The Search for Contentment

Series: Ecclesiastes

July 29, 2018 | Bob Bartlett
Passage: Ecclesiastes 6:1-12

“The Search for Contentment” Ecclesiastes 6:1-12

 

“I have seen another evil under the sun, and it weighs heavily on men:”

  • The grievous evil of life without contentment? But more?

   W_____________________________________!

 

What is contentment? Where does contentment lie? How do I find contentment?

 

The Search for meaning and purpose:

Vs 2: “God gives a man wealth, possessions and honor...God does not enable him to enjoy them

Conclusion: Meaning and Purpose are not found in the t____________ of this world.

 

Vs 3-6: “A man may have...a hundred children and live many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity...

Conclusion: Meaning and Purpose are not found in the r______________ of this world.

 

Vs 3: The grievous statement: “I say that a stillborn child is better off

Conclusion: The gravity or severity of m____________ the meaning and purpose of life!

 

Life without meaning and purpose:

Vs 7: “All man’s efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied.

  • All pursuits without perspective (wisdom of God) are a potential curse.
  • Tomorrow we still wake up spiritually hungry and bankrupt.

 

The Road to Meaning and Purpose:

Vs 8: “What advantage has a wise man over a fool?

  1. Be found in r____________relationship with God. To know God! To be known by God!
  • Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

 

Vs 9: “Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite.”

  1. Always i_______________(count) your blessings. Psalm 116:7 “Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.”

 

Vs 9: “...than the roving of the appetite. This too is meaningless a chasing after the wind”

  1. Learn (the secret) to be c________________ in and with God alone.

Philippians 4:11-12 “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”

  • The greatest purpose and the greatest contentment I can possess?

 

Vs 10-12: “Whatever exists has already been named...who knows what is good for a man in life...Who can tell him what will happen under the sun after he is gone?”

  1. Be a devoted h____________for the truth of Jesus Christ.
  • It’s all been said before! It’s all been done before! 1 Corinthians 4:1

 

Life’s greatest meaning and deepest purpose is found in knowing God and serving Him.

 

Series Information

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