Why Am I Here?

New Series on ECCLESIASTES: HAVE A MEANINGFUL LIFE
WHY AM I HERE? (Eccl. 1:1-18)
A message by Rev Dr Vincent Leoh on 14 June 2009

I. THE LONG FUTILE SEARCH FOR MEANING IN LIFE
I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on the human race! (Eccl. 1:13)
“MEANINGLESS! MEANINGLESS! UTTERLY MEANINGLESS! EVERYTHING IS MEANINGLESS! MEANINGLESS!” (1:2)

1. FUTILITY OF WORK: Observed in the Cycles of Life/ Boredom (1:3-11)
“What profit has a man from all his labor in which he toils under the sun?” (1:3)
Nothing seems to change (:4-7)
Nothing seems to satisfy (:8)
Nothing is new under the sun (:9-11)

2. FUTILITY OF HUMAN WISDOM (1:12-18)
It was like grasping for wind. More wisdom and knowledge just increases grief and sorrow.

3. LIFE “UNDER THE SUN” – Life Without a Purpose
When you don’t know the purpose of life, then …
… Life will be Empty (1:2)
… Life will be an endless cycle of Futility (1:4-6)
… You’ll never be Satisfied (1:8)
… Life will seem Insignificant (:11)

II. LIVING A LIFE THAT MATTERS
Meaning in life comes from living in His presence

1. AN ANSWER: ETERNITY IN THEIR HEARTS (3:10; Ephesians 1:10)
“Life is preparation for eternity” (Rick Warren)

2. LIFE UNDER/WITH THE S-O-N vs Life “under the Sun” (Ephesians 1:4 John 10:10)
LIFE WITH THE S-O-N
Life with the Son is full of meaning.
Life with the Son is full of hope.
Life with the Son is abundant.

3. WHAT GOD WANTS US TO DO
God wants us to Know Him.
God wants us to Become more like Jesus
God wants us to Share Your Life’s Purpose with Others