Ecclesiastes: Wisdom, Part 1

In today’s world, information is quickly delivered to us in vast amounts from all parts of the world. And…with all the “advances,” life under the sun is still “vanity” (short, elusive, confusing, and wearisome). The Information Age brought on a new set of problems. TikTok not only numbs young minds but challenges our children to question their sexual identity. Social media keeps us alone while “connecting” with others, often resulting in an array of relationship issues. Has the vast information at our fingertips made us wiser or more discerning? And what does it mean to be wise anyway? If you said, “That person has a lot of wisdom,” what would you have observed to come to that conclusion? Wisdom (Part 1) Observations from Ecclesiastes 1:12-15 and 2:12-17 • Intellectual pursuit cannot solve our foundational issues (Eccl 1:12-15). • Chasing knowledge ends with the sad conclusion that our heart is still empty (Eccl 1:16-18). • Even the wisest man or woman must face the solemn reality of death (Eccl 2:12-17). The Wisdom of God • God alone is all-wise. Romans 16:27 To the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. Job 9:4 He is wise in heart…. Job 12:13 With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding. God’s wisdom means that God always chooses the best goals and the best means to those goals. -Grudem, Systematic Theology, 193 The Wisdom of the Cross (1 Corinthians 1:18-31) • God redeemed fallen man (his goal) by sending Jesus to pay the penalty for our sin on the cross (the best and only means). • The work of Jesus on the cross was the “wisdom of God” (1 Cor 1:24) and “became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Cor 1:30). DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH RON MOORE Get Ron’s Daily Devotional to your inbox each morning; visit biblechapel.org/devo. LIVING GROUNDED Learn more about how you can grow deeper and embrace the foundational truths of the Christian faith with Living Grounded. Whether you’re just starting out in faith or you’ve been a Christian for years, Living Grounded offers truth, wisdom, and encouragement for every stage. Contact gdevore@biblechapel.org to get connected. CAREGIVING Do you have a need we can pray for? Do you need someone to walk alongside you? Do you know of another person who needs care? Let us know at caregiving@biblechapel.org. CAMPUS FACEBOOK GROUPS You’re invited to connect with The Bible Chapel family in your campus Facebook Group. Look for Facebook Groups at facebook.com/biblechapel and click on Groups on the left side. FIND AN ENCOURAGER TODAY! JOIN A SMALL GROUP Community Groups are our easiest on-ramp to community at The Bible Chapel; these groups use sermon-based questions to dive deeper into weekly messages. Visit biblechapel.org/smallgroups to learn more and sign up!