Ecclesiastes 17 The Value of a Friend Ecclesiastes

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Ecclesiastes (17) The Value of a Friend Ecclesiastes 4: 9 -16

Ecclesiastes (17) The Value of a Friend Ecclesiastes 4: 9 -16

The value of a true friend (4: 9 -12) • Previously we noted the

The value of a true friend (4: 9 -12) • Previously we noted the loneliness of one who has no comforter, (both the oppressed and the oppressor). Then we noted the one who is alone, without companion because he is consumed with work and fails to consider why he is doing that.

The value of a true friend (4: 9 -12) • Two are better than

The value of a true friend (4: 9 -12) • Two are better than one (4: 9) • Sometimes this is quoted at wedding ceremonies. Yet it is not specifically about that, though it is appropriate, The best marriages are also friendships • Solomon’s “benefits” certainly apply. Ephesians 5: 22 -33, Titus 2: 4, 1 Peter 3: 17 – the call for love

 • • The value of a true friend (4: 9 -12) Two are

• • The value of a true friend (4: 9 -12) Two are better than one (4: 9) The helpfulness of pairs Both the twelve, and the 70 – Mark 6: 7, Luke 10: 1 David & Jonathan, Elijah and Elisha, Ruth and Naomi, Paul on his journeys (Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Luke, etc.

The value of a true friend (4: 9 -12) • Two are better than

The value of a true friend (4: 9 -12) • Two are better than one (4: 9) • We all need friends • Proverbs 18: 24, 27: 9, 17, the blessing of friendship

The value of a true friend (4: 9 -12) • Two are better than

The value of a true friend (4: 9 -12) • Two are better than one (4: 9) • They have a good reward for their labor – two working together can accomplish more than one alone

The value of a true friend (4: 9 -12) • Two are better than

The value of a true friend (4: 9 -12) • Two are better than one (4: 10) • If one falls, his companion is there – whether literal or spiritually 1 Thessalonians 5: 14 • Woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him. May this NEVER be said of Christians. May we NEVER by our bad conduct alienate others

The value of a true friend (4: 9 -12) • Two are better than

The value of a true friend (4: 9 -12) • Two are better than one (4: 11) • They can provide warmth – help with essentials. Closeness in helping each other. • How can one be warm alone?

The value of a true friend (4: 9 -12) • Two are better than

The value of a true friend (4: 9 -12) • Two are better than one (4: 12) • Together they can withstand one seeking to overpower the one standing alone – • “There’s safety in numbers” Likely why Jesus sent disciples out in pairs. Proverbs 17: 17 – a friend loves at all times, but a brother is born for adversity

 • • The value of a true friend (4: 9 -12) Two are

• • The value of a true friend (4: 9 -12) Two are better than one (4: 12) Together they can withstand one seeking to overpower the one standing alone When we are struggling with temptations, a friend can stand with us and help us overcome. Consider – why did God give us the church? Hebrews 3: 12 -13

 • • • The value of a true friend (4: 9 -12) Two

• • • The value of a true friend (4: 9 -12) Two are better than one (4: 12) A threefold cord is not quickly broken Even stronger than two strands Think of 3 very close friends Consider the illustration with a marriage that includes God. Consider brethren who stand with each other AND God – Romans 8: 31

The value of a true friend (4: 9 -12) • Two are better than

The value of a true friend (4: 9 -12) • Two are better than one (4: 12) • Let us not forget this in our age of technology. It is easy to become isolated – television, computers, smartphones, personal devices, etc. Have we lost our desire for personal communication?

When leaders don’t listen (4: 13 -16) • Better a poor youth than an

When leaders don’t listen (4: 13 -16) • Better a poor youth than an old king…(4: 13) • Arrogance is tragic – especially in leaders, including those who are seasoned with life and think they cannot learn anything else • Consider King Saul

When leaders don’t listen (4: 13 -16) • For he comes out of prison…

When leaders don’t listen (4: 13 -16) • For he comes out of prison… (4: 14) • Joseph, Daniel, or David (as a humble youth). He may become king • Vs. 15, They were with the second youth who replaces him – consider Solomon and Rehoboam and Jeroboam (1 Kings 12)

When leaders don’t listen (4: 13 -16) • There was no end…Yet those who

When leaders don’t listen (4: 13 -16) • There was no end…Yet those who come afterward will not rejoice in him (4: 16) • People come and go, and times change. This is equally true with leaders. Fresh leaders are sometimes good and sometimes, NOT so good!

When leaders don’t listen (4: 13 -16) • Applications: • Worldly people follow the

When leaders don’t listen (4: 13 -16) • Applications: • Worldly people follow the latest trends. Most often, the majority fails to take time to examine the whole picture (sometimes following selfishly or blindly) • This can apply spiritually as well – Matthew 7: 15 -17, 2 Peter 2: 1 -3 – people follow the persuasive

When leaders don’t listen (4: 13 -16) • Applications: • Consider also the oft

When leaders don’t listen (4: 13 -16) • Applications: • Consider also the oft warnings against arrogance and pride. Pride typically leads to rejection and loneliness (you are abandoned) • Do NOT put your trust in riches or in men (Matthew 6: 19 -21)

Is Jesus your friend? Ecclesiastes 12: 13 -14

Is Jesus your friend? Ecclesiastes 12: 13 -14