"VANITY, VANITY, ALL IS VANITY"
Intro: Solomon had forsaken the God of his father, he sought to find the answer for life in
things. He completely indulged himself 2: 10, he ended in despair 2: 17.
I. THE SEARCH FOR MEANING.
A. A consciousness that life must be more.
1. A certain dissatisfaction within, an emptiness seeking fulfillment.
2. We think that if we just had enough money, or knowledge.
3. Maybe if we could build some monument.
4. The answer lies in pleasure.
B. Solomon experienced this search.
1. Life seemed so monotonous it became empty and meaningless.
2. He gave himself to amassing wealth.
3. He gave himself to education.
a. Frustrating "in much wisdom is grief he that increases knowledge
increases sorrow."
4. Gave himself to vast building projects.
a. Solomon's quarries.
b. Solomon's reservoirs.
"All is empty and frustrating, there is no profit under the
sun."
5. He gave himself to partying and pleasure.
"This too is emptiness."
C. His search led to despair and bitterness. Vs. 2: 17.
1. Hated life.
2. It was empty and frustrating.
II. WHAT CAUSES THIS EMPTINESS?
A. Paul tells us that God has created us subject to emptiness.
Rom. 8:20.
1. He actually designed us this way.
2. God created us with a threefold nature.
a. Body, soul and spirit.
b. Integrated yet separate.
3. I have physical needs, psychic needs, spiritual needs.
a. I need air, water, food, etc.
b. I need love, security, purpose.
c. I need God.
d. If I do not fill my physical needs my body will die.
e. If I do not fill my spiritual needs my spirit is dead.
4. My body cries out for the fulfillment of its needs.
5. My mind cries out.
6. My spirit cries out.
7. I cannot be a whole person if one area is lacking.
8. My greatest need is spiritual.
9. My spirit will accept no substitutes.
III. WHAT IS THE ANSWER? JOHN 7:37, 38.
A. I John 5:11.
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Chuck Smith (1927 - 2013)
Pastor Chuck was used in the Jesus People revival where he was used along with others to minister to the hippy young people. They saw a work of the Spirit where many were added to the church and discipled. He has raised up many pastors who are a part of the Calvary Chapel movement now and where he pastors the large Costa Mesa church in California.The Calvary Chapel movement is based of simple principles that Chuck Smith taught over the years such as: The priority of agape love, Simple fellowship amongst the saints, the breaking of bread, the teaching of God's word chapter by chapter and verse by verse. And lastly and most importantly the principle not by might nor by power but by my spirit saith the Lord.