In the previous study, we observed the responsibilities of elders, namely, that they are commanded to lead (shepherd, oversee, and model) by devoting themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. Biblically, prayer and teaching are the two tasks from which elders cannot deviate. We know now what elders do, but how do we …
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2N2zPHUfCY&list=PLpjdHYmZ6tSRbLqolyk-opLESoBoyJhOF The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises, …
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2WYRKCJxABGBVPu21WVHDM?si=567750ea4d9a4f86 Study Guide Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:1–2 (ESV) The letter of Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul to the …
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 (ESV) Throughout Ecclesiastes, as the Preacher has systematically stripped the hope out of various avenues …
Continue reading The End of the Matter | Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Back in 2012, I taught through the books of Ecclesiastes and Philippians together, attempting to show how they both present that true joy is only found in Christ. Since I am now preaching through them again (finishing Ecclesiastes this Sunday), I'm sharing the essay that I wrote in 2012 to explain the connection between these …
Continue reading Depressing Joy: a thousand year search for meaning
Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given …
Continue reading Beware of Anything Beyond Scripture | Ecclesiastes 12:9-12
Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun. So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity. Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart …
Continue reading Rejoice, Remove, Remember! | Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:8
Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it rises. …
SUGGESTED VERSES FOR MEMORIZATION & MEDITATION Ecclesiastes 11:1 | Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Ecclesiastes 11:4 | He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. OPENING THOUGHT No other book, inside or outside the Bible, is …
Continue reading The Vanity of Knowledge Under the Sun | Ecclesiastes 11:1-6
SUGGESTED VERSES FOR MEMORIZATION & MEDITATION Ecclesiastes 10:1 | Dead flies make the perfumer’s ointment give off a stench; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. Ecclesiastes 10:3 | Even when a fool walks on the road, he lacks sense, and he says to everyone that he is a fool. OPENING THOUGHT At its …
Continue reading The Vanity of Folly Under the Sun | Ecclesiastes 10
B. C. Newton 