Lesson 23 – Seeking Honesty…Finding Hope – Hear the Conclusion of the Whole Matter Brian K. Davis February 19, 2012 Seeking Answers A Study in Ecclesiastes

Perspective of the Book of Ecclesiastes Life Happens in Real Time We Cannot Know How Life is Going to Turn Out We Cannot Change the Past or Control the Future Life Has Meaning with the Proper Perspective

The Author of the Book of Ecclesiastes Solomon as the Author brings a number of perceptions about this book: 1.Bitter, Old Man 2.Wisest Man Who Lived 3.His Apostasy 4.Other Considerations – Uninspired writing, etc. Set aside Solomon as the Author to change the perspective of this book: 1.Qoheleth or Preacher is Speaking 2.This is a “Preacher’s Story” 3.Technique of Inductive Reasoning Used to derive an answer to the question of life - “What value or purpose is there for living?” 4.Pessimist view, Optimist view or Realist view – You decide?

Perspective: The Tone is Pessimist - Half Empty? The Author’s Theme – “All is Vanity” – Remember the key at the front door and at the back door – Ecclesiastes 1:2; 12:8 Vanity - means uselessness; it occurs 35 times in 29 verses. Sets a tone for the entire book sans the last few verses But a key phrase is “under the sun” - it is found 29 times in 27 verses. Sets the place of consideration sans the last few verses. Consider the following: 1.Human labor is troublesome – 2:18 2.Severe evil - Riches kept… owner’s hurt – 5:13 3.Men and Beast have the same fate – 3:19 4.Recommending death over life – 4:2 5.Wickedness overruns righteous – 8:14 6.Sorrow and sickness and anger – 5:17 7.Grieved, burden and restless with life – 2:23 Is the Preacher hopeless? Is there no value in his message?

Perspective: The Preacher a Realist When Dealing with a Meaningless Life? What he shares is based upon his observations and experience when dealing with life ‘under the sun’ “Scared-Straight” approach – The author is frank when dealing with a person who chooses to live life ‘under the sun’ – a life without God! Is the preacher credible and trustworthy in what he says about a life without God? - Read Ecclesiastes 12:9 – He followed the path of wisdom – Moses, Solomon and Ezra – Deut 6:1-9; Proverbs 1:7; Ezra 7:10 2.His personal experience with emptiness of worldly pursuits – ‘knowledge’ implies more than just facts – 12:9 3.He pondered and sought out – left no stone unturned – 12:9 4.His word are the words of the ‘one Shepherd’ – Psalm 23; Ezekiel 34:1-10 – ‘goads and well- driven nails’ 5.The Words of the Shepherd is Sufficient – 12:12 – II Timothy 3:16-17; Matt. 4:4

Perspective: The Preacher is an Optimist for those who ‘Fear God and Keep His Commandments’ The Preacher was pessimistic about a life without God and he was certainly a realist when it came to a life with God. In his realism, the preacher revealed his optimism. (Gleaves, p. 107) For Wednesday night, please re-read the book of Ecclesiastes with an unbiased view (e.g. an open mind) and determine has your perspective of the book changed. This book is a call to action for those who are living life ‘under the sun’! And, for those who are on a Heavenly journey, it should serve as a reminder of the blessed life in having a relationship with the Creator! (Notes of Davis) At the close of this book, the author reminds the ‘hearers’ that there is a judgment to come – with that consideration in mind, how should we conduct ourselves?