Ecclesiastes Chapter 11 – Chapter 12

Sermon Notes. Ecclesiastes Chapter 11 – Chapter 12

1: Look at life and seize the wonderful opportunities that God gives you in life. Don’t be afraid to take risks, God will bless you when you step out in faith.

‘Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.’ What does that mean?

It means, take a risk – seize the wonderful opportunities that God gives you! Don’t let fear of failure stop you from trying new adventures. Far better in life to have tried something, even if you fail, than sit there and not to have tried at all!

If you’re feeling God is calling you to attempt something fresh – risky – scary – outside your comfort zone – don’t just sit there – go for it! Verse 6, ‘Sow you seed in the morning.’

If we wait for the perfect idea – the perfect plan – the perfect conditions – the perfect people – we’ll never do anything for God!

Question; What risks are you personally taking? What risks are you prepared to take to push God’s Kingdom forward here in St. Paul’s?

Question; Is God asking you to step out in faith in some area of your life, and plant some new seed – take some fresh steps? What are you going to do with these promptings if they are really from God?

2: Look at your life – live it – enjoy it – but do so in a way that pleases God! For we’re all going to be accountable to Him for how we’ve lived our lives here on earth.

V9, ‘Young man, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in, but remember that you must give account to God for everything you do!

I really believe God wants us to enjoy life and enjoy our lives! God didn’t put us here on earth to be miserable – did He?

Verse 10 GNB, ‘Don’t let anything worry you or cause you pain. You aren’t going to be young very much longer.’

We need to remember that we are accountable to a Loving God, and one day, however you live your life, we’re going to have to stand before Him and give an account of how we’ve lived – in the attitudes of our hearts!

Question; What hurt’s and pains are you struggling with on the inside of your life – that are coming through on the outside in physical illness, etc?

3: Look at your life and give God His place NOW – because before you know it, you’re not young any longer. Old age and death will come upon you quickly.

The whole picture in 12:1-5 where he says, ‘Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, I find no pleasure in them – I don’t like this old age.’ Remember God before you get to that stage! Verse 6-8, ‘Remember him, before the silver cord is served.’

Life without God can lead to emptiness, loneliness and in old age, without hope – without meaning – without purpose, and you face death and you have nothing to look forward to – no hope! It’s an incredible, sad place to be!

People say – later, when I’m older, when the kids have grown up – when I’ve done what I want to do with my life, then I’ll give my life to God. Often, they don’t!

Question: There’s no more important time than now! What is God doing in your life now, and how are you responding to Him right now – tomorrow may never come – now is the time!

4: Look at your life – there are so many different voices and suggestions, telling you how you should live your life – listen to God the Maker, and do what He tells you to do in the Book. That’s the best way to live!

The Bible is such an amazing God Book! It is God’s instruction manual for you – it is the best way to live, and in His Book, you will find life, joy and happiness in this world and the next. God’s Word is the best way to find God’s will. Read it – do it – live it – seize those opportunities.