Explores pleasure (1-3) and prosperity (4-8)

Search For Significance: Examination of Ecclesiastes
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DJVJJMQ/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_VR21GKM48W63JYH29YWD

#biblestudy

We live in a culture obsessed with pleasure and prosperity, and it often leaves us unfulfilled. Ecclesiastes warns us about this truth. It was true then, and remains true now, proving the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes’ relevance to the twenty-first century.

The Preacher continues his experiments. The Preacher tries to determine if there is another way to find lasting advantages through human work under the sun by exploring pleasure (1-3) and prosperity (4-8). Right from the first line, he tells the reader his goal and its result: “I will test you with pleasure” (towb used eight times in Ecclesiastes = pleasure) and “it too was futility” (2:1).

In a pursuit of pleasure, he explores the experience of comedy and laughter (2:2), alcohol and wine (2:3), entertainers and entertainments (2:8), and sex with concubines (2:8). In a pursuit of the rewards of riches, he explores the experience of building projects (4-6) and expanding his wealth (7-8) with houses, vineyards (2:4), gardens, parks (2:5), ponds (2:6), slaves, livestock (2:7), silver and gold (2:8). While there is nothing intrinsically sinful, wicked, or evil about pleasure or prosperity, as a source of fulfillment, purpose, and identity, they are hollow idols.

In the beginning of the chapter, he declares his experiences as fruitless and, at the end of his experiments on pleasure and prosperity, he concludes with meaningless futility (9-11). He denied himself no material possessions or pleasures, and like the man in the parable of Jesus (Luke 16:19-31 The Rich Man and Lazarus), he obtained enjoyment for a time. He claims to have surpassed all others in wealth (2:9): Did great, received increase, held his wisdom (2:9); satisfied his desire, pleasure, reward (2:10); result: “all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun” (2:11).

Let us repent, commit to reject the idols of pleasures and prosperity that are so pervasive in our culture, and pray for the Holy Spirit to empower us to focus on Jesus and receive true fulfillment, purpose, and identity from God and not from the false idols of our culture.

Search For Significance: Examination of Ecclesiastes
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DJVJJMQ/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_VR21GKM48W63JYH29YWD

#biblestudy