There is much evil under the sun. Solomon continues to tell us about the vanity of wealth, honour and of life without the Lord. Have a purpose.
Ecclesiastes 4: Evil Under the Sun
1 Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them.
2 And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive.
3 But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.
4 Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbour. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
5 The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh.
6 Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.
7 Again, I saw vanity under the sun:
8 one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, "For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?" This also is vanity and an unhappy business.
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.
10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!
11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?
12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him---a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
13 Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice.
14 For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor.
15 I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with that youth who was to stand in the king's place.
16 There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.
Ecclesiastes 5: Fear God
1 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil.
2 Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.
3 For a dream comes with much business, and a fool's voice with many words.
4 When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow.
5 It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.
6 Let not your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands?
7 For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear.
The Vanity of Wealth and Honour
8 If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them.
9 But this is gain for a land in every way: a king committed to cultivated fields.
10 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.
11 When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes?
12 Sweet is the sleep of a labourer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.
13 There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt,
14 and those riches were lost in a bad venture. And he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand.
15 As he came from his mother's womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand.
16 This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind?
17 Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger.
18 Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot.
19 Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil---this is the gift of God.
20 For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.
Ecclesiastes 6:
1 There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it lies heavy on mankind:
2 a man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honour, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity; it is a grievous evil.
3 If a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not satisfied with life's good things, and he also has no burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he.
4 For it comes in vanity and goes in darkness, and in darkness its name is covered.
5 Moreover, it has not seen the sun or known anything, yet it finds rest rather than he.
6 Even though he should live a thousand years twice over, yet enjoy no good---do not all go to the one place?
7 All the toil of man is for his mouth, yet his appetite is not satisfied.
8 For what advantage has the wise man over the fool? And what does the poor man have who knows how to conduct himself before the living?
9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the appetite: this also is vanity and a striving after wind.
10 Whatever has come to be has already been named, and it is known what man is, and that he is not able to dispute with one stronger than he.
11 The more words, the more vanity, and what is the advantage to man?
12 For who knows what is good for man while he lives the few days of his vain life, which he passes like a shadow? For who can tell man what will be after him under the sun?
Things to think about…
1. Solomon in Eccl 4 reflects on why we work. Excessive toil is vain and generally comes from envying a neighbour, Eccl 4:4. This is certainly true in our western world. For what end or purpose? A lazy fool will consume even the basic things needed for lkife, vs 5. What a tragedy it is when a gaming habit or alcohol destroys a man’s family, the very thing that should be a source of life and blessing for him. Churches can err on the side of giving to the poor, but if the afflicted lack due to their own folly, teaching the gospel and holding them accountable for the charity received is essential.
2. Two are better than one in many ways, Eccl 4:9-12. If they work together Solomon says this is better than being alone. What a blessing godly marriages and families are for each other and society. A three-fold cord is not easily broken, vs 12. This institution is of course under threat more now than it has ever been. But while this age grows more against Christ, those who live in the light of Christ will continue to grow brighter.
3. Okay, Eccl 5:1-7 has a fair bit to say about our commitment levels and what we vow. It is better not to vow (or promise you will do something) than vow and not do it, Eccl 5:5. Do not sin with your mouth, let your yes, be yes and your no, no. Some struggle with this more than others, but the Lord holds us accountable with the words we use and the vows we make. Marriage vows are an obvious example of doing what we said we would do. May we all hold each other accountable to follow through on all our commitments.
4. If there is a morally weak family, business, church, country; the core issue will be found with its leaders, Eccl 5:8. Such a situation is oppressive for those at the bottom of the ladder. Toil can be enjoyable if there is a received benefit and the blessing the profits are not wasted in poor leadership or corruption. Indeed, time can fly and be enjoyed when the Lord blesses our labour, Eccl 5:18-20. Is time flying for you? May your blessing and strength be established through justice and righteousness.
5. Eccl 6 is very sobering. What are you living for? Does your life have purpose and meaning or are you just passing the time. Solomon filled his life with pleasures and hundreds of children, yet he says that a soul needs to be satisfied in this life, if this does not happen, he says one would be better off having being stillborn, Eccl 6:3. What are you doing to ensure your soul is satisfied and your life has purpose, meaning and value? We are also accountable to God and called to redeem the time and not waste it.
6. In Eccl 6:3-6 I find some encouragement. It concludes that the stillborn child has more rest than one who has lived and whose soul is not satisfied with good things, vs 1. The encouragement is for both parents who have had the misfortune of a miscarriage as well as those that have been aborted that they now know rest. We serve a God of mercy and compassion.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Title was “Living each day as your last” – Reading 1 Thess 4:13-5:11.
1. Jesus is returning to the earth. It is called the Day of the Lord. While we don’t know the exact time and that He will come like a thief, it will be universal. Have you ever given any thought to this or the day of your own death?
2. When this Day occurs, the dead in Christ will rise first. How certain are you of the resurrection of Christ and even you own resurrection. Do you have any evidence to support your claims.
3. What do you understand about the rapture? When and how will it occur?
4. Does this practically relate to the gospel and our witness to others?
Prayer Points
1. The right choice for a full time Youth and Young Adults Pastor to start Jan 2023.
2. Some away through sickness.
3. Ministry leaders within the church.
4. Sunday’s members meeting.
5. Peace to rest over Ukraine.
6. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
7. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Many returning back to full health.
2. Worship on Sunday – thankyou Gina, Suzy, Zac, Richard and Maddison looking after Kidz at Church. Bec doing the words. Fiona and Suzy in café always do a stellar job. Thankyou for those who welcomed at the door.
3. All those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
4. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Remember to check your duty rosters.
2. Members’ meeting 28th August after the morning service.
3. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
4. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism question for August...
Q. 7. What is hell? A. A place of dreadful and endless punishment & torment.
