Finding Meaning Under The Sun
About This Series:
In this sermon series, "Finding Meaning Under The Sun," Stephen delves into Ecclesiastes 1-3, where King Solomon confronts the age-old question: What is the purpose of life? As we explore his reflections on work, pleasure, wisdom, and the fleeting nature of human endeavors, we uncover timeless truths about the search for true fulfillment. Join us as we journey through Solomon's candid exploration of life's deepest questions, seeking to find lasting meaning beyond the temporary and often disappointing pursuits of this world.
Sermons In This Series
1. Becoming Wise All Over Again
The life of Israel’s King Solomon is a study of the highs and lows of a personal walk with God. Solomon gives us an object lesson on what a life can look like when one obeys and follows the commands of a holy God, but also how disobedience and self-focus can derail spiritual growth. Eventually, Solomon comes to the conclusion that a successful life is not wrapped up in what you do or how much you own, but to whom you belong.
2. Tied to the Treadmill of Life
Does it ever feel like life is like being on a hamster wheel, doing the same things day after day without actually getting anywhere? Does it seem like you toil in vain? Do you ever ponder what really matters in this life? Solomon addresses these familiar contemplations in his book, Ecclesiastes.
3. In a World of Smoke and Mirrors
In the Book f Ecclesiastes, King Solomon describes the futility, brevity, and meaningless of what life is like ‘under the sun’. He defines life’s meaninglessness through several illustrations from the natural world and human nature to reveal that what seems satisfying and what appears to be meaningful isn’t. Life tricks you with illusions of significance and satisfaction. Life under the sun exposes whatever you are chasing after is nothing more than smoke and mirrors.
4. Chasing After Bubbles and Chickens
Life isn’t about chasing after bubbles or trying to catch that elusive chicken. It isn’t about living like some silly legendary frog hoping that maybe fate will deal you a better hand. No, life is about living down here under the sun surrounded by a broken world, where you can’t solve every dilemma but you obey and trust and follow your Lord, one assignment at a time.
5. King of the Mountain
In his day, King Solomon was essentially the most brilliant man alive. Financially, materially, and intellectually – he had it all. He was the king of the mountain, and yet it wasn’t enough. He found no advantage in striving after the meaning of life. He discovered that nobody has any advantage. It may seem you have lasting happiness in life, only to watch it slip through your fingers. Solomon realized some bitter truths regarding life under the sun which still ring true today.
6. Let the Good Times Roll
In the Book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon basically asks one question which he will tries to answer a number of different ways – How can I be happy? How can I keep the good times rolling? King Solomon describes his personal journey in chapter 2 chronicling his particular decisions, his lifelong obsessions, his royal possessions, and his selfish rationalizations which leads to the ultimate realization that all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.
7. Rising Above the Tide
At times life can seem disgusting, distasteful, and disheartening, even for those who trust in Jesus Christ. These are some of the same conclusions that have been drawn through the life and contemplations of King Solomon in his Book of Ecclesiastes. Solomon discovered that a life lived under the sun is a life that will be forgotten after death deals its fatal blow.
8. Finding Meaning on Monday Morning
Man’s pursuit of the dream job has not changed since the days of King Solomon. Today people continue to look for that perfect, fulfilling, life-affirming position, however most meet with frustration. No matter how desperately the world seeks meaning for living through a career, Monday morning comes without much significance, indeed it is often the most loathed day of the week. After running over several reasons jobs do not bring true meaning and deep satisfaction, Solomon encourages the reader to remember that life is a gift from God and whatever station you are in, life should produce gratitude for His grace. Life under the sun is always enriched with an improved view of God.
9. Living the Dash
Here, King Solomon interrupts his journal with a poem that may be familiar to some of us. By contrasting opposite experiences of life's journey, he asserts that every aspect and activity is God-designed and purposeful. Between our birth and death, there will be times to dance and mourn, to plant and reap, to gain and to lose. But peace will be woven through it all only when we live each day with the perspective of the Divine security we have through Jesus Christ.
10. Wired for Eternity
People throughout history in every culture have held the belief of eternal life. Because we are made in God's image, we are designed with this innate sense of eternity. It's why we are ultimately dissatisfied with the things of this life. In these verses, we are reminded of God's eternal sovereignty as He writes the story of our lives, amid the challenging chapters and the beautiful ones. And through it all, God desires us maintain an eternal perspective and find joy.
11. When Life Isn't Fair
Does it ever feel like the liars, cheaters, and short-cut-takers always seem to get ahead? In Ecclesiastes, King Solomon made the same observation. He laments that evil people seem to win, but he also concludes that God will be the final judge of all deeds done on earth. Yes, judgement is coming, and there are just two possible outcomes: Guilty or Pardoned. Pay the penalty of eternal wrath.