Ecclesiastes 5 Vanity of Mirth Ecclesiastes 2 1

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Ecclesiastes (5) Vanity of Mirth Ecclesiastes 2: 1 -3

Ecclesiastes (5) Vanity of Mirth Ecclesiastes 2: 1 -3

 • • “I will test you” (2: 1) Testing is a good thing

• • “I will test you” (2: 1) Testing is a good thing Genesis 22: 1 (Hebrews 11: 17) – Abraham was tested Psalm 7: 9 God tests hearts and minds 2 Corinthians 13: 5, 1 Thessalonians 5: 21, test all things

 • • “I will test you” (2: 1) Testing is a good thing

• • “I will test you” (2: 1) Testing is a good thing James 1: 3, 1 Peter 1: 7 – tested faith, as we deal with life 1 John 4: 1 – test the spirits To test ourselves does NOT mean we engage in sinful conduct or unnecessary temptation

I will test you with mirth (2: 1) • Mirth – amusement, sensory pleasures.

I will test you with mirth (2: 1) • Mirth – amusement, sensory pleasures. Things that produce happiness and pleasure • Not necessarily, sinful or sensual (though that is the appeal of many) • Solomon was examining worldly pleasures here – see 2: 10

 • • • I will test you with mirth (2: 1) The Bible

• • • I will test you with mirth (2: 1) The Bible and pleasure James 4: 1, 3 ἡδονή, (hēdonē) – unrestrained pleasures Luke 8: 14, cares and pleasures of this world Titus 3: 3, our former conduct Proverbs 21: 17, He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

 • • I will test you with mirth (2: 1) We live in

• • I will test you with mirth (2: 1) We live in a pleasure driven society Seen in our homes, our spare time, hobbies, vacations, etc. Recreation is a very lucrative business today 2 Timothy 3: 4, Hebrews 11: 25, lovers of pleasure rather than God

 • • • I will test you with mirth (2: 1) Be reminded,

• • • I will test you with mirth (2: 1) Be reminded, pleasure is not wrong. Even Solomon realized this, Ecclesiastes 2: 24, 3: 12 -13 Rest and recreation can be good – rejuvenate, relax the mind, but it must have its limits Solomon in his quest, used moderation Don’t let it choke out God’s word

 • • I said of laughter (2: 2) Laughter is good medicine Proverbs

• • I said of laughter (2: 2) Laughter is good medicine Proverbs 17: 22 Ecclesiastes 3: 4 There is laughter and joy in good things (cf. Philippians 4: 4) Also laughter in evil things – much of today’s entertainment. BUT is such really funny?

I said of laughter (2: 2) • Consider excess in laughter and joy of

I said of laughter (2: 2) • Consider excess in laughter and joy of this world’s ways • How many become obsessed with laughter and entertainment? • Does it rob us of precious time to serve God?

 • • I said of laughter (2: 2) Madness…what does it accomplish? Proverbs

• • I said of laughter (2: 2) Madness…what does it accomplish? Proverbs 14: 13, Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, and the end of mirth may be grief Ecclesiastes 7: 3, sorrow is better than laughter… James 4: 9, let your laughter be turned to mourning… Repent!

Gratification with wine (2: 3) • Wine – here, related to mirth and laughter.

Gratification with wine (2: 3) • Wine – here, related to mirth and laughter. • Many turn to alcohol seeking pleasure and escape. How many begin with casual intents, only to become ruined or addicted? • Solomon’s conclusion – this too is vanity, even in moderation

How do you deal with laughter and mirth?

How do you deal with laughter and mirth?