Ecclesiastes 5

Jack Abeelen
The Worshiper Before His God
Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

"Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil." -Ecclesiastes 5:1-2

Solomon noticed mechanical worship and called it "a sacrifice of fools."

There are many religious folks work their way into formalism.  They substitute this for relationship.

Offerings can be a covering for lack of relationship.
Cain brought an offering.
Saul brought many offerings.
Isaiah sent to people to complain about the abomination of their sacrifices.
"God is never impressed with pageantry that hides wicked hearts."

"Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few."  Ecclesiastes 5:2

People became with careless speech.  The formalization of prayer is also useless.  Written out prayers don't engage the heart.  Changing the tone of your voice doesn't change the reception.

The Pharisee "prayed with himself"--God not involved!

Prayer is meant to express, "pour out your heart before God."

Negatives:
*mechanical worship
*formalized prayer
*written, prescribed
*taught length is advantage

Positive:
*walk prudently--be careful when you go to church, come to church prepared. Prepare inwardly as well as outwardly.  Are you expectant?  Be like Samuel, hear God's voice when he speaks.

Church is all about handling spiritual truth and truth becomes stale very quickly if you don't apply it to your life.

It's important that you come to hear God.

Paul: The word of God is powerful....sharper than any two edged sword
Hebrew word for "open" is trachea.
God's word goes for the jugular.

"Formality can steal your life with God, no matter how "non-denominational" you become."

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Jack Abeelen
Wisdom About Wealth
Ecclesiastes 5:8-20

For some people, money supremely matters.

1. Poverty is all around us.
Rich men control things for their benefit.  Don't be surprised.
Our response to poverty is typically reactionary.  Is this the best way to respond not react.
Elect officials that best represent the heart of God.  If the policies are more moral....

2. Prosperity will never satisfy.
It doesn't bring peace of mind or fill the heart.

3. Productivity can ruin you. v 13
Hoarding riches is destructive.  They can be removed from you even within the same generation in which they were made.

Proverbs 23:5 "In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle."