Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for August 29, 2021

The End of the Matter

Ecclesiastes 11:1-12:14

Review/Overview

-last section: 8:16-12:14
-8:16-9:9: Remaining incongruities shouldn’t diminish joy.
-9:10-11:6: Work hard and understand you don’t know everything.
-11:7-12:2: Dependence and delight are the keys to satisfaction.

1. Perspective from Solomon’s Proverbial Statements. 11:1-6

• Life is uncertain. Be generous anyway. (1-2)
• Take life as it comes. (3)
• When it comes to work, just do it! (4)
• Remember your limitations. (5-6)

2. Preparation for the Future Should Begin in the Present. 11:7-12:12

• Relish life while you can. (7-8)
• Rejoice in your youth and remember the judgment of God. (9)
• Remove vexation and evil. (10)
• Remember your Creator. (1-2)
• Observe the house/body analogy. (3-7)
• Grasp the implications for applying the message of Ecclesiastes. (8-12)

3. Consider the End of the Matter. 12:13-14

• Fear God and do what He says.
• Make the NT connection. (2 Corinthians 4:7-18)
• Real satisfaction comes only to those who depend on God’s guidance and delight in His governance.
• “This is my Father’s world: Why should my heart be sad? The Lord is King: let the heavens ring! God reigns; let earth be glad!” (Babcock)