GOD’S CROSSROAD TO THE GOOD LIFE!
Ecclesiastes 1:1-18
INTRODUCTION: All of mankind; from Adam and Eve right down to the present time have sought what they thought would be “the good life.” Sadly, most all have missed “the good life” because they thought they could define for themselves what “the good life” is. Jeremiah 10:23. So how have people tried to get “the good life?”
I. THE GOOD LIFE COMES THROUGH WISDOM AND EDUCTION!
Many people think the good life can be gained through wisdom and education. King Solomon could speak on any subject with wisdom and an educated insight: 1 Kings 4:29-34. Solomon said of himself: Ecclesiastes 1:16-18. The Bible tells us that the wisdom of this world will never give us “the good life” He intends for us to have. 1 Corinthians 1:18-21. Our Lord Jesus said: Matthew 16:1-4. John the Baptist was a sign of the Messiah’s soon appearance: Isaiah 40:3. Our Lord’s very ministry was a sign that the Messiah had come: Isaiah 61:1-2. Do you know the signs of the times in which we are living today?
II. THE GOOD LIFE COMES THROUGH PURSUING PLEASURE!
Others pursue “the good life” through pathways that promise them pleasure. These folks want to eat, drink, and be merry and never to experience troubles. Sadly many who follow this way to “the good life” will not see their mistake until it is time to fly away: Malachi 3:13-18. So often in this life it looks like the pleasure mad crowd is having all the fun, excitement and trills. 2 Timothy 3:1-9. King Solomon chased after pleasure as much or more than any man ever has here is what he said about chasing after the pleasures of this life: Ecclesiastes 2:1-2; Ecclesiastes 2:7-10. Yes, any man who lives just for earthly pleasure will find it to be vain in the end. Psalm 90:12.
III. THE GOOD LIFE COMES BY WORKING FOR WEALTH AND GREAT MATERIAL POSSESSIONS!
Many believe “the good life” can be achieved by hard work which leads to wealth and great material possessions. Solomon tested out that way of life: Ecclesiastes 2:17-23. Our Lord said about this way of trying to gain “the good life” Luke 12:15.
IV. THE LORD’S ADVICE FOR GAINING THE GOOD LIFE!
The Lord gives us this advice when we are looking for “the good life.” Jeremiah 6:16. Why is it that so many people will walk in every other way then the way our Lord says we should walk to gain “the good life?” Matthew 7:13-14; John 14:6. Will we find that life is good without obeying our Good Shepherd? Our Lord wants us to know that focusing on ourselves and our own pleasures will never bring about the good life God has planned for His people. We were not made to focus primarily on ourselves. We were created by our God and gifted by our God to love Him and to love other people. Acts 20:35. Our whole society is based on getting more, achieving more and on my pleasure. Is it any wonder we are miserable? Mark 12:28-31;
John 3:16. God loved—God gave! We were created to love and to give: 1 Peter 4:7-11.