[Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11]

Introduction

A. Why do we do the things we do? What is it that makes the monotony of everyday life meaningful? Is there meaning to life at all?

B. If one of the most prosperous, powerful, and prodigious men of all time would say that all his work was vanity, what chance do we have of faring better? Why bother at all?

I. Solomon had an identifiable problem.

A. Solomon reached a point at which it seemed that nothing in life ever really changes (Ecclesiastes 1:1-11; 3:1-9).

B. He feared that none of the great works he had produced would last (Ecclesiastes 1:11,15).

C. Even if they did, he had no way of assuring himself that they would not be wasted or abused (Ecclesiastes 2:18-22).

D. Sometimes it all seems like a waste of effort (Ecclesiastes 1:13).

II. Solomon sought purpose in various places.

A. He sought purpose in pleasure (Ecclesiastes 2:24-25).

B. He sought purpose in knowledge (Ecclesiastes 2:14-16; 1:18).

C. Finally he found the answer: “Fear God and keep His commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Conclusion

A. While other courses may seem to offer a solution, the effects are only temporary (cf. Hebrews 11:25).

B. The day that one begins to fear God and keep His commandments is the day that he will finally see something new under the sun (2 Corinthians 5:17).