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The Shadow of Death and the Lord of Life

By David Robinson/ January 31, 2016

Series  Ecclesiastes: Life Under the Sun

Context  Westminster Chapel Toronto

Topic  Salvation

Scripture  Ecclesiastes 2:12-17

The Son of God is our joy and our life, the One who comes to us from beyond death.

Scripture:  Ecclesiastes 2:12-17

Sermon Notes:

  1. In Ecclesiastes Solomon is showing us how to view life under the sun.
  2. Apart from God in Christ, life in a world that is fallen and infected with sin is without lasting meaning.
  3. The reason for vanity and vexation under the sun is that whether we are wise or foolish, good or bad, we all die.
  4. Solomon says he hated life, for all in life is vanity.
  5. Biblically there is a time to hate; there is a wise and righteousness kind of hatred of sin and its effects.
  6. Solomon knew he was gifted with wisdom from God, and he feels called to think deeply on these questions of life and death.
  7. Wisdom is knowing God’s Word and knowing how to rightly apply God’s Word to life.
  8. The wise man has eyes in his head to see wisdom and folly in the world around him.
  9. Hatred is often a decision of the will to reject something that is wrong or evil. 
  10. Solomon’s hatred for life is wise, holy and God-given. He rejects the sin-filled condition of the world.
  11. Our present sufferings pale in comparison to the glory of God’s promised redemption (Romans 8:18-22).
  12. Jesus is the source of resurrection and eternal life for those who believe in him (John 11:25, 1-6, 17-27).
  13. Jesus was deeply troubled by the fact of sin and death as evidenced in Lazarus’s case (John 11:35).
  14. Jesus calls out to release Lazarus from the hold of death.
  15. Likewise Jesus releases all those who believe on Him from the power of sin and death.
  16. There is a wiser man who comes after Solomon, the Lord Jesus (cf. Ecclesiastes 2:12).
  17. The Son of God is our joy and our life, the One who comes to us from beyond death.
  18. The wisdom of faith believes what we do not yet see, that we will be resurrected in life (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14).
  19. God has spoken and He will wipe every tear from our eyes (Isaiah 25:6-8).

Application Questions:

  1. What is biblical wisdom?
  2. Why is the fear of the Lord the starting point of wisdom?
  3. Give examples of wisdom and folly in our culture?
  4. As Solomon reflects on the reality of death, why does it lead to hating life? What does it mean to hate life?
  5. When is hatred holy and appropriate?
  6. Do we believe that Jesus is the resurrection (John 11:25)? How does this promise affect our attitude toward life?