I. Introduction
A. The Meaning of Life (according to an atheist)
1. The famous atheist author Bertrand Russell was sent a book for review by Hugh Moorhead. Hugh asked Bertrand to answer the question, “What is the meaning of life?” Bertrand’s response was revealing. He wrote, “Thank you for your letter…but I have not written in anything about “The meaning or purpose of life”. Unless you assume a God the question is meaningless…”.
a. People like Bertrand encourage people to make their own meaning for life.
b. While that can seem enticing, it’s also very hollow.
2. Even God’s people can fall for this sentiment. It’s an idea that is explored at length in the book of Ecclesiastes.
B. Background
1. Wisdom literature is valuable in Scripture because:
a. Provides insight into daily living
b. Provides a glimpse at God’s relationship with mankind and how complicated it can be
i. Range of emotions
ii. Range of reactions
2. One of the most challenging books to read is Ecclesiastes
C. Ecclesiastes
1. Most people think that Solomon is the one who wrote Ecclesiastes.
2. Often considered one of the most negative books in the Bible because of the recurring statement, “Everything is vanity.” (1:2, 14; 2:1, 11, 17, 19; 4:16) More modern translations provide a better understanding when they translate, “Everything is meaningless.”
a. The Hebrew word hebel is a word that literally means “breath”. The picture being painted is that everything that people SAY is important is worthless. Perhaps you’ve had conversations like that with people. Just about everything they say seems to be worthless.
b. The word is used metaphorically by the author to speak of how life and the things of life are temporary, but also just like smoke that appears solid but when grasped slips through one’s fingers. Life is an enigma (mystery, paradox).
3. The message is not so negative, however, when we understand that the author is being inspired to remind us, ultimately, that our pursuit of meaning in life can only be found in our pursuit of God.
4. The entire book is, in essence, a journey to find the meaning of life
5. We learn that the meaning of our lives can’t be found just in:
a. Work (Ecclesiastes 2:18-23)
b. Relationships (Ecclesiastes 2:8)
c. Things (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11)
6. The meaning of our lives is given in Ecclesiastes 12:13 when we are reminded that our pursuit of God helps us to find meaning. “Fear God and keep His commandments”
a. He says that this is the wholeness of man.
b. This phrase means that the very meaning of our existence is found in God!
7. So…what does all this mean? Everything we are is wrapped in who God is!
II. Finding the Meaning of Life
A. God
1. The writer here does not necessarily mean that we should be of God; he is encouraging us to consider that we must God (although a healthy dose of being afraid of Him is in order from time to time).
a. God is worthy of our reverence because He is the Creator and sustainer of life.
b. The writer of Proverbs (probably Solomon) reminds us: The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Prov 1:7)
c. How do we revere God?
2. Revere Him as
a. We’re living in a world that wants to tell God who He should be, which is the wrong way to look at it.
b. God is God. He is just, righteous, and good.
c. I should be changing my life to reflect His goodness, not try to make Him more like me.
d. Proverbs 3:5-6
3. Revere His
a. God has spoken so that we can know Him and His desires for us.
b. Psalm 119:5-8
4. Revere His
a. There is coming a time when we will be judged by God, not the standards of this world, but by the standards of God.
b. Ecc 12:14
B. Keep His
1. The second thing we are told that is part of the meaning of life is to keep God’s commandments
2. God’s Commandments are a , not a burden.
a. 1 John 5:3
b. John reminds us that the commandments that God has given to us are not meant to be a burden; they are meant to bless us.
3. Jesus presents this idea in a couple of places as well: Matthew 11:28-30
4. But sometimes, we’ll have to admit that it’s a challenge to follow God’s commandments.
a. Illustration of Two Puzzles: A 24-piece puzzle is simple for someone who has developed good motor and reasoning skills. We learn and develop the skills necessary to work a puzzle like this with ease. Some of God’s commandments become easy for you as you mature. You don’t have an issue with murder or adultery.
b. A 750-piece puzzle is more challenging at any stage of life. God commands us not to hate our brother or wish him ill. That is a deeper and more challenging commandment for us. We may not murder anyone, but we destroy them in the eyes of others with our gossip.
5. Our on God’s commandments (our attitude) often makes the difference in whether we see obedience to the word as a blessing or a burden
a. John 14:15
b. Some commandments are always encouraging.
c. Some commandments are always challenging.
d. Both are of value
6. God’s commandments, including those we struggle with, can provide us blessings.
III. Conclusion
A. Review
1. Over and over in Ecclesiastes, the writer says, Everything is meaningless (vanity)! Life without God IS meaningless, but life with God is meaningful
2. The only way to find meaning in life is through God.
B. Invitation
1. You mean everything to God; that’s why He sent His Son to die for you. You mean that much to Him.
2. How much does He mean to you?