Ecclesiastes 7:15-29

Published: June 9, 2013, 10 a.m.

b'Ecclesiastes: SatisfiedHandling ParadoxJune 9, 2013Please turn in your Bibles to Ecclesiastes 7:15-29Today\\u2019s Target: Since we cannot make sense of this paradoxical world, those who fear God should avoid two extremes: 1) becoming super-righteous, 2) becoming very wicked.1.(15-18: Paradox): Righteous suffer while wicked prosperWalk in obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess. Deuteronomy 5:33This is what the wicked are like\\u2014 always free of care, they go on amassing wealth. 13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. Psalm 73:12-13V 16 (Extreme 1): Super-SpiritualBlessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6App: Your righteousness is God\\u2019s work, therefore desire Him above all else V 17 (Extreme 2): Over-WickedApp: Your perfection is in God\\u2019s hands; keep yourself there.V 18: Avoid ExtremesApp: Fear God.2.(19-22): The truth: no one is righteousWisdom is better than strength\\u202617 The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. Ecclesiastes 9:16a, 17 V 20: All we can claim is Christ\\u2026all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-243.(23-29): God\\u2019s wisdom is outside our reach.Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out!34 \\u201cWho has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?\\u201dRomans 11:33-34What is God\\u2019s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?'