ECCLESIASTES SERIES
Ecclesiastes 9:1-18
SIMILARITIES
(Lesson #10 in the
series on Ecclesiastes)
You might introduce this
message by discussing how our lives are different from the lives of famous
wealthy people like Steve Forbes, Donald Trump or George Steinbrenner.
No matter how wealthy a
person may be, or how different from us, we still have many similarities.
Ecclesiastes 9 shows us
things we have in common with others, no matter what our station in life.
COMMON DENOMINATOR - Vs.
1
The last part of this
verse tells us that nobody knows what is going to happen next in his or her
life. People can go from being in terrible straits to places of importance and
comfort. Consider Joseph.
People can also go from
places of prominence to places of embarrassment and humility.
We don't know what is
coming next, so trust in Christ is of the utmost importance.
COMMON DESTINY (DEATH) -
Vss. 2-6
Unless the Lord Jesus
returns, all of us face the destiny of death.
Of course, there are two
possible destinies after death, which are Heaven or hell. John 3:16-18
As you consider these
verses, please bear in mind that Solomon is speaking about life "under the
sun". He is not looking beyond this life.
COMMON DELIGHT - Vss.
7-9
Solomon is encouraging
everyone to enjoy this life. However,
the only one who can truly enjoy this life in the right way is the
Christian. He is the one who is in right
relationship with God.
COMMON DUTY - Vs. 10
The time for work is
now! The grave will be too late. Ephesians 2:10, Colossians 3:17,23
COMMON DISTRACTION -
Vss. 11-12
Every one of us deals with
time and chance. We don't know what is
going to happen next.
Fish don't plan to get
caught in a net but some do.
Birds don't plan to be
snared but some do.
Men don't plan to fall
on hard times but some do.
Of course, what we call
chance is not a surprise to God.
COMMON DISTINCTION -
Vss. 13-18
Although all men have
many things in common, it is wisdom that makes the difference.
The person with wisdom
is far better off than the person without wisdom.