Sermon Nuggets, Week of Feb 2 Eccl 2:1-11
Sermon Nuggets Mon Feb 2
Theme Pleasure's Pursuits
Eccl 2:1
1 I thought in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good." But that also proved to be meaningless.
Pondering Pleasure
Peanuts: Lucy:"Do you think life has any meaning?”
Charlie Brown: "I I...”
Lucy: "I mean, do you think life has any meaning after you failed 9 spelling tests in a row and your teacher hates you?"
Charlie "That's a different question."
Solomon was also asking "what is the meaning of life? What's it all about?" The wisest man was so caught up in his own pursuits that his relationship with God became strained. Finally, judgment fell verbally on Solomon and his family. It was like failing 9 exams and having his teacher is mad at him. Then does life have meaning? That is a different question and Solomon answers, "No".
What gives us pleasure? Do you feel like you are missing out whereas others are enjoying life? What if you had enough money that you didn’t need to deny yourself of anything you wanted to do. That was Solomon’s situation.
I remember thinking as a teen "This is suppose to be the most exciting time of my whole life and adults look back and say you're only young once." Then I'd look at my life and ask, "Am I really enjoying all of life to the fullest?" I was a virgin and I wonder what it would be like to have sexual intercourse. So many other kids were doing it? I wondered about drinking and partying, and smoking, and going to places that my folks would never allow. So many other kids were saying it's really a blast. I'd wonder if the other world, the world of the non Christian was really having fun.
Oh, I enjoyed some of the things that our church and church youth group was doing, but I had to admit some of it was really boring. I enjoyed church, but I also didn't want to go sometimes, but went anyway. I wondered, what if got through my teenage and college years and then discovered that I really did miss out on the good times. Would it then be too late? Youth are no different today.
But these thoughts are not limited to young people. Men in middle age wonder if there is more to life than being tied to family responsibilities. Many are lured into the gambling casinos for the promise of a better life than they have now. Pornography promises thrills to the sexually hungry. More games are being offered than ever before. Pleasure spending has increased almost 20% in the past 10 years. Americans are among the few cultures than really work at their play and too often play at their work.
I can assure you, however, there was not one that could match the pleasure seeking of king Solomon. No American can hold a candle to this pleasure seeker. In Solomon's Sermon he discusses pleasure from different perspectives.
What gives you pleasure now in your stage of life? What do you think you might be missing out on? These are the questions for our thoughts this week.
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Tues Feb 3
Verse Eccl 2:2-10 "Laughter," I said, "is foolish. And what does pleasure accomplish?"
3 I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly-- my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.
10 I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.(NIV)
The Pursuit of Pleasure
Solomon pursued pleasure as a means to happiness. He denied himself nothing that he saw and wanted.
Pleasure is seen by many when there is lots of laughter and having a good time with friends. I think people should laugh more. I typically enjoy comedies, and telling of jokes. Some of Lawrence Olson’s family was concerned that we weren’t good for each other when we got together because we exchanged too many bad jokes. Even though people might groan when Vernon Christensen starts telling another one of his famous jokes, we delight in them for they bring laughter.
Christians on TV or in the movies have been portrayed as stern, sober, and judgmental. That isn’t the picture of pleasure. There are so many somber and sad looking faces. Charles Swindoll says laughter is tremendous medicine and it can be spiritual as well. Humor is a way to bring balance and sanity in life.
I know and admire a very good Bible teacher and preacher that feels very strongly that there is no place for humor in the pulpit. “The Gospel is serious business” he says. “We need to ask serious questions. Some don't take seriously the message of God.”
What does it mean to be created for God’s pleasure and purpose? We find our pleasure not only in Him but in His blessings. Eden was put there for more reasons than food for humans. They delighted in all of creation.
Solomon also sought to make himself merry with wine. Notice how much wine and booze always play such an important part people seeking pleasure. Many drug addicts start with parties where dope is shared for the purpose of having a good time. Drinking helps people forget their troubles for awhile. When someone is giddy, or finds everything funny, people assume they have been drinking.
Solomon also said he embraced folly or frivolity. Acting silly and doing foolish things can be done with those seeking pleasure. I see how some people dress up for football games, or silliness shown at costume parties. Practical jokes played on one another just for the fun of it, brings out diversion from routine, but the king said, “my mind still guided me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives." I think he is saying, I drank to cheer up, but not to the point of losing my sense. I didn't go overboard or get stone drunk, or spend all my time acting foolish. He sought wine, women and song. That is the philosophy of the hedonist.
One of the most popular TV shows was CHEERS. The message of the program was pleasure is found when you drink a lot and pursuit sex. Watch the popular comedies today and see how much sin is the focus for a good time. There is a pleasure that leads to addictions. There are events that become cover ups to the emptiness inside.
We can see the type of parties Solomon had if you read I Kings 4:20-23. That party would have to feed 30,000 to 40,000 people. Like all the inaugural balls the kingdom was partying. But like our new president, King Solomon realized the next day the party was over. Now what?
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Weds Feb 4
Verses- Eccl 2:4 I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards.
5 I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them.
6 I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees.
7 I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me.
8 I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired men and women singers, and a harem as well-- the delights of the heart of man.
9 I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me.
The Pleasure of Possessions.
We will discuss possessions and finances again but as an part of his introduction to his sermon the King reveals he sought pleasure in possessions and building projects. Many think happiness is in nicer homes and beautiful lawns and spacious estates. People will drive all around Hollywood to see the actors' homes. Folks like to travel in the richest areas of the suburbs just to look at mansions and homes that are picture perfect. I would take friends down Grand Avenue to show off how the other side lived. Going to Europe people are still fascinated with the ornate castles and cathedrals.
Solomon had projects, elaborate homes, acres of vineyards, celebrations with parades. He had manicured parks including fruit trees and reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees. There were excavations of his barns for the horses, courtyards, and 3 large reservoirs were discovered. His pools were between the size of a football field and another twice the size. With all these things he still failed to find inner peace. He knows what it was to build the most lavish of houses, which took 13 years to build. Even without the modern conveniences his was greater than the homes of the rich and famous. Many dream of the joys of pleasure through homes by the lake, and homes to get away in the winter. Nothing wrong with these, but then come taxes, work, responsibilities and the dreams are always better than the reality.
In addition to his homes, Solomon also got into collecting jewels and articles of silver and gold. He also had his own home entertainment center by brining in live music with singers, bands, and entertainers, He wrote over 1000 songs and got choirs to do some of his own compositions. He was a man of the arts.
Eccl. 10:19 "A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything."
Then there were the pleasures of women. Solomon wrote about love in the Song of Solomon and the pleasures of sexual relationship with his wife whom he loves. We don't have many sermons from the book of Song of Solomon but its there and it is expressing the joy of love. When a man has 1,000 wives he should know about that area of life. The women and concubines could fulfill any sensual and sexual desires he had. Yet his boredom was so great it could not be described. He ran out of words to say it, other than futility.
I think one of the saddest verses in the Bible is Matt 16:26 “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”(NIV)
What is your dream that you long to possess? Is it God’s will? Have you prayed about it? Do you think that will finally bring happiness?
Pastor Dale
Sermon nuggets Thurs Feb 5
Verses- Eccl 2:1
1 I thought in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good." But that also proved to be meaningless.
The Pain of Pleasure.
Of course few people do not discover the pain of pleasure until later. How many times have people warned others of drug and alcoholic abuse, only to find it falls on deaf ears? How often have people shared the pain of premarital sex and living situations only to see young and old continuing to face sexual disease and heartache? It is hard to take the testimony of others. But sometimes a few listen.
A lot of people seek pleasure as an escape from the void of the real need in their life. Many are afraid of stopping their busy pursuit because then they might hear the voice of God to speak to them. When Solomon stopped the merry-go-round of pleasure he felt empty and unfulfilled. He discovered the hard way the effects of sin and the futility of pleasure. Solomon had a limitless supply of money and no sense of accountability. When it was all said and done, he concluded "What an empty, futile trip."People that seek meaning in pleasures find that the time is just postponed until they must deal with life's reality. There is a price to be paid.
Solomon can save us years of heartache if we will only heed what he says. This comes from the wisest and richest man who ever lived and he is telling us truth about illicit sex, about alcohol, about drugs, about the occult, and all the things that appeal to our erotic desires. Physical pleasures do not last long.
A pleasure seeking culture will also fall in time. The Roman civilization began with high moral standards, and sanctity of home and passion for justice and honesty. But the empire fell into debauchery and decline. Their extravagant prosperity moved their morality to immorality. Their pleasures of games turned into more violent and sexual games that cost people their lives. Their entertainment became pleasures with sadistic behavior as they watched other human beings inflict punishment, suffering and death in the coliseums. Rome fell into ruins. But it had really fallen long earlier.
Solomon wrote a few chapters later, "Laughter is like the cracking if burning thorns (7:6) they blaze forth with great promise but last only a moment, giving off little heat and leaving nothing but ashes." Solomon discovered the snare of pleasure promises far more than it produces. It may be satisfying only during the time, but it leaves us thirsty for the next and unsatisfied afterwards.
One man in despair went to see a psychologist who listening to his account of unhappiness. He encouraged the man to visit the show of an Italian comedian in town. It would bring him laughter again. The man responded "I am that comedian." Prov 14:13 "Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief." There are many who play the clown on the outside while inside life is miserable and full of tears.
The pain of pleasure is millions of lives and broken marriages and children becoming victims of increasing divorce with the new sexual freedoms and license for pleasure. The joy of sex entices some into the joy of getting away from it all. The pain of paying for it is AIDS, broken relationships, abortions, unwanted pregnancies are causes our society to ask what is a family today?
Our society today is in economic chaos as the search for the pleasurable life now and the opulent lifestyle proves empty. Peace is not found in more money, larger houses, and wild parties. Pain is felt and many are hurt in the process when pleasure becomes our god.
I John 2:15, 17 says, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world for anyone who loves the world the love of the Father is not in Him." Even the richest, wisest, most accomplished of us all recognized the pain of pleasure. It resulted in emptiness.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri Feb 6
Verses- Eccl 2:24-25 A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?”
The Promise of Pleasure
The world tells us, "if it feels good, do it" We sometimes dream if only I could just earn enough money to fulfill our dreams then we would have pleasure." Solomon would say, "Don't go to the trouble." When you wake up achieving your dream there is a hunger for more, and more, but never does it satisfy. In time you will lose the important things that once were around you. The things you cannot lose bring happiness.
What is the Christian suppose to do in this world? Ought he then to deny himself of any worldly pleasures? The Amish have a very strict definition of what is worldly and pleasurable. They are against any color other than black, or grey or white. No jewelry, no fine hats. It is considered worldliness to own and operate cars, tractors, to have electricity, or church buildings. What is worldly? There are groups that look at any pleasure as of the devil. Is it the pursuit of card-playing, dancing, movies, drinking and smoking? Is it mini-skirts, pant suits for women, lip stick, colored clothes. Is it having a second house, or latest style of automobile?
No, For you see Solomon keeps using a phrase in this book, "under heaven" or "under the sun". This king was looking under the heavens to find happiness without God. The secret is found also in a little but perplexing phrase in the New Testament. Heb. 12:2 "Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him." How can one talk about the cross and joy in the same sentence? Yet the ground of a Christian Hedonist is the fact that God is uppermost in his own affections. The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. The greater relationship that gives us pleasure is found in our relationship with God himself. This does not reduce God to key that unlocks the treasure of gold, silver and cheap thrills, but rather it changes our hearts so God will be our joy.
John Piper says in his book, Desiring God, “When the problem is we seek pleasure by shooting too low instead of higher. We do not believe Jesus when he says there is more blessedness, more joy, more lasting pleasure in life devoted to God firs and then helping others than there is in a life devoted to our material comfort. A life devoted to material comforts and thrills is like throwing money down a rat hole. But a life invested in the labor of love yields dividends of joy unsurpassed and unending."
Solomon discovers that pleasure is obtained in the presence of God. vs. 24-26. So often other fleeting pleasures push God out of the picture and these things may not be wrong in and of themselves, but when we spend more time with these things and less time with God we become unfulfilled. Christian pleasure does not mean that God is a means to help us get worldly pleasure, as some people preach, but pleasure is in God Himself. "The Almighty will be your gold and silver to you. (Job 22:25)
In the academy award winning movie, Chariots of Fire, Erick Liddel raced in the Olympics. As a committed Christian he believed God made him fast. He said that he felt the presence of God in his running and for him it was joy. He committed that skill as a means not to beat others but by his running he might honor God. When the Olympic race came on the Sabbath, Eric Liddel was willing to give up the crown for His Sabbath was devoted to God. He would serve the King of Kings rather than the King of Britain. His pleasure was in running, for in it he felt God's power. He became a missionary to china. Worldliness therefore is life that is not under the Lordship of Jesus It is an attitude of one’s heart. Not in what we do but why we do it.
Discover the joy of our creation that saw all that He had made and said it was good, it was very good.
Pastor Dale
