Series: Ecclesiastes

Service: Other

Type: Sermon

Speaker: Colton Hamlett

Date & Time:

2025-07-15

Preacher:

Colton Hamlett

Duration:

approximately 39 minutes

Topics Covered:

• Life achievements and their purposes
• Solomon’s life, wisdom, and blessings
• Meaning of life explored through Solomon’s perspective in Ecclesiastes
• Attempts to find meaning in pleasure, wisdom, love, and remembrance
• Solomon’s observations and conclusions about these pursuits
• The concept of fearing God and keeping His commandments as the ultimate purpose

Key Points or Explanations:

• People often pursue major life goals (graduation, retirement, family) with underlying purposes such as freedom, wisdom, or love.
• Solomon was blessed with wealth, wisdom, and power but found these insufficient for ultimate meaning.
• Solomon’s exploration in Ecclesiastes shows that pleasure, wisdom, and legacy are ultimately futile “under the sun.”
• Wisdom and knowledge do not guarantee protection or justice in life.
• Love and remembrance fade over time and cannot provide lasting meaning.
• Enjoyment of simple pleasures and relationships is encouraged but recognized as fleeting.
• God has placed eternity in human hearts, indicating a purpose beyond earthly life.
• The ultimate meaning is found in fearing God, respecting Him, and keeping His commandments.
• God’s judgment is certain and perfect, unlike human justice.
• Life should be lived with awareness of God’s presence and judgment.

Important Definitions/Concepts:

• Futility/Pursuit of the wind: The idea that earthly achievements and pleasures are ultimately worthless and unattainable in lasting value.
• Fear of God: Respect and reverence for God as the foundation of meaningful life.
• Under the sun: Refers to earthly life and human experience without considering the eternal perspective.

Instructor’s Answers/Clarifications:

• Clarified that earthly pursuits like pleasure, wisdom, and love do not provide ultimate meaning.
• Emphasized the importance of fearing God and living according to His commandments.
• Addressed potential doubts about meaning by pointing to God’s eternal plan and judgment.