Happiness and Meaning in Life

O. T. #1524  "Happiness and Meaning in Life"
September 16, 2019
Introduction to Ecclesiastes

Why are we here? What is the meaning of our life? How is happiness achieved? Are we accomplishing anything good? What good is wisdom, pleasure, work, time, companionship, political power, fearing God, wealth?  Are they really important or not? What about the future?
Are you ready to find some answers? Solomon, the wisest man other than Jesus Christ, answers those questions. Please join us as we learn from this king's findings and experiences.
but first, let's do an overview of this book.


The MacArthur Bible Commentary gives us into the background of this book. Check it out before we begin digging into the Scriptures.

Background:

Title
It is a Greek term used for preacher, ekklesiastes, which is derived from the word ekklesia, translated assembly. This book was read on the special occasion of Pentecost.

Author and Date
The writer is obviously Solomon, since he was the son of David, and king in Jerusalem, as verse 1 identifies. He probably wrote Ecclesiastes no later than 931 B.C.

Themes
Solomon did some evaluating of his life later on, as an autobiography. For much of his life, he squandered God's blessings on his own personal pleasure rather than God's glory. He writes this book so generations will not make the same tragic error. He warns young people to avoid walking through life on the path of human wisdom, but to life by the revealed wisdom of God (12:9-14). Solomon gives consideration to life's unanswerable questions.

If a man gain all the knowledge and experience, all the pleasures of this world, what would be the remaining or abiding benefit or happiness which he would achieve? (Liberty Bible Commentary)

True wisdom is found in God, and true happiness comes from pleasing Him. (Life Application Study Bible)


A profitable life is found in Jesus Christ who is the wisdom of God and who alone is profit in this life
(Philippians 3:7-8).

Alright folks, are you ready to dig into this book written by the Preacher?