Nothing New Under The Sun (1 Ecclesiastes 1:1-14)

Summer Worship Series, July 12, 2020

Under the Sun Series, Week 5, Life Under The Sun

Readings for Sunday, July 12, 2020

First Lesson and Sermon:  Ecclesiastes 1:1-14.  In this book, King Solomon describes how many things “under the sun” are meaningless.  He then explains that through fait in God our lives have meaning.

Second Lesson:  Philippians 3:7-11.  Faith in Christ allows us to know and to believe that anything else in our lives would be meaningless without him.

Gospel:  Matthew 6:25-34.  Since earthly things are far less important than spiritual matters (the kingdom of God), we do not need to worry.  We can trust that God will provide what we need.

Sermon:  Life Under The Sun. 

1)       It is all chasing the wind

People of all times and all places have wondered what the meaning of life is:  Who am I? Where do I come from? Why am I here?

Believers have an advantage the unbelieving world does not and that is God’s Word, a source that will answer whatever questions we may have when it comes to figuring out what truly matters in life. 

There’s a sobering truth that no matter what we do or don’t, we cannot prevent ALL future pandemics, economic downturns, or the painful ways our sinful nature shows itself.

Sin is and will always be a part of this world until the Last Day.

2)      God alone gives meaning.

Once we lift our gaze to the one who is over the sun (God) everything changes for the better. 

As God had promised, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One, lived, died, and rose so that righteousness and forgiveness could be given to all with faith.  That is a historical fact with eternal results that can never be undone or called into question.

We have a home waiting for us over the sun where sin hasn’t and will never leave its ugly mark.

“This is the conclusion of the matter.  Everything has been heard.  Fear God and keep his commandments.  For mankind, this is everything. (verse 12)

Prayer: May our Lord help us focus on him and always value the righteousness he gives so that we know what truly matters in this life under the sun.  Amen.

Pastor Tim Patoka