1. Ecclesiastes: Pilgrims in Exile “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecc 12:13)

2. Pilgrims in Exile Part 8 – The Gospel According to Ecclesiastes

3. Literary Structure of Ecclesiastes David A. Dorsey (modified) A.Poem about the insignificance of life; the vanity of wisdom. (1:1-18) B. Wisdom v. folly; failure to enjoy life apart from God. (2:1 – 2:26) C.Poem about time; God’s sovereignty. (3:1-15) D. Center: Fear God; enjoy life as God’s gift. (3:16 – 6:12) C’. Poem about time revisited; God’s sovereignty. (7:1-14) B’. Wisdom v. Folly revisited; how to enjoy life. (7:15-10:19) A’. Poem about life’s brevity revisited; the value of wisdom. (10:20-12:12) Conclusion: Whole duty of man -- fear and obey God, for He will judge. (12:13-14)

4. Hevel – Creation subject to futility (Rom 8:20 )

5. Fear God and Keep His Commandments Compare with Faith: Acknowledgement of God Knowledge of God – His Holiness and Justice Trembling at His Sovereignty Reverend Submission to His Lordship Continued Communion

6. Ecclesastes 7:15-29 Universal Sinfulness Righteousness and wisdom are elusive. Expect injustice in fallen world. Practical tip: avoid destructive perfectionism and dangerous unrighteousness. There is no one who is righteous. God made man upright, but they pursue wickedness.

7. Ecclesiastes 8:1-13 Assurance of Salvation for God-Fearers Obey the King. It is wise to obey masters. Righteousness will help us discern the appropriate and just way to proceed. Life in a dark world, where authority is often unwise, will be hard. Remember God will judge all works and will right all wrongs. It will be well for sinners who fear God. Not so for sinners who do not fear God.

8. The Gospel According to Ecclesiastes None are righteous. “God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes” (7:20, 29) “Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know it will be well with those who fear God” (8:12). “But it will not be well with the wicked…because he does not fear before God” (8:13). Therefore – “Fear God and keep His commandments” (12:13). Commandments included atonement sacrifices, repentance. Law was guardian that pointed to Jesus Christ (Gal 3:24).

9. Promise for New Covenant God Fearers: “In Christ, you are all sons, through faith” (Gal 3:26)

11. Pilgrims in Exile “Conduct yourself with fear throughout the time of your exile.” (1 Pe 1:17)