Ecc12 Life (5/5)

# Life
## Ecclesiastes 12
### The Meaning of Life (5/5)

[Montreal, CA. Marc-Olivier Jodoin](https://unsplash.com/photos/TStNU7H4UEE "caption")

---

1. *Sat am:* **Introduction** to Ecclesiastes
1. *Sat pm:* Is there <br> meaning
  in **Ambition** + **Money**? [(ch2,5)](# "ref")
1. *Sun am:* What is **Wisdom**? [(ch1)](# "ref")
1. *Sun pm:* What is the **Fate** of mankind? [(ch9)](# "ref")
1. *Mon am:* What is the meaning of **Life**? [(ch12)](# "ref")

>>>
+ Sol's **search** for meaning / purpose
+ tried **pleasure, projects, possessions**
  + what is **crooked** cannot be straightened
+ tried **wisdom** + **folly**
  + wisdom: only more **frustration**
  + folly: **harms** self
+ could only see up to **death**, not **beyond** it
  + but hope of **resurrection** changes everything

---

# What is <br> the **meaning** of life?

[###](#/outline "secret")

>>>
+ today: Sol's **conclusion**
+ with all of his **wisdom** and **resources**
  + Teacher (Qoheleth): **assembles** wisdom
+ from what he can see **under the sun**
+ the **end of the matter**:
  + the **sum** of
  + what our **life** on earth
  + **amounts** to
+ ch12 opens with a sad + beautiful **poem**
  + we'll only read **part** of it now
  + I'll read the rest for you shortly:

---
[1](# "ref")
Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth,<br>
before the evil days come<br>
and the years draw near of which you will say,<br>
“I have no pleasure in them” ...

[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:1 (ESV/CUV) (p.1/5)](# "ref")

---
[7](# "ref")
and the dust returns to the earth as it was,<br>
and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

[8](# "ref")
Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.

[8](# "ref")
傳 道 者 說 ：<br>
虛 空 的 虛 空 ， 凡 事 都 是 虛 空 。
</div>

[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:7-8 (ESV/CUV) (p.2/5)](# "ref")

---
[11](# "ref")
The words of the wise are like goads,<br>
and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings;<br>
they are given by one Shepherd.

[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:11 (ESV/CUV) (p.3/5)](# "ref")

---
[13](# "ref")
The end of the matter; all has been heard.<br>
Fear God and keep his commandments,<br>
for this is the whole duty of man.

[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:13 (ESV/CUV) (p.4/5)](# "ref")

---
[14](# "ref")
For God will bring every deed into judgment,<br>
with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:14 (ESV/CUV) (p.5/5)](# "ref")

---

## Life [(Ecc12)](# "ref")
1. Our Eternal **Home** [(v1-8)](# "ref")
1. The Shepherd's **Goads** [(v9-12)](# "ref")
1. The **Fear** of the LORD [(v13-14)](# "ref")

---

[1](# "ref")
Remember also your **Creator** in the days of your **youth**,<br>
before the **evil days** come

[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:1 (ESV/CUV)](# "ref")

>>>
+ getting **old** is no fun
  + have **wisdom** of experience
+ but also **regret** over wasted **youth**:
  + only thought of **own** dreams/aspirations
  + did not acknowledge our **Creator**
+ facing **death** brings life into **focus**
  + we are going to **face** our Creator
+ are we **prepared**?

---

Man is going to his **eternal home**, <br>
and the **mourners** go about the streets

[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:5 (ESV/CUV)](# "ref")
[Ukraine. Paul Itkin](https://unsplash.com/photos/xCdFXXoZkJc "caption")

>>>
+ we were **created** by God
+ so when we die, we **return** to Him
  + our **eternal home**
+ Hebrews tells us we then face a **reckoning**
  + an **accounting** of our lives:

---

Just as it is appointed for man to **die once**,<br>
and after that comes **judgment**,

[Hebrews 希伯來書 9:27 (ESV/CUV) (p.1/2)](# "ref")
[Ales Krivec](https://unsplash.com/photos/ywtbSuCSjhM "caption")

>>>
+ **how** will we be **judged**?
+ if **no one** is righteous in God's sight
+ then our **eternal home** would be
  + eternity in the **fires** of His judgment

---

so **Christ**, having been **offered once** <br>
to bear the **sins** of many,

will appear a **second** time, not to deal with **sin** <br>
but to **save** those who are eagerly waiting for him.

[Hebrews 希伯來書 9:28 (ESV/CUV) (p.2/2)](# "ref")
[Ales Krivec](https://unsplash.com/photos/ywtbSuCSjhM "caption")

>>>
+ but Jesus' **death** on cross
  + has already **bourne** our sins
+ **one** sacrifice to cover
  + **all** our misdeeds past/present/future
+ first came riding a **donkey**, humble
  + as **Suffering Servant**
+ but He will **return** soon, this time
  + on a white **war horse** *(Rev19:11-16)*
  + as **Victorious King**
+ this is the **hope** we eagerly **wait** for
+ **remember** Him, our **Creator**
  + don't **waste** time on **meaningless** pursuits
+ I'll **read** for you the full text v1-8
  + Sol's poem of **lament**
+ are we **prepared** for our **eternal home**?

---

[1](# "ref")
Remember also your **Creator** in the days of your **youth**,<br>
before the **evil days** come<br>
and the years draw near of which you will say,<br>
“I have **no pleasure** in them”;

[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:1 (ESV/CUV) (p.1/8)](# "ref")
[Dominik QN, Thailand](https://unsplash.com/photos/9gGQvhC4PEY "caption")

---

[2](# "ref")
before the **sun** and the light <br>
and the **moon** and the stars are **darkened** <br>
and the **clouds** return after the rain,

[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:6 (ESV/CUV) (p.2/8)](# "ref")

---

[3](# "ref")
in the day when the **keepers** of the house tremble, <br>
and the **strong men** are bent, <br>
and the **grinders** cease because they are few, <br>
and those who look through the **windows** are dimmed,

[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:6 (ESV/CUV) (p.3/8)](# "ref")

---

[4](# "ref")
and the **doors** on the street are shut -- <br>
when the sound of the **grinding** is low, <br>
and one **rises up** at the sound of a bird, <br>
and all the daughters of **song** are brought low --

[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:6 (ESV/CUV) (p.4/8)](# "ref")

---

[5](# "ref")
they are **afraid** also of what is **high**, <br>
and terrors are in the **way**; <br>
the **almond tree** blossoms, <br>
the **grasshopper** drags itself along, and **desire** fails,

[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:6 (ESV/CUV) (p.5/8)](# "ref")

---

because man is going to his **eternal home**, <br>
and the **mourners** go about the streets --

[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:6 (ESV/CUV) (p.6/8)](# "ref")

---

[6](# "ref")
before the **silver cord** is snapped, <br>
or the **golden bowl** is broken, <br>
or the **pitcher** is shattered at the fountain, <br>
or the **wheel** broken at the cistern,

[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:6 (ESV/CUV) (p.7/8)](# "ref")

---

[7](# "ref")
and the **dust** returns to the **earth** as it was,<br>
and the **spirit** returns to **God** who gave it.

[8](# "ref")
**Vanity** of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.

[8](# "ref")
傳 道 者 說 ：<br>
虛 空 的 虛 空 ， 凡 事 都 是 虛 空 。
</div>

[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:7-8 (ESV/CUV) (p.8/8)](# "ref")

---

# Am I **prepared** to go to my **eternal home**?

>>>
+ appointed to **die** once
  + then to face **judgment**
+ only Jesus' **sacrifice** can take away our **sin**
+ we **eagerly await** His **return**
+ and **look forward** to our **eternal home**
  + at **rest** in His arms

---

## Life [(Ecc12)](# "ref")
1. Our Eternal Home [(v1-8)](# "ref")
1. **The Shepherd's Goads** [(v9-12)](# "ref")
1. The Fear of the LORD [(v13-14)](# "ref")

>>>
+ coming toward **conclusion**
+ Sol **reflects** on his pursuit of **wisdom**:

---

The **words** of the wise are like **goads**,<br>
and like **nails** firmly fixed are the collected sayings;<br>
they are given by one **Shepherd**.

[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:11 (ESV/CUV)](# "ref")
[Elephant Rock, Australia. Jordan Donaldson](https://unsplash.com/photos/FAVdyq1Qz24 "caption")

>>>
+ **goads**: poky sticks to **guide** plowing animals
  + **uncomfortable**, by design
  + **immovable**, useless to kick against them
  + **turn** us where we ought to go
+ **nails**: sturdy, reliable
  + **trust** my life to it
  + it won't **let** me down
+ one **Shepherd**: everything in Eccl is from **God**
  + all of Sol's observations **under the sun**
  + are still **true**!
+ **futility** of earthly **ambitions** drives us to
  + set our **hope** on what is **eternal**

---

# What words of **wisdom** have been <br> **goading** me?

>>>
+ like sharp poky **sticks**
+ God's **truth** often **uncomfortable**
+ but **guides** us where we need to go

---

## Life [(Ecc12)](# "ref")
1. Our Eternal Home [(v1-8)](# "ref")
1. The Shepherd's Goads [(v9-12)](# "ref")
1. **The Fear of the LORD** [(v13-14)](# "ref")

>>>
+ finally come to Sol's **conclusion**

---

The **end** of the matter; all has been heard.<br>
**Fear God** and keep his **commandments**,<br>
for this is the **whole** duty of man.

[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:13 (ESV/CUV) (p.1/2)](# "ref")
[Samuel Ferrara](https://unsplash.com/photos/IEHPDNk2-8w "caption")

>>>
+ **whole duty**: Heb. doesn't have "duty"
  + "the **whole** of man"
+ the **sum** of our existence on earth
  + our **identity**, who we are
+ **fear God**: common theme throughout OT
  + right **attitude**: awe, reverence, honour
  + manifest in **obedience** to His commands
  + in both Heb/Gr, same word as **terror**
+ but usually we run **away** from what we fear
  + fear of the LORD draws us **closer**
+ He is not only **just** + **holy**
  + but also **merciful** + **loving**

---

For God will bring every **deed** into **judgment**,<br>
with every **secret** thing, whether **good** or **evil**.

[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 12:14 (ESV/CUV) (p.2/2)](# "ref")

>>>
+ this sounds really **scary**!
+ nothing is **hidden** from God's eyes
  + even innermost **thoughts** of the heart
+ but if we have **Christ**,
  + we do not **fear** this judgment
  + Romans 8 **encourages** us:

---

There is therefore now **no condemnation**<br>
for those who are in **Christ Jesus**.

[Romans 羅馬書 8:1 (ESV/CUV) (p.1/2)](# "ref")
[Lac d'Anterne, France.  Hugues de Buyer-Mimeure](https://unsplash.com/photos/-wT0iS-TSZM "caption")

>>>
+ when we face **judgment**
  + all our **secret sins** revealed
  + before the **holy** Creator
+ if we are in **Christ Jesus**
  + He saves us from being **condemned**

---

For the law of the **Spirit of life** has set you<br>
**free** in Christ from the law of **sin and death**.

[Romans 羅馬書 8:2 (ESV/CUV) (p.2/2)](# "ref")

>>>
+ law of **sin+death**:
  + trying to be **righteous**
  + is **futile** on our own strength
+ law of **Spirit of life**:
  + Christ bore the **condemnation** in our place
  + gave us **new life**
  + and **Holy Spirit** to dwell in us

---

# Will I **trust** Jesus <br> with my **life**?

>>>
+ the entirety of **who I am** is
  + to **fear** God and
  + **keep** His commands
+ not **fearing** the coming **judgment**
  + but **trusting** my life to Jesus
  + who has **bourne** the penalty for me
+ He gives me new **life**
  + new **hope** above the **sun**
  + **purpose** + meaning in this life

---

---

Heavenly **Father**, I praise You. <br>
Dear Lord **Jesus**, I thank You. <br>
For You are the True **Creator**, <br>
But You have come down to **earth** <br>
to become **man**, to tell me that You **love** me,

<div class="zh">
親愛的天父，我讚美您；<br>
耶穌基督，我感謝您。 <br>
您是創造宇宙的真神，降世為人，因為您愛我，
</div>

---

To die for my **sins** upon the **cross**, <br>
to shed Your precious **blood** <br>
and rid me of **guilt**, <br>
to **rise** from the dead and give me a new **life**.

<div class="zh">
為我的罪死在十字架上， <br>
流寶血洗淨我一切的不義， <br>
從死裡復活，叫我得新生命。
</div>

---

I **want** You, dear Lord Jesus. <br>
Please come into my **heart**. <br>
Be my **Lord** and Savior and **forgive** my sins: <br>
the sin of only **trusting** myself and not trusting You. <br>
Starting today, I want to **follow** You.

<div class="zh">
我誠懇的請求您，請主耶穌基督住在我心中， <br>
做我的救主，管理我的一生，請您赦免我的罪； <br>
就是我自作主張，沒有遵從您的話。 <br>
從今以後，我要遵從您的話。
</div>

---

Please give me **eternal life**, that is, Your life. <br>
Grant me the **Holy Spirit** to guide my ways.

<div class="zh">
求您賜我永生，就是您的生命。 <br>
賜我聖靈，引導我進入真理。
</div>

---

Let me experience Your **peace** and joy, <br>
and fill my heart with Your **love**. <br>
Bless my **family** and fill it with Your love. <br>
This I **pray** in Your precious name, <br>
Dear Lord **Jesus Christ**. Amen

<div class="zh">
賜我有您的平安和喜樂，讓您的愛充滿我的心， <br>
求您看顧我的家，叫我們全家歸您， <br>
享受您的愛，帶領我的前途。 <br>
我這樣禱告，是奉主耶穌基督的名求，阿們！
</div>

---