Ecclesiastes Chapter 5.

Sermon Notes: Ecclesiastes Chapter 5.

1: Be very careful what you do before you come into a Worship Service. V1.

‘Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.’ V1

‘What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burn offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to His voice. Obedience is far better than sacrifice. Listening to Him is much better than offering the fat of rams.’ 1 Samuel 15:22

‘And a voice came from the cloud: ‘This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to Him.’ Mark 9:7

Question: How can I reorganise Sunday mornings before I come to a church service so that I can make time to tune my heart into GOD as I pray and prepare to meet Him?

Question: Do we rush out and rush into a Worship Service. Is there something simple and practical that you can do to help prepare yourself to listen to God in a service of Worship?

2: Be very careful what you actually say and promise GOD you will do when you are in a Worship Service. V2-3

‘Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in Heaven and you are on earth so let your words be few. V2

‘Think before you speak and do not make any rash promises to GOD.’

‘Search me O God and know my heart, test me O God and know my thoughts. Point out anything that offends You.’ Psalm 139:2

Question: What is really going on inside your heart and mind this morning?

Question: What does GOD see as He sifts and searches through your heart and mind? Do you need to be honest with Him about some unresolved issues in your life today?

3: Be very careful what you do and how you live as you leave a Worship Service.’ V4-7

‘Do what you promise to do. Better not to promise at all than to make a promise and not keep it. Don’t let your words lead you into sin.’ V4-6

‘When you make a vow to the LORD your God, be prompt in doing whatever you promised Him. For the LORD your GOD demands that you promptly fulfil your vows. If you don’t you will be guilty of sin. Deuteronomy 23:21

‘He (Jesus) replied, ‘My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s Word and put it into practice.’ Luke 8:21

‘He (Jesus) replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the Word of God and obey it.’ Luke 11:28

Shaped by God’s Word: as we commit ourselves to apply what God is teaching us in the bible to our everyday life and living, so that it makes a noticeable and an attractive difference to us every day.

Question: We are far from perfect people, but we can choose to live authentically as we follow Jesus this week. Is that what you are willing to commit yourself to as you come away from this Service?

Question: Do you need help, support, encouragement and prayer from others as you try to be what GOD is calling you to be, and to do in very difficult circumstances?