SOMETHING TO LAST

Throughout history many have searched for a purpose in life. Solomon seemed to be one of these people. The book of Ecclesiastes describes a person searching for a purpose; something that would last. Everything he tried ended with the same result: Ecclesiastes 1:2 "Vanity of vanities,'' says the Preacher; "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.'' Many tonight are searching for a purpose, but they are looking in the wrong places. They are putting their faith and trust in things that will not last.

Money Ecclesiastes 5:10 He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity. Solomon tried thisWhat was the result? I Timothy 6:9-11 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Paul talked about this. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. What did he tell Timothy? Money will do us no good when this life is over!

Pleasure Again Solomon tried it Ecclesiastes 2:1 I said in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with mirth; therefore enjoy pleasure''; but surely, this also was vanity. The result? Paul told Timothy that a time would come when men would love pleasure more than they loved God, II Timothy 3:4. Hebrews 11:24-26 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. Moses made the right choice. Pleasure is short-lived.

Possessions Again Solomon tried this but had the same result Ecclesiastes 2:4-11 We said this morning that things that are seen are only temporal. II Corinthians 4:18 While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. Peter said the earth and the things on it will be burned-up. II Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

Physical Life As Solomon contemplated the purpose of life, he did come some conclusions. Ecclesiastes 9:5 For the living know that they will die;… Death is a part of life. James 4:13-14 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit''; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. We all have an appointment with death. Hebrews 9:27 And just as it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment,

Atonement: The Sacrifice of Christ John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” As long as there is sin in the world, blood of Christ will make atonement for our sins. I John 1:7; 2:2 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them. He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. What Does Last?

Salvation Christ came into the world to save us from our past sins. Hebrews 5:8-9 Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. Acts 2:38 "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” He also came to give us eternal salvation

This salvation involves: An inheritance I Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Romans 8:16-18 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

An Eternal Weight of Glory II Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, A Crown of Life II Timothy 4:8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

A Home With God II Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. John 14:1-3 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

The inward person Your Soul Perhaps Solomon realized this when he figured out the purpose for life. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Matthew 16:26 "For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether it is good or whether it is evil. The soul will be judged. Nothing is more valuable than the soul.

The soul will never cease to exist It has an eternal future somewhere. How we answer God in judgment will determine where our soul spends eternity HOW WILL YOU ANSWER GOD ON THAT DAY?

Given by David Hamlin on June 6, 2010 pm Hollister, Missouri church of Christ