Session 13 ‘’Tis Mystery All

The Dark Mysteries of Ecclesiastes

The Dark Mysteries of Ecclesiastes Ecclesiastes connects with the unbelieving world through one issue: despair. Some of the statements in Ecclesiastes are “goads” and some are “nails.”

What’s the Point? Goads are disturbing reflections about life that lead to the conclusion “What’s the point?”

What’s the Point? The point is that all of life is “pointless”—vanity or emptiness—unless some-thing else is involved that transcends the pointlessness.

What’s the Point? Despair is the inevitable hopelessness of life without light.

The Equation of Enjoyment Multiplicand Multiplier Result 50 X 0 = 0 Gifts Satisfaction Joy & Peace

The Equation of Enjoyment If God grants riches but with-holds the “rejoicing,” riches will bring no satisfaction. Satisfaction in life is a byproduct of relationship with God—the Multiplier.

Psalm 4:7 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.

Haggai 1:6-7 Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm.

Haggai 1:6-7 (cont.) and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.

Proverbs 14:11-14 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 14:11-14 (cont.) Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

Psalm 127:1 Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

John 15:4-5 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me . . . for without me ye can do nothing.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

Fear God Learn that there is someone ruling over all the dark mysteries. Rejoice in what He has given you, and above all, rejoice in Him.

Fear God “When there are things that you do not know about your life’s situation, you must focus on the things that you do know about your God.”

The Mysteries of Ephesians The Mystery of Christ The foundation of all spiritual unity is Jesus Christ. The Mystery of the Church The solution for spiritual unity is the Church.

The Mysteries of Ephesians The Mystery of Marriage The illustration of spiritual unity is marriage.

A Final Challenge

First! A Final Challenge We were created for His glory. Let us show the world that our God—and His Son Jesus Christ—is First!

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