Sunday Sermon Outline: The Productivity of God's Word

“The Productivity of God’s Word”

Psalm 19:7-11

Psalm 19:7-11, “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. 10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.”

I. God’s Word Provides Restoration v. 7a
    “The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul”

Acts 3:17-21, “"Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what He had foretold through all the prophets, saying that His Christ would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that He may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you--even Jesus. 21 He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as He promised long ago through His holy prophets.”

Psalm 23:1-3a, “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, 3 He restores my soul.”

Psalm 51:10-12, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
 

II. God’s Word Provides Wisdom v. 7b
    “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”

Matthew 11:25-26, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.”

John 4:29, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?”

Matthew 16:16-17, “Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by My Father in heaven.”
 

Mark 6:2-3, “When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were amazed. "Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What's this wisdom that has been given Him, that He even does miracles! 3 Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't His sisters here with us?" And they took offense at Him.” 

 

Matthew 7:24, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
 

III. God’s Word Provides Joy v. 8a
    “The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;”

John 15:10-11, “If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My Father's commands and remain in His love. 11 I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

Acts 13:46-49, “Then Paul and Barnabas answered [the Jews] boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" 48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. 49 The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.”

 
IV. God’s Word Provides Understanding v. 8b
    “The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.”

John 1:6-9, “There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.”

2 Corinthians 4:2-6, “… by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

Psalm 119:104-105, “I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”

V. God’s Word Provides a Clear Conscience v. 9a
    “The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever.”

Job 27:6, “I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live.” Psalm 119:80, “May my heart be blameless toward Your decrees, that I may not be put to shame.” Proverbs 19:23, “The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.”

2 Corinthians 1:12, “Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace.”

John 15:3, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.”
 

VI. God’s Word Provides Righteousness v. 9b
    “The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.”

Psalm 119:137-138, “Righteous are you, O LORD, and your laws are right. 138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.”

Hosea 4:9, “Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.”

1 John 2:29, “If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of Him.” 1 John 3:7, “Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous.”
 

Conclusion:
    vs. 10-11, “They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.”

Hebrews 12:25, “See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from Him who warns us from heaven?”



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Sunday Sermon Outline: Little By Little

“Little By Little”

 Introduction:

John 16:12-13, “I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. [13] “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth.”

Mark 4:33, “With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand.”

Exodus 23:29-30, ““I will not drive them out before you in a single year, that the land may not become desolate and the beasts of the field become too numerous for you. [30] I will drive them out before you little by little, until you become fruitful and take possession of the land.”

Deuteronomy 7:22, ““The LORD your God will clear away these nations before you little by little; you will not be able to put an end to them quickly, for the wild beasts would grow too numerous for you.”

I. Little by little, God’s answers our prayers.

Job 30:20-21, “I cry out to You for help, but You do not answer me; I stand up, and You turn Your attention against me. [21] You have become cruel to me; With the might of Your hand You persecute me.”

Job 42:12, “The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning.”

II. Little by little, we gain wisdom and maturity.

James 1:5, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

III. Little by little, we gain wealth.

Proverbs 20:21, “An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning will not be blessed in the end.” 

Proverbs 28:20, “A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished.” 

Proverbs 28:22, “A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth And does not know that want will come upon him.”

IV. Little by little, we gain honor and prestige.

1 Peter 5:6, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.”

V. Little by little, we appreciate heaven all the more.

Colossians 1:3-6, “We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, [4] since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; [5] because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel [6] which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth.”

Conclusion: 

Isaiah 28:9-10, “To whom would [God] teach knowledge, And to whom would He interpret the message? Those just weaned from milk? Those just taken from the breast? [10] For He says, ‘Order on order, order on order, Line on line, line on line, A little here, a little there.’”

 

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Sunday Sermon Outline: Ecclesiastes 12

The Conclusion
Ecclesiastes 12

Introduction: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. [14] For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”


I.  The Motivation vs. 1-8
     “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no delight in them”; [2] before the sun and the light, the moon and the stars are darkened, and clouds return after the rain; [3] in the day that the watchmen of the house tremble, and mighty men stoop, the grinding ones stand idle because they are few, and those who look through windows grow dim; [4] and the doors on the street are shut as the sound of the grinding mill is low, and one will arise at the sound of the bird, and all the daughters of song will sing softly. [5] Furthermore, men are afraid of a high place and of terrors on the road; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags himself along, and the caperberry is ineffective. For man goes to his eternal home while mourners go about in the street. [6] Remember Him before the silver cord is broken and the golden bowl is crushed, the pitcher by the well is shattered and the wheel at the cistern is crushed; [7] then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. [8] “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “all is vanity!””

1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 4:16


II. The Instruction vs. 9-12
     “[9] In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out and arranged many proverbs. [10] The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly. [11] The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. [12] But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.”

Ephesians 4:11-13; Titus 1:9; Hebrews 13:7-9; John 5:39-40


III. The Conclusion vs. 13-14
     “[13] The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. [14] For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”

Revelation 14:6-7; 2 Corinthians 5:1-11


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Sunday Sermon Outline: Ecclesiastes 11

Sow With a View to Righteousness
Ecclesiastes 11

Introduction: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. [14] For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”

 Hosea 10:12


I.   Work Wisely  vs. 1-2
     “Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days. [2] Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth.”

 Matthew 6:19-21


II. Work Trustingly  vs. 3-6
     “[3] If the clouds are full, they pour out rain upon the earth; and whether a tree falls toward the south or toward the north, wherever the tree falls, there it lies. [4] He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap. [5] Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things. [6] Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed, or whether both of them alike will be good.”

 Psalm 37:3-18


III. Work Joyfully  vs. 7-10
     “[7] The light is pleasant, and it is good for the eyes to see the sun. [8] Indeed, if a man should live many years, let him rejoice in them all, and let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. Everything that is to come will be futility. [9] Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood. And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. Yet know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things. [10] So, remove grief and anger from your heart and put away pain from your body, because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting.”

Ecclesiastes 9:10; John 9:4; Hebrews 12:1; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; 2 Corinthians 6:16 – 7:1


Conclusion: Hosea 10:12


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Sunday Sermon Outline: Ecclesiastes 10

The Foolishness of Foolishness
Ecclesiastes 10

Introduction: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. [14] For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”

1 Corinthians 1:19-25


I.   Belief does not guarantee blessing. vs. 1-4
     "Dead flies make a perfumer's oil stink, so a little foolishness is weightier than wisdom and honor. [2] A wise man's heart directs him toward the right, but the foolish man's heart directs him toward the left. [3] Even when the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking and he demonstrates to everyone that he is a fool. [4] If the ruler's temper rises against you, do not abandon your position, because composure allays great offenses.”

James 2:19; Revelation 3:15-16


II. Status does not guarantee success. vs. 5-10
     “[5] There is an evil I have seen under the sun, like an error which goes forth from the ruler— [6] folly is set in many exalted places while rich men sit in humble places. [7] I have seen slaves riding on horses and princes walking like slaves on the land. [8] He who digs a pit may fall into it, and a serpent may bite him who breaks through a wall. [9] He who quarries stones may be hurt by them, and he who splits logs may be endangered by them. [10] If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success.”

1 Peter 5:6


III. Words do not guarantee wealth. vs. 11-14 
     “[11] If the serpent bites before being charmed, there is no profit for the charmer. [12] Words from the mouth of a wise man are gracious, while the lips of a fool consume him; [13] the beginning of his talking is folly and the end of it is wicked madness. [14] Yet the fool multiplies words. No man knows what will happen, and who can tell him what will come after him?”

Ecclesiastes 5:3; 1 Corinthians 2:4-5; 14:19


IV. Effort does not guarantee effectiveness. vs. 15-20
     “[15] The toil of a fool so wearies him that he does not even know how to go to a city. [16] Woe to you, O land, whose king is a lad and whose princes feast in the morning. [17] Blessed are you, O land, whose king is of nobility and whose princes eat at the appropriate time—for strength and not for drunkenness. [18] Through indolence the rafters sag, and through slackness the house leaks. [19] Men prepare a meal for enjoyment, and wine makes life merry, and money is the answer to everything. [20] Furthermore, in your bedchamber do not curse a king, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse a rich man, for a bird of the heavens will carry the sound and the winged creature will make the matter known.”

Proverbs 13:4; Matthew 25:29; Psalm 127:1-2


Conclusion: 1 John 5:4; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Matthew 12:34-37; 1 Timothy 5:18; Matthew 25:26, 30; Ephesians 4:12; Revelation 14:13


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Sunday Sermon Outline: Ecclesiastes 9

One Life Under God
Ecclesiastes 9

Introduction: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. [14] For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”


I.  Use your time wisely. vs. 1-6
     “For I have taken all this to my heart and explain it that righteous men, wise men, and their deeds are in the hand of God. Man does not know whether it will be love or hatred; anything awaits him. [2] It is the same for all. There is one fate for the righteous and for the wicked; for the good, for the clean and for the unclean; for the man who offers a sacrifice and for the one who does not sacrifice. As the good man is, so is the sinner; as the swearer is, so is the one who is afraid to swear. [3] This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one fate for all men. Furthermore, the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives. Afterwards they go to the dead. [4] For whoever is joined with all the living, there is hope; surely a live dog is better than a dead lion. [5] For the living know they will die; but the dead do not know anything, nor have they any longer a reward, for their memory is forgotten. [6] Indeed their love, their hate and their zeal have already perished, and they will no longer have a share in all that is done under the sun.” 

Genesis 2:17; Romans 5:12; 3:23; Ecclesiastes 7:2; 1 Timothy 6:17-19


II. Live your life fully. vs. 7-10
     “[7] Go then, eat your bread in happiness and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already approved your works. [8] Let your clothes be white all the time, and let not oil be lacking on your head. [9] Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun. [10] Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going.” 

 Revelation 3:4-5; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; John 9:4


III. Prepare for your death immediately. vs. 11-12
     “[11] I again saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the warriors, and neither is bread to the wise nor wealth to the discerning nor favor to men of ability; for time and chance overtake them all. [12] Moreover, man does not know his time: like fish caught in a treacherous net and birds trapped in a snare, so the sons of men are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them.” 

 Luke 21:34-36


IV. Examine everything carefully. vs. 13-18
     “[13] Also this I came to see as wisdom under the sun, and it impressed me. [14] There was a small city with few men in it and a great king came to it, surrounded it and constructed large siegeworks against it. [15] But there was found in it a poor wise man and he delivered the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. [16] So I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” But the wisdom of the poor man is despised and his words are not heeded. [17] The words of the wise heard in quietness are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. [18] Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.” 

1 Corinthians 3:19; Proverbs 2:6-10; James 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22; 1 Corinthians 1:27-29; Jeremiah 7:27-28; 13:11; Matthew 23:37; 2 Timothy 4:3-4


Conclusion: John 12:31; 2 Timothy 3:12-17


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Sunday Sermon Outline: Ecclesiastes 8

“Life from a Divine Perspective”
Ecclesiastes 8

Introduction: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. [14] For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”


I.  The wise man will submit to the Lord. vs. 1-8
     “Who is like the wise man and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man's wisdom illumines him and causes his stern face to beam. [2] I say, “Keep the command of the king because of the oath before God. [3] Do not be in a hurry to leave him. Do not join in an evil matter, for he will do whatever he pleases.” [4] Since the word of the king is authoritative, who will say to him, “What are you doing?” [5] He who keeps a royal command experiences no trouble, for a wise heart knows the proper time and procedure. [6] For there is a proper time and procedure for every delight, though a man's trouble is heavy upon him. [7] If no one knows what will happen, who can tell him when it will happen? [8] No man has authority to restrain the wind with the wind, or authority over the day of death; and there is no discharge in the time of war, and evil will not deliver those who practice it.”

2 Kings 11:17-18; Hebrews 13:7; Luke 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 6:12


II. The wicked man will be judged by the Lord. vs. 9-13
     “[9] All this I have seen and applied my mind to every deed that has been done under the sun wherein a man has exercised authority over another man to his hurt. [10] So then, I have seen the wicked buried, those who used to go in and out from the holy place, and they are soon forgotten in the city where they did thus. This too is futility. [11] Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil. [12] Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and may lengthen his life, still I know that it will be well for those who fear God, who fear Him openly. [13] But it will not be well for the evil man and he will not lengthen his days like a shadow, because he does not fear God.”

Matthew 25:41, 46


III. Every man should prepare for the Lord. vs. 14-17
     “[14] There is futility which is done on the earth, that is, there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked. On the other hand, there are evil men to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I say that this too is futility. [15] So I commended pleasure, for there is nothing good for a man under the sun except to eat and to drink and to be merry, and this will stand by him in his toils throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun. [16] When I gave my heart to know wisdom and to see the task which has been done on the earth (even though one should never sleep day or night), [17] and I saw every work of God, I concluded that man cannot discover the work which has been done under the sun. Even though man should seek laboriously, he will not discover; and though the wise man should say, “I know,” he cannot discover.”

Revelation 14:10-12; Hebrews 10:30; 13:5; Galatians 6:7-9


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Sunday Sermon Outline: Ecclesiastes 7

Everything is Better with God
Ecclesiastes 7

Introduction: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. [14] For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”

Romans 8:18


I.  Consider what is greater. vs. 1-10
     “A good name is better than a good ointment, and the day of one's death is better than the day of one's birth. [2] It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, because that is the end of every man, and the living takes it to heart. [3] Sorrow is better than laughter, for when a face is sad a heart may be happy. [4] The mind of the wise is in the house of mourning, while the mind of fools is in the house of pleasure. [5] It is better to listen to the rebuke of a wise man than for one to listen to the song of fools. [6] For as the crackling of thorn bushes under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool; and this too is futility. [7] For oppression makes a wise man mad, and a bribe corrupts the heart. [8] The end of a matter is better than its beginning; patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit. [9] Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger resides in the bosom of fools. [10] Do not say, “Why is it that the former days were better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.”

Philippians 2:9


II. Consider what is wiser. vs. 11-19
     “[11] Wisdom along with an inheritance is good and an advantage to those who see the sun. [12] For wisdom is protection just as money is protection, but the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors. [13] Consider the work of God, for who is able to straighten what He has bent? [14] In the day of prosperity be happy, but in the day of adversity consider— God has made the one as well as the other so that man will not discover anything that will be after him. [15] I have seen everything during my lifetime of futility; there is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his wickedness. [16] Do not be excessively righteous and do not be overly wise. Why should you ruin yourself? [17] Do not be excessively wicked and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time? [18] It is good that you grasp one thing and also not let go of the other; for the one who fears God comes forth with both of them. [19] Wisdom strengthens a wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.”

Mark 8:36; Luke 12:23-31


III. Consider what is better. vs. 20-29
     “[20] Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins. [21] Also, do not take seriously all words which are spoken, so that you will not hear your servant cursing you. [22] For you also have realized that you likewise have many times cursed others. [23] I tested all this with wisdom, and I said, “I will be wise,” but it was far from me. [24] What has been is remote and exceedingly mysterious. Who can discover it? [25] I directed my mind to know, to investigate and to seek wisdom and an explanation, and to know the evil of folly and the foolishness of madness. [26] And I discovered more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, whose hands are chains. One who is pleasing to God will escape from her, but the sinner will be captured by her. [27] “Behold, I have discovered this,” says the Preacher, “adding one thing to another to find an explanation, [28] which I am still seeking but have not found. I have found one man among a thousand, but I have not found a woman among all these. [29] Behold, I have found only this, that God made men upright, but they have sought out many devices.””

Romans 3:23; 1 Corinthians 3:19; Proverbs 7:7-12; 1:20-33; 2 Peter 1:3; Romans 8:31-32


Conclusion: Job 28:12-28


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Sunday Sermon Outline: Ecclesiastes 6

The Inevitability of Death
Ecclesiastes 6

Introduction: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. [14] For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”


I.  Consider Your Life vs. 1-7
     “There is an evil which I have seen under the sun and it is prevalent among men— [2] a man to whom God has given riches and wealth and honor so that his soul lacks nothing of all that he desires; yet God has not empowered him to eat from them, for a foreigner enjoys them. This is vanity and a severe affliction. [3] If a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years, however many they be, but his soul is not satisfied with good things and he does not even have a proper burial, then I say, “Better the miscarriage than he, [4] for it comes in futility and goes into obscurity; and its name is covered in obscurity. [5] It never sees the sun and it never knows anything; it is better off than he. [6] Even if the other man lives a thousand years twice and does not enjoy good things—do not all go to one place?””

Mark 4:18-19; Luke 12:15; Deuteronomy 12:28, 32; Micah 6:6-8


II. Consider Your Soul  vs. 8-9
     “[7] All a man's labor is for his mouth and yet the appetite is not satisfied. [8] For what advantage does the wise man have over the fool? What advantage does the poor man have, knowing how to walk before the living? [9] What the eyes see is better than what the soul desires. This too is futility and a striving after wind.”

Luke 12:19-21; Mark 8:34-36


III. Consider Your God  vs. 10-12
     “[10] Whatever exists has already been named, and it is known what man is; for he cannot dispute with him who is stronger than he is. [11] For there are many words which increase futility. What then is the advantage to a man? [12] For who knows what is good for a man during his lifetime, during the few years of his futile life? He will spend them like a shadow. For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun?”

Revelation 17:14; Hebrews 12:9-10


Conclusion: Matthew 10:28; Psalm 64:9-10


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Sunday Sermon Outline: Ecclesiastes 5

“Watch What You Worship”
Ecclesiastes 5

Introduction: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. [14] For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”


I.  Empty Words vs. 1-7
     “Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. [2] Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. [3] For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words. [4] When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! [5] It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. [6] Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands? [7] For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.”

1 Samuel 15:22-23; 1 Kings 18:25-40; James 5:16


II. An Evil World vs. 8-9
     “[8] If you see oppression of the poor and denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be shocked at the sight; for one official watches over another official, and there are higher officials over them. [9] After all, a king who cultivates the field is an advantage to the land.”

1 Corinthians 2:14-16; 1 Timothy 4:8; Matthew 7:18; Matthew 6:20


III. Earthly Wealth vs. 10-20
     “[10] He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity. [11] When good things increase, those who consume them increase. So what is the advantage to their owners except to look on? [12] The sleep of the working man is pleasant, whether he eats little or much; but the full stomach of the rich man does not allow him to sleep. [13] There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: riches being hoarded by their owner to his hurt. [14] When those riches were lost through a bad investment and he had fathered a son, then there was nothing to support him. [15] As he had come naked from his mother's womb, so will he return as he came. He will take nothing from the fruit of his labor that he can carry in his hand. [16] This also is a grievous evil—exactly as a man is born, thus will he die. So what is the advantage to him who toils for the wind? [17] Throughout his life he also eats in darkness with great vexation, sickness and anger.”

1 Kings 5:13-16; 1 Timothy 6:7-10; 1 John 2:15-17

     “[18] Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one's labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward. [19] Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God. [20] For he will not often consider the years of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart.” 

 Matthew 6:2, 5, 16; 2 Corinthians 10:18; John 9:4; 2 Timothy 2:15; Philippians 3:8; 1 Corinthians 7:31; Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 11:16


Conclusion: Mark 7:7; Isaiah 32:6; John 4:23; Hebrews 11:16; Hebrews 11:10


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Sunday Sermon Outline: Ecclesiastes 4

Working with God
Ecclesiastes 4

Introduction: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. [14] For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”


I.  Living in an evil world vs. 1-4
     “Then I looked again at all the acts of oppression which were being done under the sun. And behold I saw the tears of the oppressed and that they had no one to comfort them; and on the side of their oppressors was power, but they had no one to comfort them. [2] So I congratulated the dead who are already dead more than the living who are still living. [3] But better off than both of them is the one who has never existed, who has never seen the evil activity that is done under the sun. [4] I have seen that every labor and every skill which is done is the result of rivalry between a man and his neighbor. This too is vanity and striving after wind.”

 Ecclesiastes 8:12-13; Luke 12:15; James 5:5-6, 8


II. Working in an evil world vs. 5-8
     “[5] The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh. [6] One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind. [7] Then I looked again at vanity under the sun. [8] There was a certain man without a dependent, having neither a son nor a brother, yet there was no end to all his labor. Indeed, his eyes were not satisfied with riches and he never asked, “And for whom am I laboring and depriving myself of pleasure?” This too is vanity and it is a grievous task.”

 Romans 6:23


III. Working in God's kingdom vs. 9-12
     “[9] Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. [10] For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. [11] Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? [12] And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” 

 Romans 8:31; Luke 10:1, 4


IV. Favoring God's kingdom vs. 13-16
     “[13] A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction. [14] For he has come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom. [15] I have seen all the living under the sun throng to the side of the second lad who replaces him. [16] There is no end to all the people, to all who were before them, and even the ones who will come later will not be happy with him, for this too is vanity and striving after wind.” 

2 Timothy 2:4; 1 Thessalonians 2:4


Conclusion: Ecclesiastes 5:1; Hebrews 6:10-12


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Sunday Sermon Outline: Ecclesiastes 3

The Need for Divine Providence
Ecclesiastes 3

Introduction: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. [14] For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.” 


I.  Adjust to Divine Providence vs. 1-8
     “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven— [2] A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. [3] A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up. [4] A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance. [5] A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing. [6] A time to search and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep and a time to throw away. [7] A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak. [8] A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace.”

Ecclesiastes 1:4; 2:26; Ephesians 2:10


II. The Author of Divine Providence vs. 9-13
     “[9] What profit is there to the worker from that in which he toils? [10] I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.[11] He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end. [12] I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one's lifetime; [13] moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—it is the gift of God.”

Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 3:5-8


III. Alone without Divine Providence vs. 14-22
     “[14] I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear Him. [15] That which is has been already and that which will be has already been, for God seeks what has passed by. [16] Furthermore, I have seen under the sun that in the place of justice there is wickedness and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness. [17] I said to myself, “God will judge both the righteous man and the wicked man,” for a time for every matter and for every deed is there. [18] I said to myself concerning the sons of men, “God has surely tested them in order for them to see that they are but beasts.” [19] For the fate of the sons of men and the fate of beasts is the same. As one dies so dies the other; indeed, they all have the same breath and there is no advantage for man over beast, for all is vanity. [20] All go to the same place. All came from the dust and all return to the dust. [21] Who knows that the breath of man ascends upward and the breath of the beast descends downward to the earth? [22] I have seen that nothing is better than that man should be happy in his activities, for that is his lot. For who will bring him to see what will occur after him?” 

Romans 1:20; Acts 17:22-31


Conclusion: Acts 17:30-31; 4:11-12


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Sunday Sermon Outline: Colossians 4:2-6

Colossians 4:2-6
"Real Communication"

I.   As Christians, it is essential that we talk with God.  vs. 2-4
     “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; [3] praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; [4] that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.” 

Matthew 6:33


II.  As Christians, it is essential that we talk with others.  vs. 5-6
      “[5] Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. [6] Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” 

Ephesians 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 3:15; 1 Corinthians 3:10-11; 2 Timothy 4:2


Conclusion: Colossians 3:16-17


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Wisdom is Vindicated by Her Children

Grow up, people! It's time to stop acting like children and start living like adults … spiritually speaking. Why is the way in which I live my life such an insult to you? If I'm doing the job the Lord gave me to do, then frankly I don't really care what you think of my personality, my preferences or my job performance.

In Luke 7:24-27, Jesus said of John the Baptist, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? [25] But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who are splendidly clothed and live in luxury are found in royal palaces! [26] But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and one who is more than a prophet. [27] This is the one about whom it is written, ‘BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY BEFORE YOU.’”

Notice the emphasis Jesus places upon spiritual recognition. For those who went out into the wilderness expecting to see a great charismatic speaker in a fancy suit, it was a wasted trip. But for those expecting to hear a prophet speaking the word of God … well, that's exactly what they heard!

Which begs the question: Why exactly are people attending church? What have they gone expecting to see and hear? If you go looking for entertainment, then it won't be hard to find. There are plenty of praise bands ready to get you on your feet, and drama teams working to extract a tear. If you travel out expecting social connections, you will find that in spades, too. Someone will be close at hand to offer you a handshake or a hug, along with a donut and some coffee.

But what if you are expecting to hear a word from the Lord? I'm afraid you may be disappointed. Chances are you'll have to sift through the jokes and the stories, the illustrations and the quotations to actually get to the Scriptures. Oh, I'm sure you will be able to say that the preacher was a swell guy, and perhaps that he was a dandy speaker … but will you be able to say without a doubt that he was a man sent by God to speak His word?

Where is the spiritual recognition today? Crowds of people traveled far out into the wilderness to hear John the Baptist … not because he was popular or trendy … not because he was culturally relevant … but because they believed that he spoke a message from God. Here was a man who was actually and truly in spiritual relationship to the Lord. Jesus says of him in Luke 7:28, “I say to you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

So, in other words, the social relationships aren't nearly as important as the servant relationship. John did his work. He didn't care what people thought of him. He didn't dress for success … he simply did what the Lord sent him to do. He preached, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2). He taught people to “bear fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8).

And the real measure of his ministry wasn't in rising attendance or offering figures … it wasn't in community support or in an increase of property holdings … but in the spiritual response of those to whom he spoke God's word. Luke 7:29-30 says, “When all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they acknowledged God's justice, having been baptized with the baptism of John. [30] But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God's purpose for themselves, not having been baptized by John.” Those who believed repented, while those who disbelieved rejected his message. Despite his unique appearance and seemingly anti-social behavior, some people loved John for telling them the truth. The rest hated him. They spoke ill of him. They mocked him. And eventually – in rejection of the truth – such people killed him.

“Oh, but such a thing would NEVER happen today! We are much more civilized. We believe in tolerance and acceptance!”

Really? Then where exactly are the men of God today? I see those dressed in fine clothes and pleasing the masses. I hear those who are saying what people want to hear. But where are those who are speaking the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Where are the men who may not be doing the job the elders want them to do … or the job the congregation wants them to do … but are doing exactly what the Lord wants them to do? I'll tell you where they are … alienated from society and unemployed by “the church.”

Jesus spoke of the religious climate in which He and John lived in Luke 7:31-35, “To what then shall I compare the men of this generation, and what are they like? [32] They are like children who sit in the market place and call to one another, and they say, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’ [33] For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!’ [34] The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ [35] Yet wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

Some believed that John the Baptist was demon possessed because he would not socialize like “normal people.” But who was really possessed of Satan? Wasn't it those who “rejected God's purpose for themselves” (v. 30)? So is the Lord with the elders who are “lording it over those allotted to [their] charge” (1 Peter 5:3), or with the congregations that blindly follow (Matthew 15:14), or with those men who have “suffered” and “been mistreated,” yet “had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition” (1 Thessalonians 2:2)?

Jesus' assessment of the religious world is still accurate. The modern church is full of those “like children who sit in the market place and call to one another.” They are upset when their “paid servants” don't dance when they play and cry when thy sing. Is it any wonder they “accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires” (2 Timothy 4:3)?

John didn't socialize … and they couldn't tolerate his message … so they called him names and killed him. Jesus did socialize … but they still couldn't tolerate His message … so they called Him names and killed Him. So it really doesn't matter whether you play the social games or not. If the message being preached is of God, it will offend the worldly enough to want you dead or gone. “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you” (John 15:19).

Which seriously begs the question: Why are there so many popular preachers? Answer: Because they preach a social gospel that is compatible with this world. As soon as they drop the social conventions and start speaking the truth of God, the false smiles will be replaced with the “gnashing” of teeth (Acts 7:54). The facade of Christianity will be replaced by the truth of persecution. “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. [13] But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:12-13).

So why does my life annoy you so much? Oh, yeah! Because I'm saying things you don't want to hear. But according to Jesus, “wisdom is vindicated by all her children” (Luke 7:35). In other words, results are what count. So what if John the Baptist was anti-social? Did he preach the word of the Lord faithfully? So what if he ate locusts and wild honey? So what if he dressed funny? What's that to you?

So what if Jesus ate and drank with sinners? So what if He chose not to have a home? So what if He chose to spend most of His time with certain disciples? What business is it of yours?

In John 21:21-22, Peter – who had been told to go and shepherd the spiritual sheep – saw the apostle John sitting comfortably with Jesus, and asked, “Lord, and what about this man?” Jesus answer is forthright and direct, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” In other words, “Peter, what business is it of yours what John does? Go do what I told you to do!”

Does my lifestyle bother you? Deal with it. I'm not responsible for your contrived notions of how I should live, or what I should do. My job isn't to mold myself to your will, but to carry out the Lord's. And if the things I say offend you, then perhaps you might take a moment out of your busy life to determine exactly why it is so offensive.

If you believe me a liar, then ignore me and move on. Take Gamaliel's advice: “So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; [39] but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God” (Acts 5:38-39).

But what if I'm not a liar? What if I'm doing exactly what the Lord sent me to do? “Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand” (Romans 14:4).

What that means is that multiple firings and the loss of property cannot stop the word of the Lord. Slander and gossip won't stop it. Even the death of the servant can't stop it. “Wisdom is vindicated by all her children.” That doesn't mean Satan won't try. According to the Revelation, “the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 12:17).

The apostle John was banished to the isle of Patmos “because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 1:9). He saw underneath a heavenly altar “the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained” (Revelation 6:9). Such people overcame Satan – not because of their cultural relevance or societal impact – but because they acknowledged the authority of Christ as more important than acceptance by the world. “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death” (Revelation 12:11).

Therefore, if my preaching and teaching of the word of God offends you … if it makes you angry enough to fire me or spread lies about me … then I rejoice that I have “been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5:41). But I will not stop doing what the Lord sent me to do. “Every day” … in the churches or in homes … in Wal-Mart or in the woods … I will keep “right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” (Acts 5:42).