Chasing After Wind

Ecclesiastes 1:1-12:14

SERMONS

The End of the Matter, Ecclesiastes 12: 8-14

June 14, 2020 • Josh Lindstrom • Ecclesiastes 12: 8-14

The Preacher wraps up his book by reminding us of the careful attention he gave to his words and, consequently, the careful attention we should give them in response. The end of the matter is that it is only in a reverence for God and obedience to his commands that we will find a truly satisfied life. Far from being discouraging, we can be confident that all we do in pursuit of Christ will be recognized and rewarded on that final day.

The Reality of Death, Ecclesiastes 9:1-18

June 7, 2020 • Kurt Birky • Ecclesiastes 9:1-18

Until Christ returns, each one of us at some point will die and the reality of death casts a long dark shadow over all our pursuits. However, for the redeemed in Christ, we cry out, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55). For the child of God, while death is not the end, its presence here and now should drive us to cherish and enjoy life while we can.

The Better Way, Ecclesiastes 7:1-14

May 31, 2020 • Kurt Birky • Ecclesiastes 7:1-14

Even from our limited human perspective, we understand there is good advice that is worthwhile to follow and that making wise choices is to be preferred to making foolish ones. However, human wisdom is not a safeguard against all the perils and injustice of this world, and so our hope rests not in our wisdom but in the person and work of Christ who stands sovereign over all.

The Pursuit of Wealth, Ecclesiastes 5:10-6:12 (4:7-12)

May 24, 2020 • Josh Lindstrom • Ecclesiastes 5:10-6:12 (4:7-12)

The pursuit of material wealth does not deliver on the promises it makes but ultimately frustrates the one in search of it. Contrary to our world’s understanding, contentment in life is found in meaningful relationships with others and, through Christ, in relationship with God our creator who is the only one worthy of our ultimate pursuit. Ironically, through Christ, we can find joy in the temporary pleasures of this world when we receive them as good gifts coming from his hand.

The Need for Faith, Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

May 17, 2020 • Josh Lindstrom • Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

Every Sunday millions of people will stream into churches. They will do similar things in similar ways and from the outside appear uniform in their behaviors. In Ecclesiastes 5:1-7, the Preacher warns of the danger in approaching God flippantly and highlights the need for reverence and faith to saturate our practices. Thankfully, through Christ we can “with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

The Reality of Life, Ecclesiastes 3:16-22, 4:1

May 10, 2020 • Josh Lindstrom • Ecclesiastes 3:16-22, 4:1

When the toddler is sent to bed earlier than her older siblings she may well exclaim “It’s not fair!” Even from our youth, we have a sense of justice, a sense of the way things are supposed to be. As we grow older, we recognize that justice is not always served. The Preacher wrestles with this question, and while he hopes for justice in the end, he resigns himself to this fallen world and its need for a righteous judge.

The March of Time, Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

May 3, 2020 • Josh Lindstrom • Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

There is a tedious and repetitive meaningless to the world in which we live; for all that we could look forward to is often mitigated by the curse of sin in this fallen world. We celebrate the birth of a child but acknowledge at some point that new life will itself come to an end. While we realize there is a time for everything, God has put eternity into our hearts so that we can recognize that something is not right. This recognition should drive us to God, who stands outside of time and holds all things together.

The American Nightmare, Ecclesiastes 2:1-26

April 26, 2020 • Josh Lindstrom • Ecclesiastes 2:1-26

God has given us good gifts, but in our sin, we have made those gifts ends in and of themselves. We obtain what we desire, only to desire what we do not have. All of our pursuits, be it pleasure, wisdom or work will fall decidedly short apart from one finding their joy and contentment in God’s simple gifts. Our culture pursues a dream that will ultimately turn into a nightmare. We have opportunity to live differently and, through Christ, model what true contentment looks like.

The Relentless Pursuit, Ecclesiastes 1:1-18

April 19, 2020 • Josh Lindstrom • Ecclesiastes 1:1-18

This earth is not as it should be, “For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God” (Romans 8:20-21). The Preacher wrestles with this reality and its implications for our daily life. In the end, our only hope is to find our satisfaction and joy in the person and work of Jesus and look forward to the day when we are set free from the monotony of this life and the effects of sin.
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