Reality Check, Godly Alignment

15 August 2021 | TRADITIONAL SERVICE

Rev Raymond Fong

Scripture Passage: Ecclesiastes 6:1-12 (NIV)

WATCH | SERMON (VIDEO)

READ | SERMON NOTES

Summary |

Three spiritual reality checks from Ecclesiastes 6:

1. The inability to enjoy the good life unless God allows (V1-6).

The 5 C’s which were perceived by many to be the good life have been redefined as cash, career, convenience, cultural proficiency and credibility. In ancient times, abundance of possessions, long life and many children were indicators of a good life. The reality is we cannot enjoy unless God allows us, and strangers may be the ones enjoying our blessings. Charles Swindoll identifies some of these strangers as:

• enemies that take the spoils of war
• unexpected events beyond our control (e.g. health crises, natural disasters)
• time commitments that do not permit us to enjoy life.
• family conflicts that destroy all the hard work.

A good life means nothing if God does not give us the privilege to enjoy it.

2. Futility of our labour because our appetites cannot be satisfied (V7-9).

The Hebrew word for appetite is “nephesh” which means soul. There is an emptiness of the soul which cannot be filled by these appetites. Isaiah 55:2 – why spend money on what is not bread, and your labour on what does not satisfy?

3. The incapacity of man to change his nature or determine his destiny (V10-12).

God named the first man Adam which came from “adamah” which means earth in Hebrew. The naming of man by God shows God’s sovereignty over him. The fact that man will return to the earth as dust symbolises man’s weakness before God and we cannot contend with God who is the stronger one (V10). Despite our best efforts we cannot know or control what will happen in the future, just like this pandemic. There is no certainty of good health nor true satisfaction despite all our striving.

These reality checks invite us to the following three godly alignments:

1. Hold lightly to the earthly, be rich in the heavenly.

Do not be like the rich fool (Lk 12:21) but be rich toward God as heavenly treasures are eternal and surpass all the 5 C’s. Jim Elliot – “he is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” To build up heavenly treasures:

• love God and others,
• choose to give time and priority to grow right and godly relationships.

2. Practise godly contentment.

Only God grants contentment. Contentment is to be practised. We start by being rested in God and staying much in the presence of God who can deliver us from discontentment and the sin of complaining. Resting in Jesus leads to a transformation of lifestyle - buy less, borrow less, give more, simplify, be more thankful, trust God more.

3. Live today well. Surrender tomorrow better.

We do not know what is good but God knows. Micah 6:8 – “He has shown us what is good. And what does God require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly.”

The urgency to live well (Eph 5:15-16) is great as we live in perilous times. God’s grace empowers us to bless others and seek His kingdom.

We need to search our hearts every day and let the Spirit reveal to us areas where we need to change course. What are you pursuing in life? What does the good life mean to you? May we live well and be found faithful by our truly faithful and good God.

(Sermon notes by Woo Choi Yin)

PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Ecclesiastes 6 presents three reality checks. The first is the inability to enjoy the good life unless God allows it. The second is the futility of our toil because of our insatiable appetite. The third is the inability of man to change our nature and destiny. Which of these three reality checks impact you deeply? Why? Share your reflections.

2. Let’s perform a heart check. What is your treasure? For where your treasure is, there your heart will be (Matt 6:21). What can you do to be rich in God and build heavenly treasure? Share practical ways.

3. How contented are you? Are you pursuing godly contentment or are you still striving for more? Are there practical ways which you can practise godly contentment? How can you declutter and simplify your life in order to be a blessing to others?

4. Reflect on Micah 6:8. How does that guide the way you live your life well daily? What’s preventing you from living each day well? Share your struggles. Pray for each other.