1. Ecclesiastes is a very interesting book. 2. According to the opening verse (1:1), Solomon was the writer. 3. In his book it seems that Solomon dealt with some lessons he had learned the hard way. 4. He mentioned a number of mistakes he had made. 5. He also passed on some good advice that we need to carefully consider. 6. In our lesson we are concentrating on the wise advice that Solomon gave in Ecclesiastes 9:10.
Discussion:
I. THIS VERSE INFORMS US THAT WE ARE HEADED FOR THE GRAVE
A. The grave is not a pleasant subject by any means, but the Bible teaches that it is a reality. 1. (Ecclesiastes 3:2) There is "a time to die." 2. (Ecclesiastes 9:5a) "For the living know that they shall die." 3. (Hebrews 9:27) "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." B. Solomon also informs us that certain things do not exist in the grave. 1. There is no "work" in the grave. 2. There is no "device" [planning] in the grave. 3. There is no "knowledge" in the grave. 4. There is no "wisdom" in the grave. C. Since none of these things exist in the grave, we need to heed this very wise advice: "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." D. In the grave it will be too late to pursue these things; therefore, we must give careful attention to them while we can. E. Pursuing these things with our might will help us to be prepared when our time comes to go to the grave.
II. THIS VERSE TEACHES US TO GIVE CAREFUL ATTENTION TO "KNOWLEDGE" AND "WISDOM"
A. By contrasting a wise man and a foolish man we can see why pursuing knowledge and wisdom is so important. 1. (Proverbs 1:5a) "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning." 2. (Proverbs 1:7b) "Fools despise wisdom and instruction." 3. This contrast indicates which man will please the Lord. B. Gaining knowledge and wisdom requires diligent study, and this is not easy; however, this is something that the Lord wants us to do while we can. C. When we gain knowledge and wisdom we are imitating Christ ( Luke 2:52). D. Since knowledge and wisdom do not exist in the grave we must follow Solomon's advice (Ecclesiastes 9:10a).
III. THIS VERSE TEACHES US TO GIVE CAREFUL ATTENTION TO "WORK"
A. From the beginning God has instructed man to work (Genesis 2:15). B. The New Testament teaches Christians to be good workers (Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:22-25). C. Being a good worker requires great effort, but the Lord wants us to give careful attention to our work. D. Since there is no work in the grave we must follow Solomon's advice (Ecclesiastes 9:10a).
IV. THIS VERSE TEACHES US TO GIVE CAREFUL ATTENTION TO "DEVICE"
A. Device: planning, setting goals B. The rich young ruler shows why we must give careful attention to our plans and goals (Matthew 19:16-22). 1. He had a worthy goal, but he was not willing to pay the price to achieve it. 2. Consequently, he did not reach his goal. C. The Lord wants us to give careful attention to spiritual plans and goals, and He wants us to pay the price to achieve them while we can (Matthew 6:33). D. Since there is no device in the grave we must follow Solomon's advice (Ecclesiastes 9:10a).
Conclusion:
1. By properly applying and following Solomon's advice we can be prepared to go to the grave when our lives end. 2. We can have the confidence expressed by Paul in 2 Timothy 4:6-8.
