Solomon –A Portrait of a Futile Life Ecclesiastes 6How to Avoid Life as a Dead End StreetMain Lesson: To have a fruitful and satisfying life• God (Jesus) must be given first place• God (Jesus) must be the center of our lives• Major pursuit in life is knowing God (Jesus)• Ultimate response to life is loving God (Jesus)• Satisfaction comes only by vibrant relationship withGod (Jesus) Knowing God -Our Main Pursuit Jeremiah 9 (NET) 23Paul boast Philippians 3 -7 (NKJV)Galatians 6 -3Loving God -Our Ultimate Response to LifeDeuteronomy 6 – 4 -9Loving God -Our Ultimate Response to Life - Mark 12:30-31A Portrait of Solomon’s Life - The Situation Ecclesiastes 6Wealth without enjoymentCommon among the affluentGod is the giver of life and all giftsRiches, wealth, honour, ability to enjoy themThe person in this story seemed to have it madeThis verse brings us back to the overriding theme of the bookLIFE IS VANITY A Portrait of Solomon’s Life Solomon’, Story 2 Chronicles 7- 12 Solomon’s Story• Solomon made an unselfish request• God granted him additional blessings –riches and wealth and honour• Solomon probably ignored God as a result• God did not give him satisfaction• God did not cause him to enjoy the benefits of riches andwealth and honourThe Situation6 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun and it is prevalent amongmen—2 a man to whom God has given riches and wealth and honor so that hissoul lacks nothing of all that he desires; yet God has not empowered him to eatfrom them, for a foreigner enjoys them. This is vanity and a severe affliction.Foreigners may signifyAn adversarySicknessDomestic conflictNatural calamity, natural disasterSo ultimately, we must find our joy not in what God gives but who God has givenPhilippians 44 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!A few helpful detailsAdd more children (vs 3) (more wives)Add more years (vs 6)Add hard work (v7)Add a bright mind, wisdom and a good education (v 8) What the eyes see is better than what the soul desires. This toois futility and a striving after windSolomon –A Portrait of a Futile LifeSolomon’s Observations10 Whatever exists has already been named, and it is known what man is; for he cannotdispute with him who is stronger than he is.11 For there are many words which increasefutility. What then is the advantage to a man?• God is sovereign• Mankind is not sovereign• Disputing with God is a waste of time and effortA Look at Our Own Portrait12 For who knows what is good for a man during his lifetime, during the few years of hisfutile life? He will spend them like a shadow. For who can tell a man what will be after himunder the sun?Question: Does life seem futile?• If only I marry• If only I have a big house• If only I have a job• If only …….• None of this condition will gives us what we want For who knows what is good for a man during his lifetime, during the fewyears of his futile life? He will spend them like a shadow. For who can tell aman what will be after him under the sun?Question: Are you fearful about the future?• Is your house on the rock or sand? A Passage To Remember - Matthew 7 – 24 -28 If people want to boast, they should boast about this: They should boast that they understand andknow me.You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and withall your strengthBut God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,