Ecclesiastes 12:1-8

Introduction:

1. People tend to live as if the strength and vigor we know today will never end.

2. The further we go in life, the more this mirage becomes apparent for what it is.

3. The key is to acknowledge it before it comes and prepare accordingly.

Discussion:

I. The Deception of Our Strength

A. It is natural to want to deny our mortality and frailty.

B. The erroneous sense that our strength will never end has the potential to deceive us and prevent our preparation for eternity (Luke 12:13-21).

II. The Brevity and Frailty of Life

A. The solution to the problem of presumption above is to recognize and accept the biblical reality of life’s brevity and frailty.

B. Isaiah said and Peter later quoted him that “…all flesh is as grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field…the grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:6-8; 1 Peter 1:24-25).

C. James described human life as a vapor (James 4:13-14).

D. In Psalm 90:10, Moses addressed this matter with the sobering reality that life is short (70 or perhaps 80 years) and often difficult.

III. Remember Your Creator

A. Thankfully, this issue is not without hope of a solution.

B. Moses’ solution was to learn to number our days (Psalms 90:12).

C. James urged His readers to look to the Lord in making plans (James 4:15-16).

D. As Solomon closed his writings on the futility of carnal pursuits, he urged his readers to remember their Creator “…now in the days of your youth.” (Ecclesiastes 12:1ff).

E. He learned that fearing God and keeping His commands was everything (12:13).

Conclusion:

1. Try as we may, we cannot avoid the certain decline of our physical bodies.

2. Before we peacocks become feather dusters, let us fix our eyes above (Colossians 3:1ff).

Further Food for Thought

1. Do you ever find yourself in denial about your own frailty?

2. Does life ever give you painful reminders?

3. How do you manage those reminders when they come? Do they help you look up?