Introduction: 1. In this passage Solomon mentioned the place where we are all headed: "thegrave." 2. The grave is not a pleasant subject by any means, but we understand the reality of it (see vs.5a; Ecclesiastes 3:2; Hebrews 9:27). 3. Solomon mentioned some additional information that we need to consider. 4. In the grave certain things will not be found, including: a. "work" b. "device" [planning] c. "knowledge" d. "wisdom." 5. Because none of these things exist in the grave, we are given this wise word of instruction: "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." 6. In the grave it will be too late to give attention to these things; therefore we must pursue them while we can. 7. By pursuing these things with our might we can be prepared when our time comes to go to the grave.
Discussion:
I. "KNOWLEDGE" AND "WISDOM"
A. By contrasting a wise man and a foolish man we can see how important it is to pursue knowledge and wisdom. 1. (Proverbs 1:2-5a) A wise man seeks after knowledge and wisdom. 2. (Proverbs 1:7b) A foolish man despises wisdom and instruction. 3. Which man will please the Lord? B. Pursuing knowledge and wisdom requires diligent study, which is not easy; however, this is something that the Lord wants us to do while we can. C. When we pursue knowledge and wisdom we are being like Christ (Luke 2:52). D. Since "knowledge" and "wisdom" do not exist in the grave we must follow Solomon's wise instruction (Ecclesiastes 9:10a).
II. "WORK"
A. From the beginning God has instructed man to work (Genesis 2:15; 3:19). B. The New Testament teaches Christians to be good workers. 1. Ephesians 6:5-8 2. Colossians 3:22-25 C. Working and being good workers require a lot of effort, but the Lord wants us to pursue these matters while we can. D. Since there is no "work" in the grave we must follow Solomon's wise instruction (Ecclesiastes 9:10a).
III. "DEVICE"
A. Device: planning, setting of goals B. An event that occurred during the Lord's ministry teaches us to give careful attention to our plans and goals (Matthew 19:16-22). 1. This man 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 pursue spiritual goals and plans and 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 wise instruction (Ecclesiastes 9:10a).
Conclusion:
1. By following Solomon's instructions we can be prepared for the grave. 2. We can have the confidence expressed by Paul in 2 Timothy 4:6-8. 3. The grave is not the end of our existence -- it is the end of our physical existence. 4. We will face the Lord in judgment when He returns (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
