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Ecclesiastes (13). A Season for Everything Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Having searched for meaning: Solomon has begun making observations about life These verses perhaps some of the most well known in this book – songs about it, used at funerals, etc. We observe it as Solomon’s observations
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Ecclesiastes (13) A Season for EverythingEcclesiastes 3:1-8
Having searched for meaning: • Solomon has begun making observations about life • These verses perhaps some of the most well known in this book – songs about it, used at funerals, etc. • We observe it as Solomon’s observations • We will make spiritual application
About the text • Doctrinally, it is sometimes misused (Calvinism, and specific statements) • Solomon’s point – there is a time for everything. Sometimes we need to use wisdom to determine WHAT to do right now.
About the text • To everything there is a season (3:1) • A season – a designated time (that is limited) • There are times when one choice is wise, and other times when the opposite is the right thing to do • We need to THINK! • This gives life some variety
About the text • A time for every purpose (3:1) • God has set laws in order that will last. Natural laws & spiritual laws • These are constant and irrevocable • Spiritually – we have a purpose and “spiritual laws” to abide by
A time to be born (3:2) • Bringing life into this world. “A time to give birth” (NASB) • This event we do not have total control over. It happens when it is time • Spiritually – Galatians 4:4, Jesus came at the right timeJohn 3:3, 1 Peter 1:23 – a time to be “born again”
A time to die (3:2) • Death is inevitable, and an event beyond our control. • We can possibly delay it with good decisions, but it will come • This is NOT justification for hastening death by suicide, euthanasia or abortion, etc. • Genesis 3:19, Hebrews 9:27 • Spiritually – when we sin, we die – Romans 6:23, 5:12 We let the old man of sin die – Romans 6:3-6, Colossians 3:9
A time to plant and a time to pluck what is planted (3:2) • Harvest times. • Genesis 8:21-22 – after the flood promises were made. We can count on seasons and knowing when to plant, harvest and conclude the harvest.Consider the Farmer’s almanac
A time to plant and a time to pluck what is planted (3:2) • God planted and uprooted nations (Jeremiah 18:7-8, Deut. 7, etc.) • Spiritually: Planting is associated with new beginnings • We need to plant the seed of God’s word – John 4:35, 1 Corinthians 3:6, Luke 8:11ff • And there are times to walk away from what we have planted, or pluck up. God will Matthew 13:24-30
A time to kill and a time to heal (3:3) • There are times when we kill – for food, possibly as capital punishment (the government, not us – Romans 13:3-4), or in self-defense cf. Exodus 22:2 • While these are controversial subjects, there are times when they serve a purpose • NOT justification for selfishness (such as abortion, murder, etc.)
A time to kill and a time to heal (3:3) • A time to heal – our primary focus ought to be to preserve life – treat illness and disease, etc. That’s true humanity • Spiritually: We put to death the man of sin. We should “kill” bad attitudes and desires • But let it be for the purpose of healing – Revelation 3:18, James 5:16, 1 Peter 2:24
A time to break down and a time to build up (3:3) • Things decay and wear out. This is actually natural law.They need replacing or repairing. Sometimes totally demolished to start over • Spiritually: We need to be built up. At times this involves tearing down the old first (cf. 2 Timothy 4:2)1 Corinthians 3:10-11 – make sure it is a proper foundation (Acts 20:32)
A time to weep and a time to laugh (3:4) • There are occasions where crying is suitable, and other times when we need to laugh. Proverbs 17:22 • Spiritually: We weep for evil, and the struggles of our brethren, (Romans 12:15, Philippians 3:18, James 4:9)And we rejoice when good prevails – Romans 12:15, Philippians 4:4, 1 Corinthians 13:6, cf. Acts 5:41
A time to mourn and a time to dance (3:4) • Occasions where these are warranted – e.g. funerals Ecclesiastes 7:2-4,parties, weddings, festive occasions.This is NOT justification for lustful occasions that often involve dancing • Spiritually: There are occasions to mourn – when we say goodbye to loved ones, withdraw from the ungodly, sinful conduct, etc. – 1 Corinthians 5:2, Matthew 5:4Rejoicing – when one is restored or obeys they gospel – Luke 15:7, 10, 32, etc.
A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones (3:5) • A time to accumulate things, and a time to throw them away • Spiritually: Are we willing to change when we need to? Are we willing to adapt to new ways that are more effective? (ALWAYS within God’s authority)
A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing (3:5) • There are times when affection is appropriate and other times when it is not. E.g. the marital relationship, dating (1 Corinthians 6:18, 2 Timothy 2:22), even among friends) • Spiritually: Fellowship. A time for it – Acts 2:42, Philippians 2:1, 1 John 1:3-6;A time to avoid it – Ephesians 5:11, 1 Corinthians 10:20, 2 Corinthians 6:14
A time to gain and a time to lose (3:6) • NASB, “A time to search, and a time to give up as lost”Times where we keep looking, and other times where we move on. • Spiritually: The lost coin and sheep – Luke 15:1-10Move on – Matthew 7:6
A time to keep and a time to throw away (3:6) • Repetitious to ideas already discussed • Spiritually: There are things we ought to keep – Matthew 19:17, Ephesians 4:3, 1 Timothy 5:22, 1 John 5:18And things to give up – Matthew 6:19-21, Philippians 3:7-8
A time to tear and a time to sew (3:7) • Similar to gathering and casting away. • Spiritually: Consider mourning – tearing the clothes. But at the end of that time of mourning, mend it and move forward
A time to keep silence and a time to speak (3:7) • We must guard our tongues – what we say and WHEN to say it. Sometimes silence is best! Proverbs 10:19, Cf. Job 2:13 • Spiritually: We control our tongues. James 1:19. Speak where the Bible speaks…
A time to love and a time to hate (3:8) • There are things we ought to love, and others we ought to despise. How often does the world mix these up? • Spiritually: We should love – Matthew 22:37-39, 1 John 4:7, Matthew 5:44-45We should hate – Romans 12:9, 1 John 2:15-17, etc.
A time for war and a time for peace (3:8) • This is inevitable in life. There will be conflicts that need to be resolved. Not always pleasant or easy. BUT, our pursuit should be peace • Spiritually: We are at war – Ephesians 6:10-13, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, 1 Timothy 1:18But we pursue peace – Matthew 5:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:13, Colossians 3:15, etc.