1. In vs.1-10 Solomon listed various ways in which he looked for happiness as well as things he had accumulated. 2. In vs.11 Solomon looked at the great works he had accomplished, and his conclusion was that "there was no profit under the sun." 3. In other words, he received no lasting spiritual benefit from these things. 4. The Bible points out a number of things that do not profit, and the Bible teaches us to avoid such things. 5. In our lesson we are considering "5 things that do not profit."
Discussion:
I. IN MATTHEW 16:26 JESUS TAUGHT THAT THERE IS NO PROFIT IN GAINING THE WORLD WHILE LOSING THE SOUL
A. The rich young ruler illustrates this point very well (Matthew 19:22). B. Jesus gave an appropriate warning in Luke 12:15.
II. WE LEARN FROM 1 CORINTHIANS 13:3 THAT THERE IS NO PROFIT IN DOING GOOD DEEDS WITHOUT LOVE
A. God's people are to be "zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14). B. The Bible also teaches in Titus 3:8 that good works are profitable. C. However, they must be done with the proper motive -- love. D. A good admonition for us to remember is given in 1 Corinthians 16:14.
III. ACCORDING TO GALATIANS 5:1-4, THERE IS NO PROFIT IN SEEKING TO BE JUSTIFIED BY THE LAW OF MOSES
A. Christ fulfilled the law and took it out of the way when He died (Colossians 2:14). B. Hebrews 8:6 shows how Christ is "the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises." C. (Colossians 3:16a) "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom."
IV. PAUL SHOWED IN 2 TIMOTHY 2:14 THAT THERE IS NO PROFIT IN CERTAIN TYPES OF WORDS
A. Let us consider the guidelines in 1 Timothy 6:3-4; 2 Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:9. B. Let us practice the admonition given in Colossians 4:6 -- "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt."
V. FINALLY, WE ARE SHOWN IN JAMES 2:14-17 THAT THERE IS NO PROFIT IN HAVING FAITH WITHOUT WORKS
Conclusion:
1. These are 5 things that do not profit. 2. Let us avoid these things as well as anything else that does not profit. 3. Let us pursue things that are profitable (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
