Ecclesiastes 1:1
The sermon explores the emptiness of life without God, as seen in Solomon's search for meaning in wealth, knowledge, and pleasure, and finds the answer in spiritual fulfillment.
Chuck Smith explores the theme of vanity in life as expressed in Ecclesiastes 1:1, emphasizing Solomon's futile search for meaning through wealth, knowledge, and pleasure. Despite his indulgences, Solomon ultimately found despair and emptiness, revealing that true fulfillment cannot be found in earthly pursuits. Smith highlights that God created us with a need for spiritual fulfillment, which cannot be satisfied by material gains or achievements. The sermon concludes with the assertion that the answer to our emptiness lies in a relationship with God, as indicated in John 7:37-38.
Text
"VANITY, VANITY, ALL IS VANITY"
Intro: Solomon had forsaken the God of his father, he sought to find the answer for life in
things. He completely indulged himself 2: 10, he ended in despair 2: 17.
I. THE SEARCH FOR MEANING.
A. A consciousness that life must be more.
1. A certain dissatisfaction within, an emptiness seeking fulfillment.
2. We think that if we just had enough money, or knowledge.
3. Maybe if we could build some monument.
4. The answer lies in pleasure.
B. Solomon experienced this search.
1. Life seemed so monotonous it became empty and meaningless.
2. He gave himself to amassing wealth.
3. He gave himself to education.
a. Frustrating "in much wisdom is grief he that increases knowledge
increases sorrow."
4. Gave himself to vast building projects.
a. Solomon's quarries.
b. Solomon's reservoirs.
"All is empty and frustrating, there is no profit under the
sun."
5. He gave himself to partying and pleasure.
"This too is emptiness."
C. His search led to despair and bitterness. Vs. 2: 17.
1. Hated life.
2. It was empty and frustrating.
II. WHAT CAUSES THIS EMPTINESS?
A. Paul tells us that God has created us subject to emptiness.
Rom. 8:20.
1. He actually designed us this way.
2. God created us with a threefold nature.
a. Body, soul and spirit.
b. Integrated yet separate.
3. I have physical needs, psychic needs, spiritual needs.
a. I need air, water, food, etc.
b. I need love, security, purpose.
c. I need God.
d. If I do not fill my physical needs my body will die.
e. If I do not fill my spiritual needs my spirit is dead.
4. My body cries out for the fulfillment of its needs.
5. My mind cries out.
6. My spirit cries out.
7. I cannot be a whole person if one area is lacking.
8. My greatest need is spiritual.
9. My spirit will accept no substitutes.
III. WHAT IS THE ANSWER? JOHN 7:37, 38.
A. I John 5:11.
Sermon Outline
- The Search for Meaning
- What Causes This Emptiness?
- What Is The Answer?
- A points: - John 7:37, 38
- B points: - Solomon experienced this search - He gave himself to amassing wealth - He gave himself to education - Gave himself to vast building projects - He gave himself to partying and pleasure
- C points: - His search led to despair and bitterness - Hated life - It was empty and frustrating
Key Quotes
“VANITY, VANITY, ALL IS VANITY” — Chuck Smith
“All is empty and frustrating, there is no profit under the sun.” — Chuck Smith
“This too is emptiness.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Recognize that our greatest need is spiritual and that our spirit will accept no substitutes.
- Acknowledge that our physical, psychic, and spiritual needs must be fulfilled in order to be a whole person.
- Seek spiritual fulfillment through a relationship with God.