What Life’s About

Introduction:

A.     Have you ever pondered the meaning of life?  Have you ever wondered why we are here?

B.     Is there more to this thing called life? Can we be truly happy living on this earth?

I. Life’s Cycle – 1:1-11

A.     Solomon offers his keen insight as to what life is really about.

1.     Three illustrations

a.      Sunrise & sunset – v 5

b.     Wind circuit – v 6

c.      Evaporation cycle – v 7

B.     The further we go in life the more we realize we are not really getting anywhere.

1.     Solomon said…

a.      Generations come and go, earth remains – v 4

b.     Nothing new under the sun – v 9

1)  Phrase “Been there done that”

2.     Some strive hard in life only to be disappointed in the end.

II. Vanity of Worldly Pursuits – 2:1-11

A.     Solomon sought to bring himself pleasure by chasing after the offerings of the world.

1.     In all of his pursuits, Solomon’s focus was on himself. Cf. Lk. 12:16-21

B.     Solomon found out the hard way that worldly pursuits cannot bring happiness. v 11

1.     He had everything and yet he had nothing.

2.     The pursuit of earthly pleasures will ultimately bring about our downfall. 1 Tim. 6:9-10

a.      We must decide who is our master. Matt. 6:24

III. The Inescapable Conclusion – 12:1-8, 13-14

A.     Solomon came to understand life is short.

1.     We all draw closer to the grave that awaits us. 12:1-8

B.     We conclude we are here for a very short time preparing ourselves for the eternity to come.

1.     Some question why we are here or why do we exist.

a.      Solomon said we are here to serve our God. vv 13-14

b.     Who has done this perfectly?

1)    We all need a Savior; one that will take us as we are and help us become the person He desires.

Conclusion

A.     True happiness can only be found in Christ Jesus.

B.     Are you truly happy?