Ecclesiastes Vanity of Luxurious Living Ecclesiastes 2 4

Ecclesiastes Vanity of Luxurious Living Ecclesiastes 2: 4 -6

• Solomon has declared that all (worldly pursuits) is vanity • He looked to wisdom, laughter, mirth and wine • He also looked to luxuries and recreation – our subject today

• Note in vs. 2: 4 -6, some 10 times, “I”, “myself” & “my” • In 2: 1 -10, about 34 times. • While Solomon in this letter is teaching a lesson, he notes that his pursuits were self-serving • It was about him and what gave him meaning.

• Great works (4) – building projects, various accomplishments 1 Kings 7: 1 -12, 9: 15 -19 2 Chronicles 8: 1 -6 • Great houses (4) – 1 Kings 7: 1 • Gardens and orchards (5 -6) – places or recreation and “parks” (paradise), pools of water • Servants to manage (7) (cf. 1 Kings 4: 22 -23)

The pursuit of Luxury and recreation

The Bible and Luxuries • Having luxury, recreation and beauty are not wrong within themselves. • Good can come from such • Ecclesiastes 2: 2 -4 • Many godly men were wealthy, and used it wisely

The Bible and Luxuries • Great works – and accomplishments, also not wrong within themselves. As we do out best, they materialized • BUT, when they crowd out God… Matthew 13: 22, 16: 26

The Bible and Luxuries • Amos 6: 3 -7, they were at ease and not acting righteously • Proverbs 30: 8 -9, give me neither poverty nor riches • Luke 16: 19, the rich man awakes in torments – he fared sumptuously every day (luxuries), but unrighteous • 1 Timothy 6: 9 -10 – the desire to be rich

The Bible and Luxuries • 1 Timothy 6: 17 -19, do not trust in uncertain riches, nor be haughty. Don’t forget God and do good for others • Proverbs 11: 28, He who trusts in riches will fall… • James 5: 1 -5, speaks of the corrupted riches and lived in luxury neglecting their workers, etc.

The Bible and Luxuries • Luke 12: 16 -21, parable of the rich fool. • Matthew 19: 21 -24, the rich, young ruler. Wealth caused him to reject following God • Matthew 6: 24, you cannot serve both God and mammon • Matthew 6: 19 -20, where is your treasure?

Dealing with luxuries • Realize how blessed we are. Most of us possess luxuries compared to much of the world • Luxuries do not guarantee safety and peace. Sometimes they rob you of it • Is our pursuit the product of selfishness? James 4: 1 -4

Dealing with luxuries • Are we content, thankful and humble? • All required by Christians and associated with how we manage what we have • 2 Samuel 7: 1 -7, David realized how blessed he was & was thankful.

Dealing with luxuries • Are we content, thankful and humble? • 1 Timothy 6: 6 -8, godliness with contentment is great gain • Philippians 4: 11, be content in whatever state I am in. It is hard to be content with little, but it can be HARDER to be content with much!

Dealing with luxuries • Are we content, thankful and humble? • 1 Timothy 6: 18, are we willing to share with others? Hebrews 13: 16 • Realize the pursuit of pleasures will not satisfy our spiritual needs. The health and wealth gospel is a false gospel!

Dealing with luxuries • Where is true beauty found? 1 Peter 3: 3 -4, 1 Timothy 2: 9 -10 Proverbs 31: 30, charm is deceitful and beauty is passing. But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

Where are you seeking to find meaning in your life? Ecclesiastes 12: 13 -14