Weekly Sermons

Living in Two Realms at the Same Time

Ecc. 8:1-17  

Living with an increasing glow                                                                          V. 1

And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.                                                                                                                          -Daniel 12:3

Living under earthly authority                                                                          V. 2-9

The believer’s default mode is to obey earthly authorities          V. 2

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do so with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.    -Hebrews 13:17

The believer needs to choose his battles with authority wisely              V. 3-5

Do not be too quick to quit when you disagree with an authority figure.

Don’t join a rebellion against the authority figure.

Don’t second guess everything the authority figure does.

Do carefully and prayerfully choose the time and way to speak and act.  

The believer needs to add value even when he or she is frustrated      V. 6-9

Let me give some advice for those considering making a change: Make sure you add value to your organization and leader until God leads you to the next place; make sure you finish your time there in a godly manner; try to set them up for success after you leave; don’t burn bridges you might need to cross over again.

Eternal life to come                                                                                              V. 10-13

Living with present joy                                                                                        V. 14-17

He means it! You don’t just have to endure life and than die; you can thrive in this life now as you experience God’s presence and joy despite life’s hardships – and then you get to go be with God forever!  

And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.                               -Jesus in John 17:3

Ecclesiastes is placed in the Jewish Ketuvim (Writings), and subclassified with 5 “Megillot” scrolls read during feasts – Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther. Ecclesiastes is read during the Feast of Tabernacles.      

“I know the Psalm, but she knows the Shepherd.”             -Charles Laughton