to be meaningless vapor. When you out to be meaningless vapor. When you get to them, you're just going to fall get to them, you're just going to fall get to them, you're just going to fall straight through them. They're not what straight through them. They're not what straight through them. They're not what you thought they were. In fact, for you thought they were. In fact, for you thought they were. In fact, for sinful pleasures, it's worse than vapor. sinful pleasures, it's worse than vapor. sinful pleasures, it's worse than vapor. For example, if you believe this lie For example, if you believe this lie For example, if you believe this lie about something like adultery, about something like adultery, about something like adultery, Solomon says in Proverbs 5, in fact, Solomon says in Proverbs 5, in fact, Solomon says in Proverbs 5, in fact, this is one of the verses my parents had this is one of the verses my parents had this is one of the verses my parents had me memorize when I was a kid. So, me memorize when I was a kid. So, me memorize when I was a kid. So, Proverbs 5, Solomon says, "Yeah, Proverbs 5, Solomon says, "Yeah, Proverbs 5, Solomon says, "Yeah, adultery looks so inviting. Oh, it is so adultery looks so inviting. Oh, it is so adultery looks so inviting. Oh, it is so promising. It looks so fulfilling. But promising. It looks so fulfilling. But promising. It looks so fulfilling. But once you get there, not only are you once you get there, not only are you once you get there, not only are you going to find out it's not everything going to find out it's not everything going to find out it's not everything you thought it was, you're also chapter you thought it was, you're also chapter you thought it was, you're also chapter 5:5 found out that her steps take hold 5:5 found out that her steps take hold 5:5 found out that her steps take hold of hell and her feet lead down to the of hell and her feet lead down to the of hell and her feet lead down to the grave." Yeah. Adultery yields a grave." Yeah. Adultery yields a grave." Yeah. Adultery yields a temporary euphoria. Sure, but it ends in temporary euphoria. Sure, but it ends in temporary euphoria. Sure, but it ends in emptiness and disaster. emptiness and disaster. emptiness and disaster. Friend, hear me. Your enemy's primary Friend, hear me. Your enemy's primary Friend, hear me. Your enemy's primary tactic is to hold up empty clouds and tactic is to hold up empty clouds and tactic is to hold up empty clouds and say, "Pursue this. Happiness is there."

say, "Pursue this. Happiness is there." say, "Pursue this. Happiness is there." But then you give your life away to But then you give your life away to But then you give your life away to pursue that thing, only to find out when pursue that thing, only to find out when pursue that thing, only to find out when you get to that cloud that it was empty. you get to that cloud that it was empty. you get to that cloud that it was empty. There was no substance. It was like There was no substance. It was like There was no substance. It was like trying to grasp the wind. It was he. trying to grasp the wind. It was he. trying to grasp the wind. It was he. Listen, the author of Ecclesiastes is Listen, the author of Ecclesiastes is Listen, the author of Ecclesiastes is not against pleasure. not against pleasure. not against pleasure. In fact, he's the opposite of that. One In fact, he's the opposite of that. One In fact, he's the opposite of that. One of the great ironies of the book of of the great ironies of the book of of the great ironies of the book of Ecclesiastes, he is very pro-pleasure. Ecclesiastes, he is very pro-pleasure. Ecclesiastes, he is very pro-pleasure. Multiple times throughout this book, Multiple times throughout this book, Multiple times throughout this book, this preacher is going to say, "Money is this preacher is going to say, "Money is this preacher is going to say, "Money is good. Love and sex are good. Good wine good. Love and sex are good. Good wine good. Love and sex are good. Good wine is good. Health is good. Power is good." is good. Health is good. Power is good." is good. Health is good. Power is good." These are gifts of God to enjoy. Even These are gifts of God to enjoy. Even These are gifts of God to enjoy. Even the simplest things, he says, simple the simplest things, he says, simple the simplest things, he says, simple things like a great meal or a walk things like a great meal or a walk things like a great meal or a walk through the woods or a the fragrance of through the woods or a the fragrance of through the woods or a the fragrance of a splash of cologne. a splash of cologne. a splash of cologne. Those are gifts that God gives you to Those are gifts that God gives you to Those are gifts that God gives you to delight you. But the only way you can delight you. But the only way you can delight you. But the only way you can actually enjoy them is to not look at actually enjoy them is to not look at actually enjoy them is to not look at them as the substance of life. If they them as the substance of life. If they them as the substance of life. If they become the primary place that you seek become the primary place that you seek become the primary place that you seek meaning or happiness, if they become the meaning or happiness, if they become the meaning or happiness, if they become the substance of your life, you're going to substance of your life, you're going to substance of your life, you're going to find them empty like grasping at the find them empty like grasping at the find them empty like grasping at the wind. you're going to find out that wind. you're going to find out that wind. you're going to find out that they're full of hell.

they're full of hell. they're full of hell. You see, look at what the narrator says You see, look at what the narrator says You see, look at what the narrator says at the end of chapter 2. Watch this. The at the end of chapter 2. Watch this. The at the end of chapter 2. Watch this. The narrator steps in. He says, "For to the narrator steps in. He says, "For to the narrator steps in. He says, "For to the person who is pleasing in God's sight, person who is pleasing in God's sight, person who is pleasing in God's sight, God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy." God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy." God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy." You see, God is a God who filled this You see, God is a God who filled this You see, God is a God who filled this world with goodness and gifts. He is the world with goodness and gifts. He is the world with goodness and gifts. He is the source of joy. And when you live to source of joy. And when you live to source of joy. And when you live to please God, you can actually start to please God, you can actually start to please God, you can actually start to enjoy these things because you can enjoy these things because you can enjoy these things because you can receive them for what they are, a gift, receive them for what they are, a gift, receive them for what they are, a gift, an expression of God's goodness, but not an expression of God's goodness, but not an expression of God's goodness, but not as the substance of your life. God is as the substance of your life. God is as the substance of your life. God is the substance of your life, not that the substance of your life, not that the substance of your life, not that thing, thing, thing, right? Not as they're not the thing that right? Not as they're not the thing that right? Not as they're not the thing that you're trying to gain or hold on to. And you're trying to gain or hold on to. And you're trying to gain or hold on to. And when one of those things gets withheld when one of those things gets withheld when one of those things gets withheld from you for some reason or taken away, from you for some reason or taken away, from you for some reason or taken away, you won't despair because again, they're you won't despair because again, they're you won't despair because again, they're not the substance of your life. not the substance of your life. not the substance of your life. See, if things like pleasures and See, if things like pleasures and See, if things like pleasures and accomplishments become the point, if accomplishments become the point, if accomplishments become the point, if they become the foundation of your life, they become the foundation of your life, they become the foundation of your life, you're going to find them only to be he. you're going to find them only to be he. you're going to find them only to be he. But if God and eternity are the But if God and eternity are the But if God and eternity are the foundation of your life, you'll actually foundation of your life, you'll actually foundation of your life, you'll actually start to receive those things for what start to receive those things for what start to receive those things for what they are, gifts. Temporary gifts, yes, they are, gifts. Temporary gifts, yes, they are, gifts. Temporary gifts, yes, but gifts.

but gifts. but gifts. And you'll start to enjoy them. And when And you'll start to enjoy them. And when And you'll start to enjoy them. And when they're not there, you'll be able to they're not there, you'll be able to they're not there, you'll be able to endure that, too. endure that, too. endure that, too. After reading Ecclesiastes several times After reading Ecclesiastes several times After reading Ecclesiastes several times this last year, I came up with this word this last year, I came up with this word this last year, I came up with this word picture that summarizes picture that summarizes picture that summarizes how I think the narrator wants us to see how I think the narrator wants us to see how I think the narrator wants us to see life. Now, it's my own word picture, so life. Now, it's my own word picture, so life. Now, it's my own word picture, so if it doesn't make sense, don't blame if it doesn't make sense, don't blame if it doesn't make sense, don't blame Solomon. Blame me, but I think it's Solomon. Blame me, but I think it's Solomon. Blame me, but I think it's accurate based on what the writer is accurate based on what the writer is accurate based on what the writer is trying to tell us. I want you to imagine trying to tell us. I want you to imagine trying to tell us. I want you to imagine life for a minute. Imagine life as if life for a minute. Imagine life as if life for a minute. Imagine life as if life were living on a beach before a life were living on a beach before a life were living on a beach before a vast and uncontrollable ocean. vast and uncontrollable ocean. vast and uncontrollable ocean. Okay? Okay, just a thought experiment. Okay? Okay, just a thought experiment. Okay? Okay, just a thought experiment. But you can't leave. This is the only But you can't leave. This is the only But you can't leave. This is the only place you can be. On some days that place you can be. On some days that place you can be. On some days that ocean provides enjoyable, pleasant ocean provides enjoyable, pleasant ocean provides enjoyable, pleasant waves, perfect weather, and on other waves, perfect weather, and on other waves, perfect weather, and on other days, it gives you big, unpleasant, days, it gives you big, unpleasant, days, it gives you big, unpleasant, angry hurricane waves. angry hurricane waves. angry hurricane waves. You can't change what the ocean does. You can't change what the ocean does. You can't change what the ocean does. You can't even predict it. That ocean is You can't even predict it. That ocean is You can't even predict it. That ocean is too vast, too wild, and too too vast, too wild, and too too vast, too wild, and too uncontrollable for you to predict it or uncontrollable for you to predict it or uncontrollable for you to predict it or control it. All you can do is enjoy the control it. All you can do is enjoy the control it. All you can do is enjoy the good waves when they come. And on the good waves when they come. And on the good waves when they come. And on the days when bad waves come at you, well, days when bad waves come at you, well, days when bad waves come at you, well, you just got to endure that, knowing you just got to endure that, knowing you just got to endure that, knowing that the unpleasant waves are just a that the unpleasant waves are just a that the unpleasant waves are just a part of life under the curse, but they part of life under the curse, but they part of life under the curse, but they don't last forever. That's what the don't last forever. That's what the don't last forever. That's what the preacher says life basically is. And if preacher says life basically is. And if preacher says life basically is. And if that's true, watch this, you might as that's true, watch this, you might as that's true, watch this, you might as well enjoy the good waves whenever you well enjoy the good waves whenever you well enjoy the good waves whenever you receive them. Because whatever you don't receive them. Because whatever you don't receive them. Because whatever you don't enjoy on that day to the full, you lose.

enjoy on that day to the full, you lose. enjoy on that day to the full, you lose. You cannot bottle up the good waves and You cannot bottle up the good waves and You cannot bottle up the good waves and save them for a later time. They're only save them for a later time. They're only save them for a later time. They're only for that day. And when you're in a for that day. And when you're in a for that day. And when you're in a season of unpleasant waves, you can't season of unpleasant waves, you can't season of unpleasant waves, you can't avoid them. Nobody can can can live a avoid them. Nobody can can can live a avoid them. Nobody can can can live a life that avoids all of them. So, you life that avoids all of them. So, you life that avoids all of them. So, you just pray for strength to endure them just pray for strength to endure them just pray for strength to endure them and realize they don't last forever and realize they don't last forever and realize they don't last forever either. either. either. Henry Nan said it way more beautifully Henry Nan said it way more beautifully Henry Nan said it way more beautifully than I'm trying to say it. Let me walk than I'm trying to say it. Let me walk than I'm trying to say it. Let me walk you through this quote slowly because it you through this quote slowly because it you through this quote slowly because it is deep and it is beautiful. A is deep and it is beautiful. A is deep and it is beautiful. A meaningful life, he says. Watch this. A meaningful life, he says. Watch this. A meaningful life, he says. Watch this. A meaningful life is a slow discovery of meaningful life is a slow discovery of meaningful life is a slow discovery of the mortality of all that is created. the mortality of all that is created. the mortality of all that is created. so that we can appreciate its beauty so that we can appreciate its beauty so that we can appreciate its beauty without clinging to it as if it were a without clinging to it as if it were a without clinging to it as if it were a lasting possession. lasting possession. lasting possession. That is you start to realize that That is you start to realize that That is you start to realize that everything passes, everything fades. everything passes, everything fades. everything passes, everything fades. Everything dies. Everything dies. Everything dies. Our lives, he says, are a school in the Our lives, he says, are a school in the Our lives, he says, are a school in the art of dying. I do not mean this in a art of dying. I do not mean this in a art of dying. I do not mean this in a morbid way like Henry sure sounds morbid way like Henry sure sounds morbid way like Henry sure sounds morbid. No, he says on the contrary, morbid. No, he says on the contrary, morbid. No, he says on the contrary, when you see life constantly relativized when you see life constantly relativized when you see life constantly relativized by death, by death, by death, you can enjoy it for what it is, you can enjoy it for what it is, you can enjoy it for what it is, [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] a free gift.

a free gift. a free gift. The pictures, the letters, the books of The pictures, the letters, the books of The pictures, the letters, the books of the past reveal life to us as a constant the past reveal life to us as a constant the past reveal life to us as a constant saying of farewell to beautiful places, saying of farewell to beautiful places, saying of farewell to beautiful places, good people, and wonderful experiences. This week we dropped off my third This week we dropped off my third daughter daughter daughter at college for her freshman year. And at college for her freshman year. And at college for her freshman year. And I'm telling you guys, every time it I'm telling you guys, every time it I'm telling you guys, every time it feels like a death feels like a death feels like a death and it was time for her to go off to her and it was time for her to go off to her and it was time for her to go off to her orientation to nursing program. She hops orientation to nursing program. She hops orientation to nursing program. She hops out of the car and she bounds off into out of the car and she bounds off into out of the car and she bounds off into the hall. the hall. the hall. And I called out to her because I just And I called out to her because I just And I called out to her because I just wanted her to come back. wanted her to come back. wanted her to come back. In fact, I kind of know what they mean In fact, I kind of know what they mean In fact, I kind of know what they mean when they say in moments like that, your when they say in moments like that, your when they say in moments like that, your life starts flashing before your eyes. life starts flashing before your eyes. life starts flashing before your eyes. Cuz all I could think about were all Cuz all I could think about were all Cuz all I could think about were all those nights and all those days of her those nights and all those days of her those nights and all those days of her being in the house wishing that I had being in the house wishing that I had being in the house wishing that I had enjoyed them more while they lasted.

enjoyed them more while they lasted. enjoyed them more while they lasted. And it's good and right that she goes to And it's good and right that she goes to And it's good and right that she goes to college and then she moves on. I cannot college and then she moves on. I cannot college and then she moves on. I cannot and I should not want to hold on to her and I should not want to hold on to her and I should not want to hold on to her forever. She's not my gain in life, but forever. She's not my gain in life, but forever. She's not my gain in life, but she was a gift she was a gift she was a gift that I can receive. Each chapter of that I can receive. Each chapter of that I can receive. Each chapter of life, including that one, is a gift from life, including that one, is a gift from life, including that one, is a gift from God. A gift I cannot hold on to forever, God. A gift I cannot hold on to forever, God. A gift I cannot hold on to forever, at least under the sun, but a genuine at least under the sun, but a genuine at least under the sun, but a genuine gift of God to be enjoyed to the gift of God to be enjoyed to the gift of God to be enjoyed to the fullest. fullest. fullest. Fact, it always reminds me of the wise Fact, it always reminds me of the wise Fact, it always reminds me of the wise words of that great saint of the church, words of that great saint of the church, words of that great saint of the church, St. Andrew of Bernard. By that I mean St. Andrew of Bernard. By that I mean St. Andrew of Bernard. By that I mean Andy Bernard of the office Andy Bernard of the office Andy Bernard of the office who in the final episode of The Office who in the final episode of The Office who in the final episode of The Office said, "I wish there was a way to know said, "I wish there was a way to know said, "I wish there was a way to know you were living in the good old days you were living in the good old days you were living in the good old days before they pass you by." See, we're before they pass you by." See, we're before they pass you by." See, we're always thinking the good old days. always thinking the good old days. always thinking the good old days. That's what we're trying to gain. That's That's what we're trying to gain. That's That's what we're trying to gain. That's the author's point. We're trying to gain the author's point. We're trying to gain the author's point. We're trying to gain these good old days and that's where these good old days and that's where these good old days and that's where life is going to be complete. And then life is going to be complete. And then life is going to be complete. And then you get to the end of it and you realize you get to the end of it and you realize you get to the end of it and you realize there was no change that brought you there was no change that brought you there was no change that brought you what you were looking for. that every what you were looking for. that every what you were looking for. that every single season was the good old days. It single season was the good old days. It single season was the good old days. It was there for you to enjoy it. And there was there for you to enjoy it. And there was there for you to enjoy it. And there was nothing ahead of you that was going was nothing ahead of you that was going was nothing ahead of you that was going to give you what you were looking for to give you what you were looking for to give you what you were looking for because what you were looking for was because what you were looking for was because what you were looking for was not found in that. It was found in God.

not found in that. It was found in God. not found in that. It was found in God. And when you get that, you can start to And when you get that, you can start to And when you get that, you can start to enjoy your life as you should enjoy it enjoy your life as you should enjoy it enjoy your life as you should enjoy it even though it's passing and temporary. even though it's passing and temporary. even though it's passing and temporary. David Gibson, whose book on Ecclesiastes David Gibson, whose book on Ecclesiastes David Gibson, whose book on Ecclesiastes I found really helpful, says this. By I found really helpful, says this. By I found really helpful, says this. By the way, this is this is very simple the the way, this is this is very simple the the way, this is this is very simple the wording of it, but this is so deep some wording of it, but this is so deep some wording of it, but this is so deep some of you going to think about this for the of you going to think about this for the of you going to think about this for the next month. Hedenism says, "Eat, drink, next month. Hedenism says, "Eat, drink, next month. Hedenism says, "Eat, drink, and be merry, for this is all we have." and be merry, for this is all we have." and be merry, for this is all we have." The preacher of Ecclesiastes says, "No, The preacher of Ecclesiastes says, "No, The preacher of Ecclesiastes says, "No, eat, drink, and be merry, for this is eat, drink, and be merry, for this is eat, drink, and be merry, for this is what we have." You understand the what we have." You understand the what we have." You understand the difference? difference? difference? The first one treats pleasure like it's The first one treats pleasure like it's The first one treats pleasure like it's the substance of life. Party it up the substance of life. Party it up the substance of life. Party it up because this is all we got. The latter because this is all we got. The latter because this is all we got. The latter one says, "No, no, no. Pleasure is not one says, "No, no, no. Pleasure is not one says, "No, no, no. Pleasure is not all we have. It's not the whole all we have. It's not the whole all we have. It's not the whole substance of our lives. The substance of substance of our lives. The substance of substance of our lives. The substance of our lives is God and eternity. But these our lives is God and eternity. But these our lives is God and eternity. But these are good gifts, good gifts of God that are good gifts, good gifts of God that are good gifts, good gifts of God that he gives us right now to be enjoyed to he gives us right now to be enjoyed to he gives us right now to be enjoyed to the full. So eat and drink and be merry the full. So eat and drink and be merry the full. So eat and drink and be merry because this is what you have. So enjoy because this is what you have. So enjoy because this is what you have. So enjoy every hug. Enjoy every moment with that every hug. Enjoy every moment with that every hug. Enjoy every moment with that kid. Enjoy every night with your spouse.

kid. Enjoy every night with your spouse. kid. Enjoy every night with your spouse. Enjoy every cool autumn day. Enjoy every Enjoy every cool autumn day. Enjoy every Enjoy every cool autumn day. Enjoy every football game. Enjoy every spicy chicken football game. Enjoy every spicy chicken football game. Enjoy every spicy chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A. Enjoy all of sandwich from Chick-fil-A. Enjoy all of sandwich from Chick-fil-A. Enjoy all of them to the fullest because they're them to the fullest because they're them to the fullest because they're gifts of God to be enjoyed. But don't gifts of God to be enjoyed. But don't gifts of God to be enjoyed. But don't turn them into gods. Don't turn them turn them into gods. Don't turn them turn them into gods. Don't turn them into your substance because if you do, into your substance because if you do, into your substance because if you do, they're going to break your heart when they're going to break your heart when they're going to break your heart when they turn out to be heavy. When you're they turn out to be heavy. When you're they turn out to be heavy. When you're going to fall into them, you're going to going to fall into them, you're going to going to fall into them, you're going to fall right through them. There's fall right through them. There's fall right through them. There's something you cannot control, predict, something you cannot control, predict, something you cannot control, predict, or hang on to. or hang on to. or hang on to. Let me conclude our first week in Let me conclude our first week in Let me conclude our first week in Ecclesiastes with two takeaways that I Ecclesiastes with two takeaways that I Ecclesiastes with two takeaways that I want you to carry with you throughout want you to carry with you throughout want you to carry with you throughout the study of this book. I'm going to the study of this book. I'm going to the study of this book. I'm going to call these the laws of the devil. Okay? call these the laws of the devil. Okay? call these the laws of the devil. Okay? Two laws. I'm going to introduce them to Two laws. I'm going to introduce them to Two laws. I'm going to introduce them to you and we'll circle around them the you and we'll circle around them the you and we'll circle around them the rest of the series. Law of the he number rest of the series. Law of the he number rest of the series. Law of the he number one. Law of the devil number one. one. Law of the devil number one. one. Law of the devil number one. Embrace life above the sun Embrace life above the sun Embrace life above the sun as the only satisfying answer for life as the only satisfying answer for life as the only satisfying answer for life under the sun. And by life above the under the sun. And by life above the under the sun. And by life above the sun, I mean life with God. The writer of sun, I mean life with God. The writer of sun, I mean life with God. The writer of Ecclesiastes is describing life in a Ecclesiastes is describing life in a Ecclesiastes is describing life in a world under the curse of sin. A life world under the curse of sin. A life world under the curse of sin. A life divorced from God. life after Genesis 3, divorced from God. life after Genesis 3, divorced from God. life after Genesis 3, after man is sinned, life east of Eden.

after man is sinned, life east of Eden. after man is sinned, life east of Eden. Which is why, by the way, I love this. Which is why, by the way, I love this. Which is why, by the way, I love this. Tim Keller says Ecclesiastes should go Tim Keller says Ecclesiastes should go Tim Keller says Ecclesiastes should go at the beginning of the Bible because it at the beginning of the Bible because it at the beginning of the Bible because it raises all the questions that the rest raises all the questions that the rest raises all the questions that the rest of scripture answers. of scripture answers. of scripture answers. Ecclesiastes is life in the Genesis 3 Ecclesiastes is life in the Genesis 3 Ecclesiastes is life in the Genesis 3 world, life under the curse of sin. And world, life under the curse of sin. And world, life under the curse of sin. And see, that sets us up for the good news see, that sets us up for the good news see, that sets us up for the good news of Ecclesiastes. of Ecclesiastes. of Ecclesiastes. into the futility of this cursed world into the futility of this cursed world into the futility of this cursed world step the author of life himself. And on step the author of life himself. And on step the author of life himself. And on a cross, the only one who actually was a cross, the only one who actually was a cross, the only one who actually was fully fulfilled, the only one who was fully fulfilled, the only one who was fully fulfilled, the only one who was not temporary, the only one who had life not temporary, the only one who had life not temporary, the only one who had life in himself and whose presence was the in himself and whose presence was the in himself and whose presence was the fullness of joy and at whose right hand fullness of joy and at whose right hand fullness of joy and at whose right hand are pleasures forever more. On a cross, are pleasures forever more. On a cross, are pleasures forever more. On a cross, he absorbed the heart of the curse, he absorbed the heart of the curse, he absorbed the heart of the curse, ultimate futility. Death itself went ultimate futility. Death itself went ultimate futility. Death itself went into him. the only perfect person who into him. the only perfect person who into him. the only perfect person who had ever walked on earth. Took our had ever walked on earth. Took our had ever walked on earth. Took our futility, the curse for our sin into futility, the curse for our sin into futility, the curse for our sin into himself. And he carried it into the himself. And he carried it into the himself. And he carried it into the cold, dark, meaningless grave. And then cold, dark, meaningless grave. And then cold, dark, meaningless grave. And then he walked out three days later, breaking he walked out three days later, breaking he walked out three days later, breaking the power of the curse and guaranteeing the power of the curse and guaranteeing the power of the curse and guaranteeing that life and labor in him will not end that life and labor in him will not end that life and labor in him will not end in futility. You see, he says it all in futility. You see, he says it all in futility. You see, he says it all ends here. The resurrection says no, it ends here. The resurrection says no, it ends here. The resurrection says no, it doesn't. He says this is all there is.

doesn't. He says this is all there is. doesn't. He says this is all there is. As the resurrection says, there is more. As the resurrection says, there is more. As the resurrection says, there is more. He says, "Nothing matters." Paul, the He says, "Nothing matters." Paul, the He says, "Nothing matters." Paul, the Apostle Paul, stands on the other side Apostle Paul, stands on the other side Apostle Paul, stands on the other side of an empty tomb, and he says, "No, of an empty tomb, and he says, "No, of an empty tomb, and he says, "No, everything matters. Be steadfast, everything matters. Be steadfast, everything matters. Be steadfast, therefore, immovable, always abounding therefore, immovable, always abounding therefore, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain, your labor in the Lord is not in vain, your labor in the Lord is not in vain, and that is for one reason, Paul says, and that is for one reason, Paul says, and that is for one reason, Paul says, and that reason is the resurrection." and that reason is the resurrection." and that reason is the resurrection." The resurrection changes everything. The The resurrection changes everything. The The resurrection changes everything. The resurrection ends ultimate futility. resurrection ends ultimate futility. resurrection ends ultimate futility. Y'all, Ecclesiastes is an incredible Y'all, Ecclesiastes is an incredible Y'all, Ecclesiastes is an incredible book because it answers the world's book because it answers the world's book because it answers the world's greatest dilemma better than any other greatest dilemma better than any other greatest dilemma better than any other philosophy does. And it does that first philosophy does. And it does that first philosophy does. And it does that first by exposing the emptiness of all the by exposing the emptiness of all the by exposing the emptiness of all the other answers that our society gives to other answers that our society gives to other answers that our society gives to that dilemma. You say, "Well, I I have that dilemma. You say, "Well, I I have that dilemma. You say, "Well, I I have meaning because I'll leave a legacy." meaning because I'll leave a legacy." meaning because I'll leave a legacy." Ecclesiastes says, "Yeah, but you make Ecclesiastes says, "Yeah, but you make Ecclesiastes says, "Yeah, but you make little difference and eventually you'll little difference and eventually you'll little difference and eventually you'll be forgotten." Existentialism says, be forgotten." Existentialism says, be forgotten." Existentialism says, "Well, I I'll create my own meaning." "Well, I I'll create my own meaning." "Well, I I'll create my own meaning." And Ecclesiastes says, "Well, can any And Ecclesiastes says, "Well, can any And Ecclesiastes says, "Well, can any meaning you create for yourself survive meaning you create for yourself survive meaning you create for yourself survive your own death? Don't be an idiot."

your own death? Don't be an idiot." your own death? Don't be an idiot." Hedenism says, "Well, then I'll stop Hedenism says, "Well, then I'll stop Hedenism says, "Well, then I'll stop asking this question and just enjoy asking this question and just enjoy asking this question and just enjoy life." And Ecclesiastes says, "Well, life." And Ecclesiastes says, "Well, life." And Ecclesiastes says, "Well, you'll find that's like striving after you'll find that's like striving after you'll find that's like striving after the wind." the wind." the wind." The preacher shows us that every path The preacher shows us that every path The preacher shows us that every path under the sun ends at the same dismal under the sun ends at the same dismal under the sun ends at the same dismal place, the grave, meaningless death. And place, the grave, meaningless death. And place, the grave, meaningless death. And then he shows us, by the way, he shows then he shows us, by the way, he shows then he shows us, by the way, he shows us that not because he's cynical. He us that not because he's cynical. He us that not because he's cynical. He shows that because he's clearing away shows that because he's clearing away shows that because he's clearing away every false hope until we are ready to every false hope until we are ready to every false hope until we are ready to hear that the only hope comes from above hear that the only hope comes from above hear that the only hope comes from above the sun. Hope only comes from Jesus. the sun. Hope only comes from Jesus. the sun. Hope only comes from Jesus. Law of the devil number two. Law of the devil number two. Law of the devil number two. And again, I'm just going to introduce And again, I'm just going to introduce And again, I'm just going to introduce this one. Build your life on eternal this one. Build your life on eternal this one. Build your life on eternal things. things. things. Again, I'm only touch on this now, but Again, I'm only touch on this now, but Again, I'm only touch on this now, but see, if all this is true, see, if all this is true, see, if all this is true, you need to ask yourself what you're you need to ask yourself what you're you need to ask yourself what you're really living for. So many of you are pouring your life So many of you are pouring your life into things under the sun, things that into things under the sun, things that into things under the sun, things that don't matter. You're not an atheist. No.

don't matter. You're not an atheist. No. don't matter. You're not an atheist. No. But you're living as if life under the But you're living as if life under the But you're living as if life under the sun is really what counts. You're trying sun is really what counts. You're trying sun is really what counts. You're trying to make a big impact. You're trying to to make a big impact. You're trying to to make a big impact. You're trying to make the world a better place. You're make the world a better place. You're make the world a better place. You're trying to leave a name and a legacy for trying to leave a name and a legacy for trying to leave a name and a legacy for yourself. And maybe you are wealthy yourself. And maybe you are wealthy yourself. And maybe you are wealthy enough to get your name on a building at enough to get your name on a building at enough to get your name on a building at your alma mater. Congratulations. But a your alma mater. Congratulations. But a your alma mater. Congratulations. But a lot of you are giving away your life's lot of you are giving away your life's lot of you are giving away your life's work to things that won't eternally work to things that won't eternally work to things that won't eternally [music] matter. Your investment dies [music] matter. Your investment dies [music] matter. Your investment dies here. here. here. When I was a kid, I've told you my dad When I was a kid, I've told you my dad When I was a kid, I've told you my dad taught me this phrase. He said I should taught me this phrase. He said I should taught me this phrase. He said I should live by. The phrase is only two things live by. The phrase is only two things live by. The phrase is only two things in life, son, are going to last forever. in life, son, are going to last forever. in life, son, are going to last forever. Only two things will last forever. Only two things will last forever. Only two things will last forever. Truly, and that's the souls of men and Truly, and that's the souls of men and Truly, and that's the souls of men and the word of God. the word of God. the word of God. So, make sure you build your life around So, make sure you build your life around So, make sure you build your life around those. those. those. Only two things in life last forever. Only two things in life last forever. Only two things in life last forever. The word of God and the souls of men. The word of God and the souls of men. The word of God and the souls of men. Don't give your energy and don't give Don't give your energy and don't give Don't give your energy and don't give your money and your time to things under your money and your time to things under your money and your time to things under the sun, second and third homes, the sun, second and third homes, the sun, second and third homes, building a palace for yourself on earth. building a palace for yourself on earth. building a palace for yourself on earth. Nothing wrong with those, but don't make Nothing wrong with those, but don't make Nothing wrong with those, but don't make them the substance of your life.

them the substance of your life. them the substance of your life. Getting your name on a plaque somewhere, Getting your name on a plaque somewhere, Getting your name on a plaque somewhere, creating a life of ease for yourself. creating a life of ease for yourself. creating a life of ease for yourself. Build your life on eternal things, Build your life on eternal things, Build your life on eternal things, things that are going to last forever. things that are going to last forever. things that are going to last forever. Only two things in life last forever Only two things in life last forever Only two things in life last forever truly, and that is the word of God and truly, and that is the word of God and truly, and that is the word of God and the souls of people. I am not saying the souls of people. I am not saying the souls of people. I am not saying your secular work doesn't matter. In your secular work doesn't matter. In your secular work doesn't matter. In fact, Ecclesiastes is going to say it fact, Ecclesiastes is going to say it fact, Ecclesiastes is going to say it does matter because you can do [music] does matter because you can do [music] does matter because you can do [music] it to glorify God and bless others it to glorify God and bless others it to glorify God and bless others around you in his name, y'all. There's around you in his name, y'all. There's around you in his name, y'all. There's so much more in this book. But that's a so much more in this book. But that's a so much more in this book. But that's a good place for us to stop [music] today good place for us to stop [music] today good place for us to stop [music] today because these are the principles right because these are the principles right because these are the principles right here. These are the principles that I here. These are the principles that I here. These are the principles that I want you to carry with you throughout want you to carry with you throughout want you to carry with you throughout [music] this book. I'm going to leave [music] this book. I'm going to leave [music] this book. I'm going to leave these two up here. I'm going to let you these two up here. I'm going to let you these two up here. I'm going to let you think about them for a moment. think about them for a moment. think about them for a moment. I'm going to let the Holy Spirit just I'm going to let the Holy Spirit just I'm going to let the Holy Spirit just let him show you where let him show you where let him show you where you're having trouble getting your mind you're having trouble getting your mind you're having trouble getting your mind and your heart in conformity to one of and your heart in conformity to one of and your heart in conformity to one of these. these. these. But first, could I do this? Let me ask But first, could I do this? Let me ask But first, could I do this? Let me ask you to bow your heads. Let me ask you to you to bow your heads. Let me ask you to you to bow your heads. Let me ask you to bow your heads for just a moment so I bow your heads for just a moment so I bow your heads for just a moment so I can ask you a question. can ask you a question. can ask you a question. I just wonder who here might say, I just wonder who here might say, I just wonder who here might say, "Pastor, "Pastor, "Pastor, you've been describing me this whole you've been describing me this whole you've been describing me this whole morning.

morning. morning. I'm the person who's been living for I'm the person who's been living for I'm the person who's been living for themselves and life under the sun. But themselves and life under the sun. But themselves and life under the sun. But this weekend, I am recognizing that this weekend, I am recognizing that this weekend, I am recognizing that Jesus is the only answer and I'm ready Jesus is the only answer and I'm ready Jesus is the only answer and I'm ready to give my [music] life to him. to give my [music] life to him. to give my [music] life to him. If that's you, would you just raise your If that's you, would you just raise your If that's you, would you just raise your hand? I'm not going to embarrass you. I hand? I'm not going to embarrass you. I hand? I'm not going to embarrass you. I just I think that's an important thing just I think that's an important thing just I think that's an important thing for you to acknowledge. Okay, good. for you to acknowledge. Okay, good. for you to acknowledge. Okay, good. Others, whether I can see you or not, Others, whether I can see you or not, Others, whether I can see you or not, just raise your hand. You put it down. just raise your hand. You put it down. just raise your hand. You put it down. Listen, if you have never received Listen, if you have never received Listen, if you have never received Christ and given your life to him, Christ and given your life to him, Christ and given your life to him, it would sound like this. You could pray it would sound like this. You could pray it would sound like this. You could pray this with me right now. You this with me right now. You this with me right now. You Pray this from your heart. Pray this from your heart. Pray this from your heart. Jesus, I give my life to you. Jesus, I give my life to you. Jesus, I give my life to you. I recognize you are my Lord. I believe you died on a cross to save me I believe you died on a cross to save me and forgive me. and forgive me. and forgive me. I receive that gift of salvation right I receive that gift of salvation right I receive that gift of salvation right now. Say that from your heart. I receive now. Say that from your heart. I receive now. Say that from your heart. I receive that gift of [music] salvation right that gift of [music] salvation right that gift of [music] salvation right now. every head's bowed. I want you just to every head's bowed. I want you just to really quietly take a peek up here and really quietly take a peek up here and really quietly take a peek up here and I'm going to put the word ready. R E A D I'm going to put the word ready. R E A D I'm going to put the word ready. R E A D Y. I want you to text the word ready in Y. I want you to text the word ready in Y. I want you to text the word ready in just a minute to 33933.

just a minute to 33933. just a minute to 33933. That'll let us start a conversation with That'll let us start a conversation with That'll let us start a conversation with you you you and it' be a good first step to take. and it' be a good first step to take. and it' be a good first step to take. Okay? Okay? Okay? Otherwise, summit, let me leave you to Otherwise, summit, let me leave you to Otherwise, summit, let me leave you to reflect on these two laws. reflect on these two laws. reflect on these two laws. Just give a moment for the Holy Spirit Just give a moment for the Holy Spirit Just give a moment for the Holy Spirit to show you where or your life may not to show you where or your life may not to show you where or your life may not be in conformity to this perspective be in conformity to this perspective be in conformity to this perspective [music] that Ecclesiastes is trying to [music] that Ecclesiastes is trying to [music] that Ecclesiastes is trying to get you to adopt. You take a moment and get you to adopt. You take a moment and get you to adopt. You take a moment and then our worship teams will come at all then our worship teams will come at all then our worship teams will come at all of our campuses and they'll lead us of our campuses and they'll lead us of our campuses and they'll lead us [music] to stand and worship the God who [music] to stand and worship the God who [music] to stand and worship the God who entered the heaven.