The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: World

  • The Righteous Have Hope

    “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

    Colossians 3:2

    Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon, the man who had it all – riches, fame, a rich heritage, a personal relationship with God, and wisdom beyond measure. However, because King Solomon had not learned how to restrain his desires, he discovered that they were the cause of all of his vanity and vexation. Vanity means “anything that is futile or worthless”. Vexation means “something that disturbs or annoys; to trouble seriously”. King Solomon recognized the fool he had become in turning from God. Even with all of his wisdom, he did not have the answers of life. In Ecclesiastes chapter nine, he revealed that he learned there are two kinds of people: wicked or righteous. God takes care of the righteous, but all people will one day die. Only the righteous have hope (of eternity in heaven with Jesus).

    An important thing to consider is that the teachings of Ecclesiastes present the philosophy of Man under the sun (of which Solomon referenced many times in chapters 1-8). He presents the inevitable conclusions by man, not the Christian’s worldview nor the representation of God’s viewpoint. One must remember that Solomon wrote as a man who chose to live his life apart from God as he tried to be happy.

    Read Ecclesiastes 9:1–5. [Note: In brackets there are some thoughts and suggestions for the verses.]

    “1. For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them” (Ecclesiastes 9:1). [As Solomon continued to consider the vanity of life, he saw that the righteous, the wise, and their works were in God’s hand. “For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?” (Deuteronomy 4:7).]

    “2. All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath” (Ecclesiastes 9:2). [There are two groups of people laid out here—the righteous and the wicked. We find “things” happen to all people, whether they are righteous or wicked.]

    “3. This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead” (Ecclesiastes 9:3). [Life is not fair. Everyone will die.]

    “4. For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion” (Ecclesiastes 9:4). [The righteous “joined to all the living” are those who have been saved and have Jesus in their hearts. There is a hope. See Solomon’s faith in what we now know. “19. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:19–22).]

    “5. For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten” (Ecclesiastes 9:5). [Because Christians realize this world is temporary, there is a life after. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). The lost (those apart from Christ) do not understand or believe this. Also consider the following: “6. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7. (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6-8).]

    Solomon set out to declare these truths to all generations that followed him, and we should adhere to these truths. He recognized what many today still do not understand—this life is not what we should be living for. There is a life of “the living” that we should desire to be a part of, but we also should warn the rest of the world (just as did Solomon). “15. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16. To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Corinthians 2:15–16). We must be encouraged to be a “savour of life unto life.”

    The world and Christianity are far apart. Remember how a Christian is to view life: “1. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1-2).

    Have you set your affections on things above, recognizing that this world is temporary?

  • Enduring Temptations

    “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world”
    1 John 2:16

    It would be very important to understand that as soon as one acknowledges publicly that they belong to Jesus, and they begin to be obedient to God’s Word, the battle begins. Because Christians have made the decision to reject the things of this world for the things of God, the Prince of this world (Satan) wants to defeat Christians in the Christian life. “8. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9. Whom resist stedfast in the faith …” (1 Peter 5:8-9a). Adversary means “enemy; it is applied to the devil, the adversary of man and accuser of Christians.” Remember Job: Satan stood before God’s throne, accused Job, and proceeded to attack him. But only with God’s permission (see Job 1:6-12 and 2:1-7). We must watch out because Satan desires to “devour” Christians. He wants to destroy each Christian life and that witness for Jesus. Understand that God knows when Satan comes against Christians, and God wants to help us to be strong – defeating Satan’s temptations. If you recall, Satan tempted Jesus immediately after Jesus was publicly declared as God’s Son.

    In that wilderness, Jesus was tempted in three particular areas by Satan. Later, John wrote a verse where these three areas are clearly mentioned. “15. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (1 John 2:15-16). Notice the three areas of temptation: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Keep these thoughts in mind as we read the events of Satan tempting Jesus in the wilderness.

    Remember: Jesus had been in the wilderness for forty days and nights with no food. “3. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:3-4). God had just declared with an audible voice to all that Jesus was His Son. Nevertheless, the first thing Satan said to Jesus was a challenge of that very fact: “If thou be the Son of God.” Once a person trusts in Jesus, becoming a Christian, one of the first things Satan wants to do is to cause that new Believer to doubt their very salvation – that they are truly a child of God – and to doubt the Word of God. However, did you notice Jesus’ defense? “It is written.” Jesus quoted the Bible. Did you notice the temptation Satan presented to Jesus? Food! Recognize that Jesus defeated this temptation from the devil by quoting God’s Word. Just as God’s Word says, “… that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live” (Deuteronomy 8:3). Jesus understood that God’s Word was more important than earthly food. Even today, we are to use God’s Word as our defense. Notice this was a temptation of “the lust of the flesh” (stones to bread). Remember 1 John 2:15-16.

    The second temptation was recorded in Matthew 4:5-7: “5. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, 6. And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 7. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” Jesus again quoted God’s Word as a defense against Satan’s attacks. “Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God …” (Deuteronomy 6:16a). Notice this was a temptation of “the pride of life” (to jump from the pinnacle of the temple). Remember 1 John 2:15-16.

     The third temptation was recorded Matthew 4:8-11: “8. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9. And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 11. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” Jesus quoted God’s Word as a defense against Satan’s attacks – again. “Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him …” (Deuteronomy 6:13). Notice this was a temptation of “the lust of the eyes” (the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them). Remember 1 John 2:15-16.

    The following verses help us understand why Jesus had to be tempted and be victorious in those temptations. “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:18). Also, see the following verse. “15. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16). Jesus understands what it is like to endure temptation, and He can be an encouragement to all Christians today. Jesus will help us.

    Have you hidden God’s Word in your heart to use as a defense against temptations?

  • Things of the World

    “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36)

    “Have you ever desired the things of the world? Everybody has; that’s part of our nature. It’s okay to want stuff here in this world. The important thing is to not desire the things more than pleasing God and to do what is right, according to God’s Word. Should you lie, cheat, or steal to get something? Of course not. Should you want what “everybody” else has? Not if it doesn’t please God. Because we live on this earth, we have to have “things” to live. But we have to be content with what God gives us and not make things our primary focus. What is to be our focus? We should have our eyes set upon Jesus. We must be careful not to allow the desire for the world (see Mark 8:36: For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?) to keep us from serving and pleasing God. We will see how King Solomon learned this lesson as we begin Ecclesiastes …

    “…No matter what possessions we acquire while we live on this earth, one day everyone will die, and we can’t take any of those possessions with us. Solomon, with all of his wealth and fame, came to this realization. As he looked back over his life realizing everything gained in this life was worthless, he wanted to share with everyone what he had discovered. He recognized his sin in turning his heart from God to the things of this world. Solomon learned to be careful what he promised, for God would hold him accountable, and he finally realized that man cannot understand God, but the “ … fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). By learning to fear Him, Solomon could know Him …”  

    [Excerpt from Year One Quarter Four Lesson 10, Ecclesiastes 1-8: The Vanity of Man, now available through Rock Island Books (www.rockislandbooks).]

  • Lesson 10 (Lesson 49): Ecclesiastes 1-8: The Vanity of Man

    Key Verse: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”  Mark 8:36

    Read the Key Verse with your class.  Ask your students if they have ever desired the things of this world (everybody does – that’s part of our nature).  Is it OK to want stuff, here on this world? (Of course.)  The important thing is to not desire things more than pleasing God, and to do what is right according to God’s Word.  Should you lie, cheat, or steal to get something? (No.)  Should you want what “everybody” else has? (Not if it doesn’t please God.)  Because we live on this earth, we have to have “things” to live.  But, we have to be content with the things God gives us, and not make “things” as our primary focus.  Ask your students if they remember what is to be our “focus” (what we have our eyes set upon – Jesus).  We must be careful to not allow the desire for “the whole world” (see memory verse) to keep us from serving and pleasing God.  See as King Solomon learned this lesson as we begin Ecclesiastes today.

    Summary:  Today we begin the fourth of the Personal books, Ecclesiastes.  We will take two weeks to study the book.  The word, Ecclesiastes, means “the Preacher.”  Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon, the man who had it all – riches, fame, rich heritage, a personal relationship with God, and wisdom beyond measure.  Yet with all of that, he found that all of life is “vanity and vexation.” (vanity:  any thing that is futile, or worthless.  vexation:  something that disturbs or annoys; to trouble seriously.)  He repeats that phrase 7 times in Ecclesiastes.  Ecclesiastes 1:14:  “I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity (emptiness, something unsatisfactory) and vexation of spirit.”  Solomon had not learned how to restrain his desires and that was the cause of all of his “vanity and vexation.”

    Watch as King Solomon recognized the fool he had become in turning from God.  See as Solomon set about to prove he could be happy in this world, but ended up proving the worth of the wisdom from God. He also learned to be careful in his worship of God.  Finally, today, we see that man cannot understand God, we just have to fear him.  In doing this, we can know him.

    Even with all of his wisdom, Solomon did not have all of the answers of life.  He wrote this book from a worldly man’s point of view.  He tried to make sense of life apart from God, yet couldn’t.

    Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!

    Emphasis:  Man cannot be satisfied with the things of the world.  He must seek God, and wisdom from God.  We cannot understand God, but “fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.”

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 49 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 49 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

     

    Ideas for children:

    Stickers always work well with children. Often times I watch Wal-Mart or Oriental Trading Company for specials or deals on things I can use for crafts for Sunday School (i.e. foam sheets, Bible Story scene stickers, crowns, stick on jewels, construction paper, etc.).  I keep a stash and when I need something, I go search in my stash!  Pinterest always has great ideas!

    You could have a coloring sheet that goes with the lesson.

    One idea for today’s lesson:  (See picture below).  For today’s lesson I found copy of a treasure box online that we could color, cut out and glue together.  We discussed the idea that even with all of the treasures and resources that King Solomon had, he was not happy.  He found that he had to seek God first in order to be satisfied.  Remind them that gaining a lot of stuff (treasures to us) is not as important as seeking God and pleasing Him.  King Solomon learned this the hard way!

     

    Mural idea:

    Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.

    By now your class should be in a groove as to the direction and areas in which they need to focus and work on to improve their Christian lives.  Use this knowledge to help you address specific areas in each lesson that your class can discuss and share as you add new things to your mural.  Continue to watch as your class grows in their knowledge of not only God’s Word, but areas in their lives that can be corrected, drawing them closer to the Lord.

    Have them each add anything else they may have brought to add to the wall.  Encourage everyone to participate.