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Ecclesiastes (5)

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

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Ecclesiastes (5)

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  1. Ecclesiastes (5) Vanity of MirthEcclesiastes 2:1-3

  2. “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

  3. “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

  4. 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

  5. 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.

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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?

  9. 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?

  10. 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!

  11. 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

  12. How do you deal with laughter and mirth?

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