Ecclesiastes 1:13
Chuck Smith explains that frustration is a desire without fulfillment and that Christ offers a solution to this problem through Himself.
Chuck Smith explores the theme of emptiness and frustration in life as depicted in Ecclesiastes 1:13, emphasizing humanity's insatiable thirst for meaning through various pursuits such as wisdom, pleasure, and possessions. He highlights Solomon's conclusion that despite these efforts, life can feel meaningless, leading to psychological struggles rooted in unfulfilled desires. Smith points to Christ as the ultimate answer to this frustration, inviting individuals to come to Him to quench their spiritual thirst and find true fulfillment. The sermon challenges listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider whether they have turned to Christ for satisfaction.
Text
"LIFE UNER THE SUN"
I. EMPTY AND FRUSTARATION.
A. Man with knowing thirst.
B. Various foundations.
1. Wisdom.
2. Pleasure.
3. Wine.
4. Great works.
5. Possessions.
C. Results or conclusions.
1. "I hated life."
2. All is empyiness and frustration.
D. The present day phychologist would of had a great time with Solomon.
E. Most of our problems of the psyche come from frustration.
1. What is frustration - desire without fullfilment. Unslacked thirst
- unfulfilled longing.
2. From frustration comes inferiority complex.
II. THE ANSWER OF CHRIST TO HTE FRUSTRATED LIFE UNDER THE SUN.
A. "If any man thirst."
1. Right to heart of problem.
2. Folly of man failure to recognize spirit.
3. This thirst originates in spirit.
a. It will never be satisfied with soulish experience.
B. From the guilt and the cycle.
The anser to man's need Christ.
"Come unto me and drink."
Have you come to Christ?
Sermon Outline
- Empty and Frustration
- The answer of Christ to the frustrated life under the sun
- '''If any man thirst'''
- From the guilt and the cycle
- The answer to man's need is Christ
- '''Come unto me and drink'''
- Wine
- Great works
- Possessions
- Results or conclusions
- '''I hated life'''
- All is emptiness and frustration
- The present day psychologist would have had a great time with Solomon
- Most of our problems of the psyche come from frustration
- What is frustration - desire without fulfillment. Unslacked thirst - unfulfilled longing
- From frustration comes inferiority complex
Key Quotes
“''If any man thirst''” — Chuck Smith
“''Come unto me and drink''” — Chuck Smith
“''I hated life''” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Recognize that frustration originates in the spirit and will not be satisfied with soulish experiences.
- Come to Christ to find fulfillment and overcome frustration.
- Acknowledge that frustration can lead to an inferiority complex and seek help from Christ.