Sunday, September 8, 2019 pm
STUDIES IN ECCLESIASTES
(14)
A Time for Everything (2)
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
We
are continuing our monthly examination of the book of Ecclesiastes.
In this book, we find Solomon’s search for the meaning of life.
We have devoted considerable time to the various areas where he
looked and determined that EVERY worldly pursuit is vanity or grasping
for wind. It is interesting
early on to notice Solomon’s pessimism – which is there for one reason –
God is left out of the picture.
But in Ecclesiastes 2:24, things begin to turn around as God is
INCLUDED in the discussion (He is mentioned only once prior to this –
Eccl. 1:13). Much of the
rest of the book will contrast pursuing life without God and with God.
In
our last lesson we began a study of a passage that is perhaps the most
well known in society. I
read it at funerals to show that death is a part of the cycle of life.
Popular songs have been created about this text.
Solomon’s point here is to show that in life there is a time for
everything. Just as there
are seasons (that come and go), life will have it ups and downs.
There is also a time for every purpose under heaven – a statement
that among other things declares that God is in control.
He has set laws in motion that we can depend upon (like the
seasons, sunrises and sunsets – e.g. Genesis 8:21-22).
We
then began our study of the various contrasts of life:
-
A time to give birth and a time to die. These
things happen and often the exact timing are beyond our control.
We might say that such is “in the hands of God”.
-
A time to plant and a time to pluck what is planted
– true naturally and spiritually.
As Christians, we need to be opening our eyes as “the fields are
white for harvest” (John 4:35).
And there are times we must withdraw from the disorderly, or walk
away from someone who is not interested in the truth.
-
A time to kill and a time to heal
– the Bible addresses time for taking life – to eat, capital
punishment, even in self-defense, possibly justified wars.
AND of course, there is a time to heal and preserve life.
That ought to be our default goal when we understand the VALUE of
life.
-
A time to break down and a time to build up
– buildings decay and
need replacing or repairing.
Spiritually, we build on the foundation of our Lord (1 Corinthians
3:10-11), build up the body, etc.
And at times we need to tear down some ungodly structure in our
lives. Before you put in
place that which is good and upright, you first have to deal with that
which is wrong and sinful.
-
A time to weep and a time to laugh
– there are times for rejoicing with each other and
other times to cry together (Romans 12:15)
-
A time to mourn and a time to dance
– there are occasions of sadness and occasions or
celebration (e.g. jumping for joy).
We can and should seek out festive occasions to be with one
another, but some times this is not appropriate.
And that brings us to where we will begin our study this
evening as we conclude this list.
a.
A time to cast away
stones and a time to gather stones
– like the building up and tearing down.
There are tasks and times to accumulate things, and other times
when we throw them away.
We have addressed before the dilemma of clutter – physical and
spiritual.
Spiritually – I simply think of times when we need build upon
what we have by increasing in that area.
2 Peter 1:5-7 – a list of things we build upon our faith.
And as we have noted, we are NEVER done with this.
AS to casting away, is see a willingness to change when it is needed.
Because of a changing world, there are times we need to adapt.
There are “methods” that are no longer effective or expedient
(e.g. filmstrips, VHS and cassette tapes, or 8-track and reel to reel).
Be willing to adapt if it will result in winning more souls.
Just as Paul was willing to become all things to all men (1
Corinthians 9:19-23).
There are may be areas of study that we need to add to our spiritual
library or arsenal (e.g. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6).
Example: Our current
study of apologetics – these are things we are more likely to have to
deal with today, than just a few decades ago.
Wolves are constantly trying to enter into the flock and devour the weak
– they come up with some new doctrine (though nothing is really new –
just repackaged) that we might need to study about (Ephesians 4:14-16).
Do what we need to do to grow (gather the resources), and when something
is no longer useful as a tool, move on (cast it away).
b.
A time to embrace and a
time to refrain from embracing – there are times when embracing (hugs, etc.) are appropriate, and other
times when they are not.
This could also apply to physical relationships. E.g. a husband and wife
can embrace (though in private), while others should not (e.g. teens
dating in circumstances where they are tempted to lust (1 Corinthians
6:18, 2 Timothy 2:22)).
I also think of the “holy kiss” that we greet on another with (Romans
16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, etc.) – what is that in our society? Be
careful to NOT go too far
with the embrace.
Spiritually: I think of fellowship.
The idea of fellowship is a mutual sharing with one another.
It is a misunderstood word because of its many uses in our
society, and confusion as to how it is used in the Bible.
In God’s word, the idea is a spiritual relationship that we SHARE
with our brethren based upon our relationship (fellowship) with God – 1
Corinthians 1:9, 1 John 1:3, etc.
That’s what it’s about.
We are to have fellowship with one another as brethren – Acts 2:42,
Philippians 2:1, 1 John 1:3, etc.
We are NOT to have fellowship with the ungodly of this world, and those
who have fallen away (until they return) – Ephesians 5:11, 1 Corinthians
10:20 (fellowship with demons). 2
Corinthians 6:14
c.
A time to gain and a time to lose – The NASB reads, “a time to search and a time to give
up as lost” – this shows the idea of times when we keep looking for
something, but there is a time to move on.
Spiritually – think of the lost coin and sheep in Luke 15:1-10.
Both show diligent search.
But there is a time when we must judge that we are “casting our pearl
before swine” and move on – Matthew 7:6
d.
A time to keep and a
time to throw away
– similar to
many things we have discussed with building, gathering, planting, etc.
and their counterparts.
Spiritually – what are we willing to give up to follow Him?
Matthew 6:19-21 – where is your treasure?
Do we have the attitude of Paul in Philippians 3:7-8?
Will we keep the word of God close to us? (John 8:51)
Will we keep the faith? (2 Timothy 4:7)
Will we keep His commandments? (John 14:15, 1 Corinthians 7:19);
Will you keep yourself pure? (1 Timothy 5:22)
e.
A time to tear and a
time to sew
– another description similar to the gathering and casting away stones.
Spiritually - You could relate this to the mourning we have
addressed as well. Remember
how in mourning people would tear their garments.
But that period of mourning was to end.
Repair your “garments” and move on.
Consider repentance in this – 2 Corinthians 7:11, Luke 18:13
f.
A time to keep silence and a time to speak
– wise words to always consider.
We don’t have to always say something.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is say nothing (like Job’s
friends for a week after they came to him.
As long as they were silent all was well – Job 2:13).
Proverbs 10:19, In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.
Spiritually
– we need to control our tongues and at times be quiet.
James 1:19.
WHEN it comes to authority, we need to “speak where the Bible speaks and
be silent where the Bible is silent”.
And we need to speak up in defense of the truth – Psalm 39:1-3,
I said, “I will guard my ways, Lest I sin with my tongue; I will
restrain my mouth with a muzzle, While the wicked are before me.” I was
mute with silence, I held my peace even from good; And my sorrow was
stirred up. My heart was hot within me; While I was musing, the fire
burned. Then I spoke with my tongue:
Saul in Athens was moved to speak up – Acts 17:16-17.
Consider also James 4:17 in this – therefore to him who knows to do
good, and does not do it, to him it is sin. And Matthew 10:32-33, etc.
g.
A time of love and a
time of hate
– there are things we ought to despise and things we can and ought to
love, WHILE in this world.
The problem with the world is so often they get these things mixed up.
And sometimes, we as Christians also get these things mixed up
and we try to serve 2 masters at the same time.
Spiritually – we know the things we should love – Matthew
22:37-39, 1 John 4:7 – one another; Matthew 5:44-45 – even our enemies.
AND there are times and things we should hate (or love less) – Romans
12:9 – Abhor what is evil;
1 John 2:15-17 – do NOT love the world or the things in the world, etc.
h.
A time of war and a time
of peace
-a fitting conclusion.
Conflict is inevitable in life.
In making decisions concerning many of the above contrasts, in
our minds there is conflict about what to do.
We must work through it.
Also, we may not like to think about wars, but sometimes they are
inevitable to stop an enemy from encroaching.
The nature and time of wars is subject to debate, but sadly there
is a time for such.
AND there is a time for peace, INSTEAD of choosing war.
Clearly, this should be the default choice.
Spiritually – let us NEVER forget that we are at war – Ephesians
6:10-13, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, 1 Timothy 1:18 – wage the good warfare.
BUT in this, our ultimate goal is for peace – peace with God, within
ourselves and with others.
Matthew 5:9 – blessed are the peacemakers.
NOTE: Sometimes to get peace, there needs to be war first.
1 Thessalonians 5:13 – be at peace among yourselves.
Colossians 3:15 – let the peace of God rule in your hearts.
Thus, we find Solomon acknowledging in this life there is a time for
everything. The question is,
will we use the wisdom of God to determine what and when that is, or
will we live for ourselves facing eternal gloom.
Let us resolve to “fear God and keep His commandments.”
(Ecclesiastes 12:13-4).
Think about it.