Rejoice and Do Good: Notes on Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 (Excerpt)

January 30, 2013 by

Vanity of Vanities (cover)

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime; moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—it is the gift of God.

While discussing the seasons of life and the futility of our pursuits under the sun, Solomon reminds us again of the fact that our blessings come from God (cf. 2:24). Understanding both the futility of life and the fact that what we have comes from God, it is good for us to do two things: enjoy the blessings which God has given and do good with those things with which we have been blessed. If we cannot see “good in all [our] labor” – by enjoying God’s blessings and helping others – then the futility of work under the sun will eventually result in depression and apathy, leading to a cessation of work. Nowhere does Solomon teach we should give up and do nothing. We must recognize the good and the limitations of the things of this life, while seeking for that which is eternal.

You can read more comments on the book of Ecclesiastes in Vanity of Vanties: Notes on Ecclesiastes. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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Excerpts from “The Root of the Problem”

June 17, 2011 by

The Root of the Problem (cover)Over the last four and a half months, we’ve been posting excerpts from our first book, The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome. This page contains a link to all of the excerpts so you can find them all from one place.

  1. The Problem of Sin
  2. “We’re Only Human”
  3. Failing to See Sin for What It Is
  4. Ignorance
  5. Deception
  6. Rebellion
  7. Arrogance
  8. Peer Pressure
  9. Impatience
  10. Materialism
  11. Curiosity
  12. Not Filling Our Lives with Good Things
  13. Failure to Prioritize
  14. Difficult Circumstances
  15. Making Sin a Habit
  16. Lack of Self-Control
  17. Lack of Urgency
  18. Lack of Love for Man
  19. Lack of Love for God
  20. No Fear of God

Click on any of the links above to read the excerpts. If you want more information about the book, or wish to purchase your copy, click here.

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The Root of the Problem: Chapter 20 – No Fear of God (Excerpt)

June 10, 2011 by

The Root of the Problem (cover)What kind of fear should we have of God? Most are quick to answer that this is to be a reverent respect for God. The Hebrew writer spoke of this kind of fear when he said we are to “offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 10:28). Respect for God will cause one to listen to the word of God and seek to do what He says. This type of fear is absolutely necessary.

Yet there is another type of fear that we should not ignore. Fear of God should include respect for Him, but we should remember the terror of God for what He can do to us.

“It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).

You can read more about developing a healthy fear of God to help you overcome sin in The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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The Root of the Problem: Chapter 19 – Lack of Love for God (Excerpt)

June 3, 2011 by

The Root of the Problem (cover)Many people will say that they love God. But John says, “Let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth” (1 John 3:18). Claiming to love God, without the deeds to back it up, is meaningless.

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).

If we love God, we must obey Him. Therefore, we must also give up sin (disobedience). John says His commandments are “not burdensome” – we can do it. But we must love Him enough that we are willing to do so.

You can read more about why we should love God and how this helps us to overcome sin in The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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The Root of the Problem: Chapter 18 – Lack of Love for Man (Excerpt)

May 27, 2011 by

The Root of the Problem (cover)If we truly love others, we will seek their best interest ahead of our own. We will not wrong them for our own personal gain. We will not do harm to them. Instead we will love them as we would love ourselves. Jesus says that this was second in importance after our primary duty to love the Lord.

“The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:39).

It is interesting that our love for others is based upon the love we should naturally have for ourselves. If we hope to treat others in the way Jesus has told us to, then we must have a proper appreciation of who we are. However, this does not mean we are to be arrogant. After all, as we have already noticed in this study, we have sinned and are therefore deserving of death (Romans 3:23; 6:23) so we have no reason to be arrogant. But we must have a proper view of ourselves within the context of how God sees us.

“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27).

We have been made in the image of God. That means we occupy a special place in His creation. We bear His likeness in ourselves.

You can read more about how God sees us and how we should therefore act towards others in The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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