ACTS OF FAITH AND PROCLAMATION

Ecclesiastes 1:1-11; 2:17-25; Revelation 14:13 NIV

Message Outline:

Introduction:

Things are cyclic.

1. People gain nothing from their toil.

a. Things in the creation are cyclic.

b. Human history is cyclic.

c. Death makes mockery of our toil.

2. The teacher of Ecclesiastes teaches us four things about work.

a. We are not responsible for the results of our work.

i. This sets us free to be caught up in the rhythm of work.

b. We are to show love for God and neighbours in and through our work.

i. My work is not for me, but for we.

c. God is responsible for the results of our works.

i. God makes all things beautiful in its time, including our work.

d. The deeds of those who die in the Lord follow them.

i. Our deeds are building material for the new heaven and earth.

Conclusion:

When we listen to the instructions of the teacher and apply them to our toil, we find joy.

1. The book, “The Plague” is literally about a plague. Is it true that plagues will always return?

2. Written in 1947, metaphorically “The Plague” is about the plague of the Third Reich. Is it true that wars will always return?

3. Things in nature are cyclic. Is it true that human history is cyclic?

4. The teacher of Ecclesiastes teaches that we gain nothing from our toil. Is this true?

5. Are we able to control the results of our toil?

6. Does not being responsible for the results, free you to enjoy your work?

7. Have you ever been caught up in the rhythm of work? Was this a joyful experience?

8. How do we show love for God and neighbours in our work?

9. Have you ever seen glimpses of your toil being made beautiful and used by God in God’s redeeming work? Please share.

10. What do you think it means that the deeds of those who die in the Lord will follow them?

September 2, 2018