Finding Meaning: Faith, Hope, and Awe in Life
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we delved into the fifth chapter of Ecclesiastes, a book often considered the most perplexing in the Bible, likely penned by Solomon. This chapter, like the rest of Ecclesiastes, revolves around the concept of "Hevel," a Hebrew word that translates to "meaningless," "emptiness," or "vanity." Solomon uses this term to describe the fleeting and elusive nature of life, likening it to chasing the wind. Despite the apparent futility, Solomon occasionally offers glimpses of hope, faith, and love, which we explored today.
We began by discussing the importance of prayer gatherings, emphasizing that our church is not just a place that prays but a house of prayer. We then transitioned into the core message of Ecclesiastes 5, which is divided into three sections: faith, hope, and love. The chapter urges us to guard our steps when approaching God, to listen more than we speak, and to fulfill our vows to God without delay. It also warns against the love of money and the accumulation of wealth, which Solomon deems meaningless.
The essence of today's message is the importance of living life from an inside-out perspective, rooted in faith, hope, and love, rather than an outside-in approach that focuses on material gains and external validations. We are called to stand in awe of God, recognizing His greatness and our smallness. This awe should lead us to a life of humility, patience, kindness, and generosity, qualities that are scientifically proven to improve our well-being.
We also touched on the significance of how we treat the poor and oppressed, highlighting that our response to them is a reflection of our heart's condition. Solomon's wealth, which became corrupted, serves as a cautionary tale against hoarding and selfishness. Instead, we should live according to God's principles, which promise blessings and fulfillment.
To help us stand in awe of God, I encouraged everyone to recall moments of awe in their lives—whether through a place, a prayer, or a praise. These moments remind us of God's greatness and help us live a life of worship and gratitude. As we concluded, we were reminded that standing in awe of God is not just a good idea but a transformative practice that aligns us with divine order and purpose.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Concept of Hevel: Life under the sun (S-U-N) is often described as Hevel—meaningless, fleeting, and elusive. Solomon uses this term to highlight the futility of a life focused solely on material gains and external validations. However, he also offers glimpses of hope, faith, and love, suggesting that a life rooted in these values transcends the emptiness of Hevel. [04:29]
2. Living Inside-Out: True fulfillment comes from living life from an inside-out perspective, rooted in faith, hope, and love. This approach contrasts with the outside-in perspective, which focuses on external achievements and material wealth. An inside-out life is driven by internal convictions and a relationship with God, leading to lasting peace and joy. [10:39]
3. Standing in Awe of God: The Hebrew word "yirah" encapsulates the awe and reverence we should have for God. This awe is not just fear but a profound respect and wonder for who God is, what He has done, and what He will do. Standing in awe of God transforms our lives, making us more humble, patient, kind, and generous. [12:16]
4. Treatment of the Poor and Oppressed: Our response to the poor, oppressed, and marginalized is a direct reflection of our heart's condition. Solomon's wealth became corrupted because he ignored God's principles for treating the less fortunate. Living according to God's commands brings blessings and fulfillment, while selfishness leads to Hevel. [19:02]
5. Recalling Moments of Awe: To cultivate a life of worship and gratitude, we should regularly recall moments of awe in our lives. Whether through a place, a prayer, or a praise, these moments remind us of God's greatness and help us stand in awe of Him. Sharing these experiences with others can also deepen our collective faith and worship. [35:23]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:31] - Introduction to We Pray
[02:55] - Significance of Prayer Gatherings
[04:29] - Understanding Hevel
[06:14] - Faith, Hope, and Love in Ecclesiastes 5
[07:11] - Guard Your Steps Before God
[08:36] - The Futility of Wealth
[09:54] - Finding Satisfaction in God’s Gifts
[10:39] - Inside-Out Living
[11:47] - Standing in Awe of God
[12:49] - The Greatness of God
[14:06] - Listening to God
[16:03] - The Science of Awe
[19:02] - Treating the Poor and Oppressed
[22:00] - Biblical Principles for Wealth
[28:01] - The Story of Ruth and Boaz
[32:02] - Worship and Divine Order
[35:23] - Recalling Moments of Awe
[39:19] - Psalm 95: A Call to Worship
[46:48] - Final Encouragement and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ecclesiastes 5:1-7: "Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. A dream comes when there are many cares, and many words mark the speech of a fool. When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, 'My vow was a mistake.' Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore, fear God."
2. Deuteronomy 24:17-22: "Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this. When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt. That is why I command you to do this."
3. Psalm 95:1-7: "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 say about the attitude we should have when approaching God? How does it describe the consequences of not fulfilling vows made to God?
2. According to Deuteronomy 24:17-22, what specific instructions does God give regarding the treatment of the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow?
3. In Psalm 95:1-7, what reasons are given for why we should worship and stand in awe of God?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "Hevel" in Ecclesiastes 5 relate to the futility of focusing on material gains and external validations? How does this concept challenge our modern-day pursuits? [04:29]
2. What does it mean to live life from an "inside-out" perspective as described in the sermon? How does this contrast with an "outside-in" approach? [10:39]
3. How does standing in awe of God, as described in Psalm 95 and Ecclesiastes 5:7, transform our lives and influence our behavior towards others? [12:16]
4. How does the treatment of the poor and oppressed, as outlined in Deuteronomy 24:17-22, reflect the condition of our hearts and our relationship with God? [19:02]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt awe in the presence of God. How did that experience impact your faith and actions? How can you cultivate more moments of awe in your daily life? [35:23]
2. In what ways can you shift your focus from an "outside-in" approach to an "inside-out" perspective in your personal and professional life? What specific changes can you make to prioritize faith, hope, and love over material gains? [10:39]
3. How do you currently respond to the needs of the poor and oppressed in your community? What practical steps can you take to align your actions with the principles outlined in Deuteronomy 24:17-22? [19:02]
4. Think of a vow or commitment you have made to God. Have you fulfilled it? If not, what steps can you take to honor that commitment? How does fulfilling our vows to God reflect our reverence and awe for Him? [07:11]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel overwhelmed or out of divine order. How can you bring this area before God in prayer and seek His guidance for divine purpose and alignment? [45:10]
6. Share a moment of awe, a prayer, or a praise with someone in your small group. How does sharing these experiences with others deepen your collective faith and worship? [34:41]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of recalling moments of awe into your regular spiritual routine? What benefits do you anticipate from this practice in terms of your relationship with God and others? [35:23]
Devotional
Day 1: The Fleeting Nature of Life
Life under the sun is often described as "Hevel," a Hebrew word meaning meaningless, fleeting, and elusive. Solomon uses this term to highlight the futility of a life focused solely on material gains and external validations. Despite this, he offers glimpses of hope, faith, and love, suggesting that a life rooted in these values transcends the emptiness of Hevel. Solomon's wisdom encourages us to look beyond the temporary and seek what is eternal and fulfilling.
Understanding the concept of Hevel helps us to reframe our priorities. Instead of chasing after wealth, status, or other worldly achievements, we are called to invest in relationships, spiritual growth, and acts of kindness. These are the things that bring true satisfaction and meaning to our lives. By recognizing the fleeting nature of earthly pursuits, we can focus on what truly matters and live a life that honors God. [04:29]
Ecclesiastes 1:14 (ESV): "I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind."
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you have been chasing after "Hevel"? How can you shift your focus to what is eternal and meaningful today?
Day 2: Inside-Out Living
True fulfillment comes from living life from an inside-out perspective, rooted in faith, hope, and love. This approach contrasts with the outside-in perspective, which focuses on external achievements and material wealth. An inside-out life is driven by internal convictions and a relationship with God, leading to lasting peace and joy.
Living from the inside out means prioritizing your spiritual health and inner values over external success. It involves cultivating a deep relationship with God, which in turn shapes your actions, decisions, and interactions with others. This way of living brings a sense of peace and contentment that external achievements cannot provide. By focusing on faith, hope, and love, you align your life with God's purposes and experience true fulfillment. [10:39]
1 Samuel 16:7b (ESV): "For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."
Reflection: In what ways can you start living from the inside out today? What internal changes do you need to make to align your life with God's values?
Day 3: Standing in Awe of God
The Hebrew word "yirah" encapsulates the awe and reverence we should have for God. This awe is not just fear but a profound respect and wonder for who God is, what He has done, and what He will do. Standing in awe of God transforms our lives, making us more humble, patient, kind, and generous.
When we stand in awe of God, we recognize His greatness and our smallness. This perspective fosters humility and a deeper appreciation for His grace and mercy. It also inspires us to live in a way that reflects His character, showing kindness, patience, and generosity to others. By cultivating a sense of awe, we align our lives with God's divine order and purpose, experiencing transformation and growth. [12:16]
Psalm 33:8 (ESV): "Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!"
Reflection: Recall a moment when you felt a profound sense of awe towards God. How can you cultivate that sense of awe in your daily life to transform your actions and attitudes?
Day 4: Treating the Poor and Oppressed
Our response to the poor, oppressed, and marginalized is a direct reflection of our heart's condition. Solomon's wealth became corrupted because he ignored God's principles for treating the less fortunate. Living according to God's commands brings blessings and fulfillment, while selfishness leads to Hevel.
How we treat the poor and oppressed reveals our true character and spiritual health. God's commands emphasize justice, mercy, and compassion towards those in need. By following these principles, we not only help others but also align our hearts with God's will. This brings blessings and fulfillment, contrasting with the emptiness that comes from selfishness and hoarding. [19:02]
Proverbs 14:31 (ESV): "Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can help someone in need today. How can you make compassion and generosity a regular part of your life?
Day 5: Recalling Moments of Awe
To cultivate a life of worship and gratitude, we should regularly recall moments of awe in our lives. Whether through a place, a prayer, or a praise, these moments remind us of God's greatness and help us stand in awe of Him. Sharing these experiences with others can also deepen our collective faith and worship.
Recalling moments of awe helps us maintain a sense of wonder and gratitude towards God. These experiences remind us of His greatness and faithfulness, encouraging us to live a life of worship. By sharing these moments with others, we can inspire and strengthen each other's faith, creating a community that stands in awe of God together. [35:23]
Psalm 77:11-12 (ESV): "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds."
Reflection: Take a moment to recall a specific time when you felt awe towards God. How can you share this experience with someone else to encourage their faith?
Quotes
1. "We are not a church that prays. We are a house of prayer. And so with that in mind, next week is our first one. And then on October 7th, which is the second one, you've got to mark your calendars and get here early because we're starting at 6.30 on that one, because we're going to be partnering with a bunch of other churches as part of We Pray All Day. And other churches are going to come here, but this is the why. We are going to unashamedly, passionately gather together with other believers across the valley to pray with and pray for the next generation." [02:55] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Living life under the sun, S-U-N, this is all we've got, is an outside in approach to life. You are chasing, you're chasing outside to help your inside better. But living life under the king in divine order with divine purpose is an inside-out posture. Faith, hope, love is an inside-out posture. I trust God. I believe God. It's not an external influence. It's an internal conviction. Faith, hope, love. And when we live outside in under the sun, it's Hevel. It will always disappoint, always let you down and never be enough. But if we, if we can live from an inside-out, things change." [11:09] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Therefore, stand in awe of God. The word awesome is from this word awe. I know you say awe, but I can't say awe. It's awe, okay? For today. Stand in awe of God. When was the last time you did that? What even is that? Some translations for verse seven just say, therefore, fear God. Therefore, fear the Lord. True. But when you read that in the Bible, what does that even mean? This is why this is revealing a bit more. Therefore, this is what we do when we come to the house of God. These are the things that matter in your life. Stand in awe of God." [11:47] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "He holds all things together, yet He is beyond our possible understanding. All of creation groans Him. It is majestic and wonderful and inspiring, and yet my fingerprints are all unique and no other person has had them. Every hair on my head, contains my DNA, which nobody else's is the same. Billions of people. Both can cause you to be in awe of God. And we're going to go there today, and I'm going to create space for us to stand in awe. I'm going to give you some tools to do this this week. I'm going to give you some tools to help share it with other people." [12:49] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God, the creator of the universe, Father, Son, Holy Spirit present here has something to say to you today. Are you listening? No, not me, because I royally messed up this week. He wouldn't want to talk to me. So show me a parent who loves their kids, who says, sorry, you messed up, little boy. Not talking to you anymore. No, a good parent comes, even sees them, and makes a mistake and says, let's help with that. There's some correction, some direction, but there's some love and there's some grace and there's some mercy and there's some strengthening. So no matter what has gone on in your life right now, the king of the universe has something to say to you today. Are you listening?" [14:43] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "When humans experience transcendent awe, synapses fire in our brains, causing us to be measurably, wait for it. So here we go. When we transcendently have awe, our brains respond. Of course they do. Causing us to be measurably more humble, more patient, more connected to others, more kind, more generous. And we also experience, increased critical thinking, better moods, and a decreased sense of materialism. It's like awe in worship literally leads to the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, and it is being scientifically measurable. These qualities therefore help us to live like Jesus. Just by standing in awe of the Lord, it's scientifically measurable, like as if we need that, but it is that they saw this connection, more humble, more patient, more connected to others, more kind, more generous, and people experience greater critical thinking, better moods, and a decreased sense of materialism." [17:08] (84 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "How we respond to the poor, the oppressed, the alien, the foreigner, the immigrant, the widow, the fatherless, how we respond to them is a deeply expression overflow of the heart of God. Jesus said, whatever you did to the least of these, you did unto me. Where does that come from? God established with his people, with the children of Israel, how they were to live with stuff, how they were to live with all that they'd worked for. He established something. Solomon knows this. And yet when we don't, it's Hevel. When we do live according to God's plan, it's blessing. There's a big difference." [20:08] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "It's not enough to sing of the greatness of God. You've got to put it on display. And it's gonna be put on display it comes to the posture towards the oppressed, the poor, the immigrant, the foreigner, the widow, the fatherless, your wealth, your stuff. That's where we put it on display. Now, Solomon, as we know, at that time, the wealthiest man on the planet. And as I said last week, what happened with Solomon, Solomon's wealth, he should never have got that wealthy. God had said how kings should be. Do not acquire that much gold. And of course, his wealth gets corrupted." [21:22] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "So, I've got to work my tail off planting, harvesting, the whole deal and you're telling me that the immigrant can help himself afterwards? That the fatherless can just come and get it without working for it? That the widow can just come and get it without working for it? But I worked it, it's my field. I worked my tail off. I put all the effort in, it's mine. Why should they get it? If they want it, then they should come work for me. They should put the work in if they want it. But God says no. Who made the wheat grow? Who created the olives in the first place? Who causes the grapes to have multiple purposes and make a difference? It's not yours." [25:17] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The key is your life being rooted in worship. The key is your life being rooted in a standing in awe of God. Hebrews 12, therefore, verse 28, therefore, see, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe for our God is a consuming fire. That means He's a cleanser, a purifier, and make things all the way they should have been and burns off the rest. Therefore, stand in awe of God." [32:36] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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