Ecclesiastes 2
The sermon contrasts life 'under the sun' with life 'in the Son', highlighting the difference between a life of frustration and pursuit versus a life of satisfaction and fulfillment.
Chuck Smith explores the contrast between life 'under the sun' and life 'in the Son,' emphasizing that life on the human plane is filled with frustration, unfulfilled desires, and a sense of futility. He illustrates how pursuits for happiness, possessions, and wisdom ultimately lead to bitterness and emptiness. In contrast, life in the Son offers fulfillment, purpose, and spiritual richness, resulting in love, joy, and peace. Smith challenges the congregation to reflect on their choices regarding which plane they live on, urging them to embrace the truth of life in Christ rather than the lies of the world.
Text
I JOHN 5:11
I. LIFE "UNDER THE SUN" IS LIFE ON THE HUMAN PLANE.
A. Life on this plane is frustrating vexation of the spirit.
1. Man is conscious of an unfulfilled purpose.
a. A desire to be?
b. A desire to have?
c. A desire to attain?
2. I achieve my goal only to discover it wasn't what I though it was.
a. I drink but I am still thirsty.
b. I eat but I am still hungry.
B. Life on this plane. "Vanity, vanity all..."
1. I fell an emptiness within.
a. Nothing seem to fill that emptiness.
2. Things finally seem so futile.
C. Life on this plane is filled with pursuits.
1. I think happiness is the ultimate purpose for life. vs. 1.
2. I think building some monument vs. 4.
3. I think possessions vs. 7.
4. I think entertainment vs. 8.
5. I think wisdom.
D. Life on this plane results in bitterness vs. 17.
1. We become cynical, disappointed.
II. "LIFE IN THE SON" IS LIFE ON THE SPIRITUAL PLANE."
A. Life on this plane is satisfying.
1. I have a consciousness of fulfilled purposes.
a. I have become a son of God.
b. I have received eternal life.
c. "My cup runneth over."
B. Life on this plane is full and rich.
1. Nothing I do is in vain.
a. A purpose even in my failures.
b. "You labor is not in vain in the Lord."
C. Life on this plane is a life of rest.
1. I rest in the finished work of Christ my Lord.
D. Life on this plane results in love, joy, peace.
III. ON WHICH PLANE DO YOU LIVE?
A. Some choose to live under the sun.
1. They feel what has happened to others won't happen to them.
a. This present pursuit is the real answer.
2. They labor under the false notions and lies Satan has spread about life in
the Son.
a. They have preferred his lie to God's truth.
B. Others choose to live "in the Son."
1. You see it is a matter of choice.
2. You choice that - "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve."
3. Some get all hung up on a loving God sending men to hell.
a. God does not send men to hell.
b. If they choose to go there He won't violate their choice.
C. On which plane do you choose to live?
Sermon Outline
- I. LIFE 'UNDER THE SUN' IS LIFE ON THE HUMAN PLANE
- A. Life on this plane is frustrating vexation of the spirit.
- B. Life on this plane is filled with pursuits.
- C. Life on this plane results in bitterness.
- II. 'LIFE IN THE SON' IS LIFE ON THE SPIRITUAL PLANE'
- A. Life on this plane is satisfying.
- B. Life on this plane is full and rich.
- C. Life on this plane is a life of rest.
- III. ON WHICH PLANE DO YOU LIVE?
Key Quotes
“Life on this plane is frustrating vexation of the spirit.” — Chuck Smith
“My cup runneth over.” — Chuck Smith
“You labor is not in vain in the Lord.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Choose to live 'in the Son' by accepting God's truth and serving Him.
- Recognize that life 'under the sun' is a life of frustration and pursuit, and that it will ultimately lead to bitterness.
- Find rest and fulfillment in the finished work of Christ, rather than trying to achieve it through human pursuits.