1. This passage mentions the common destiny of everyone -- the grave. 2. The grave is not a pleasant subject by any means, but we understand the reality of it (Ecclesiastes 3:2; 9:5a; Hebrews 9:27). 3. This passage presents some additional sobering information that we need to consider. 4. In the grave certain things will not exist -- there will be no work, no "device" [planning], no knowledge, and no wisdom. 5. Because none of these things exist in the grave, we are given this important admonition: "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, and we are to pursue them with our might. 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 admonition (Ecclesiastes 9:10a). E. In addition to knowledge and wisdom, Solomon mentioned . . .
II. WORK
A. From the beginning God has instructed man to work (Genesis 2:15; 3:19). B. Christians are to be good workers (Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:22-25). C. Working and being good workers require great 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 admonition (Ecclesiastes 9:10a).
III. DEVICE
A. Device: planning, setting of goals B. An event in the life of Christ 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 admonition (Ecclesiastes 9:10a).
Conclusion:
1. By complying with Solomon's admonition 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.
