Q&A Part 4 – Who Is Really Better Off?
Pastor Scott Applegate and Brian Sump
Sermon Notes:
Ecclesiastes 4
What Would Jesus Say to Solomon?
- Solomon asks: Are those who suffer better off no longer living?
“Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed—and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors—and they have no comforter. And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive. But better than both is the one who has never been born, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 NLT
- Solomon’s perspective: The oppressed have no comforter and they’re better off dead.
- Jesus’ response: I am the true comforter.
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19 NIV
2. Solomon asks: Are those who have success and wealth better off without?
“And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Fools fold their hands and ruin themselves. Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 4:4-6 NIV
- Solomon’s perspective: Those who live the “good life” appear discontent.
- Jesus’ response: I am all you need to find real contentment.
“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” Luke 12:21 NLT
- Solomon’s question: Are the lonely better off alone?
“Again I saw something meaningless under the sun: There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless—a miserable business! Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 NLT
- Solomon’s perspective: Life is hard without companions.
- Jesus’ response: I am your creator and I created and redeemed you for community.
“I no longer call you servants, because a master doesn’t confide in his servants. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.” John 15:15-16 NLT
“I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” John 17:21 NLT
- Solomon’s question: Are we better off at the bottom of society’s success ladder?
“Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to heed a warning. The youth may have come from prison to the kingship, or he may have been born in poverty within his kingdom. I saw that all who lived and walked under the sun followed the youth, the king’s successor. There was no end to all the people who were before them. But those who came later were not pleased with the successor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 NLT
- Solomon’s perspective: The top of the ladder seems unstable.
- Jesus’ response: I am your King, follow me, put into practice what I have shown you and taught you and you will have stability.
“…apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5b NIV
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15 NIV
“But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” Matthew 19:30 NLT