The Meaning of Life
Introduction:
In the movie, Contact, Jodie Foster plays an
astronomer who has spent her whole life searching for
intelligent life on other planets. She doesn’t believe
in God and is searching for the meaning of life in the
stars. The movie represents a conflict about where to
look for meaning and hope – in God or in man.
People from all walks of life are searching for meaning
in their lives. What’s it all about, they ask? Why are
we here? How can I find happiness and contentment?
They look under every rock, so to speak. Knowing the
answer is out there; they continue to search. They note
each new religion, new philosophy, new life style. . .
Is there meaning in the Hale-Bopp comet?
This craving to find meaning is not something unique to
our time. Man has been searching for centuries. But
one man, more than any other, was qualified to study
this question. What is the meaning of life? He was
King Solomon.
Solomon was the king of a nation at its peak in power.
He was wealthy beyond our imagination. He possessed all
of the tools necessary to make this journey of discovery
– to find the meaning of life.
Solomon’s search is recorded in the book of
Ecclesiastes. Listen to these words. (Ecclesiastes
1:1-4) He’s asking, “What difference do I make?” As a
result of this way of thinking, Solomon sought
fulfillment in every kind of worldly pleasure and
endeavor. He had resources to experience them in ways
other people couldn’t. He could go even to the
extremes. He could explore every/ all avenues.
His conclusions, findings are left for us so we can know
what will give true fulfillment in life; so we can know
the meaning of life!
Body:
I.
Solomon Searched for Meaning in Worldly Wisdom (Ecclesiastes 1:13-18)
Education, apart from God [where He is not the focal
point], has no lasting value. It is like trying to
catch the wind in a sock. Open it up and nothing is
there.
Verse 14 If the end or goal is not God, study is a
wearisome task. (Ecclesiastes 12:12) Worldly education
cannot solve all of life’s problems. It is hard
to turn a criminal around.
Verse 15 Incapable of answering: “What is the meaning
of life?” Man’s own knowledge, such as science, cannot
tell us from where we come, who we are, who God is, or
about our ultimate destination.
Verse 8 Only wisdom from God can reveal these to us. (Ecclesiastes 12:9-10)
Often advanced education brings sorrow to one’s
spiritual condition because it leads people away from
God.
Verse 18 Many human teachings and philosophies such as
agnosticism and relativism are in direct contradiction
with God’s Word. They bring much sorrow to those who
believe such. Along this line, Paul wrote Romans
1:24-25. Our world today seems to be making gods of
ourselves.
II.
Solomon Searched for Meaning in Worldly Pleasures (Ecclesiastes 2:1,3,10)
Solomon was able to indulge in every form of worldly
pleasure available in his time. Three thousand years
later men are still doing the same. New thrills are
sought. Many bow down to the god of pleasure. The
inspired writer John declared that these things are
passing away. (I John 2:17) There is more to life than
this.
Verse 2 Laughter and fun cannot be the basis for our
lives. All fun and no seriousness is truly madness!
Life is not a big joke! Some live to be entertained and
pursue it to ever greater lengths.
Verse 3 Wine and alcohol have long been associated
with worldly pleasures. This same writer says in
Proverbs 23:31-32 that pleasure is short-lived. It soon
turns against him.
III.
Solomon Searched for Meaning in Worldly Wealth
(Ecclesiastes 2:4-9)
Besides these, he also built the Great Temple, a
magnificent palace for himself, and cities throughout
the kingdom. He “had it made” – he was “on Easy
Street.” He sought fulfillment in possessions,
materialism.
Outcome: Read Ecclesiastes 2:11 and Ecclesiastes
5:10-12. Meaning was not to be found in wealth. He was
miserable in the midst of all his luxuries.
The rich young ruler in Matthew 19 thought life
consisted of what he possessed. He was wrong!
Conclusion:
Solomon tried and failed to find meaning in life through
worldly wisdom, worldly pleasure, and worldly wealth.
He reached the point where he even despaired of life
itself. (Ecclesiastes 2:17)
Finally his search for fulfillment, for the real meaning
of life, was over and he discovered a great truth.
(Ecclesiastes 12:13)
Invitation:
Have you discovered that truth? If so, are you ready to
act on it today? Meaning is found only in Jesus.
Bobby
Stafford
August 11, 2013
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