Weekly Sermons

There is no ‘I’ in JOY

“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” -John Piper

“I can’t get no satisfaction…but I’ve tried.” -Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones

Read Ecclesiastes 2:1-26 There is no “I’ in JOY Let’s Pray!

The specific word for “I” in Hebrew is Ani, which occurs 1,492 times in the Old Testament. It means “I, me, mine, for myself.” The place it occurs most is right here in Ecclesiastes chapter 2 – 14 times.

A Life of sinful excess and self-indulgence doesn’t bring satisfaction V. 1-11

JOY = Jesus, Others, Yourself.

Do you know what word does have ‘I’ right in the middle of it?

SIN.

There is no record that Solomon either did write out the 10 commands as he began ruling, or that he read them to start each day as King – words from God written in his own handwriting (Deut. 17:14-20; See also 1 Samuel 8:10-18).

A life of sober introspection and self-reform doesn’t bring satisfaction V. 12-17

A life of self-focus inevitably leads to frustration and despair V. 17-23

“You have made us for yourself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” -Augustine, written 1600 years ago

God gives joy and perspective to those who want to please Him V. 24-26

The believer acknowledges that the ability he or she has to think and work and produce has come from God, and honors God while engaged in life’s toil. Instead of living life in sinful excess, he or shoe seeks to live within biblical boundaries that they joyfully accept as God’s provision.

And no matter which topic we pick from chapter 2 the same trend repeats itself – seek satisfaction in created things apart from God – frustration and no satisfaction; enjoy God’s gifts within their biblically defined boundaries – enjoyment and satisfaction!

Eventually the God who orders all things re-purposes all work product under the sun to take care of His people both now and forevermore.