For Better Or Worse

22 August 2021 | PRAYER & PRAISE SERVICE

Pastor Clement Ong

Scripture Passage: Ecclesiastes 7 (NIV)

WATCH | SERMON (VIDEO)

READ | SERMON NOTES

Summary | Ecclesiastes 7 brings a change in the perspective of the author. He begins to acknowledge the God-given wisdom that helps make sense of life, understand God’s hand upon all situations and find contentment in God’s providence.

Here are 3 observations to consider as we wrestle in our faith journey that God is indeed good all the time.

1. God uses even the worst circumstances in our lives for our betterment. (1-14)

The author considers how seemingly negative situations in life are actually God’s means of grace to help us examine the direction of our lives and realign to God’s Word and His intent. We need to be aware of our mortality in order to live well in the Lord. For God is sovereign over all, and uses every circumstance for His will and purpose.

2. No one is better than another, nor should they feel like they are worse off. (15-17)

These verses bring a warning against pride and self-righteousness which causes us to depend on self rather than God. Does Satan have an OCD stronghold in our lives?

• Obsession is thinking only for ourselves all the time.
• Comparison feeds pride and fills us with envy.
• Defensiveness points out the mistakes of others but does not recognize flaws in ourselves.

3. Better a godly companion than a fate worse than death (25-29)

We cannot fully understand the position of the author but commentators think that perhaps he personally struggled to find an upright companion for his better half. However even if it’s a rare find, we are reminded of the need to seek the Lord for a godly companion in choosing our own life partner.

So how do we respond to the Lord from chapter 7? Let us PET.

• Persevere through trials, for God can straighten what has been made crooked. In such times, we turn our eyes towards Jesus and experience His grace more acutely. (James 1:12)
• Experience growing in faith with another: Pray for your spouse, and be fully part of the church community by seeking godly companions.
• Trust in God’s heart and sovereignty over every season and circumstance in our lives be it for better or worse. God is indeed good!

(Sermon Notes by Frances Lim)

PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Ecc 7:1 tells us that a good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth.

What do you want others to write on your tombstone?

2. Ecc 7:5 It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools.

When was the last time you were rebuked and how did you respond then?

3. God uses even the worst circumstances in our lives for our betterment.

How did God speak to you through the trial? Did it encourage you in your Christian walk?

4. What is one thing you took away from this passage and sermon that has impacted you in discipleship and to make a change in your life?

Do share and pray for one another.