October 26, 2025

What we know and what we don’t know

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: Ecclesiastes 11:1-8; 2 Timothy 1:3-14
Service Type:
  • To consider the verses from Ecclesiastes (11:1-6)
    • A very interesting book
    • The "preacher" – could have been Solomon – looks at life, all of life
  • He looks at life under the sun
    • Looking at earthly life
    • Looking at what you can enjoy in this earthly life
      • Wisdom
      • Music
      • Work
      • Money
      • What is the point of it all?
    • When leaving God out of the picture – life is vanity, empty with no satisfaction
  • There are occasions when God breaks in
    • The author sees there is purpose to life
    • God in the picture – not just ‘under the sun’
  • Not just thinking about ourselves
    • This will bring no joy
    • Life is fulfilling when you think of others, particularly when considering God
  • Ecclesiastes 11
  • Be generous in all you do (Ecc 11:1-2)
    • Example of the widow of Zarephath
      • If we are generous, we can expect a return, though maybe not straight away
    • Be as generous to as many as you can
    • Be generous in all things – not just in material goods, but our time and in our hearts
    • Be generous in sharing the gospel
    • God is generous and merciful
  • Be generous because of 3 things we do not know
    • We do not know the future – Ecc 11:2-4
      • We do not know when the judgment of God will come
      • There is a finality about the judgment of God
    • We do not know the ways of God – Ecc 11:5
      • Jesus knew this passage – when he spoke to Nicodemus
      • God will work as He determines to work
      • Deut 29:29
    • What our actions will achieve – Ecc 11:6
      • Example
      • We must be willing to sow generously
      • Example of the parable of the sower
      • It is for God’s glory, not ours
  • Be generous because of 3 things we do know
    • We know whom we have believed – 2 Tim 1:12
      • Paul has entrusted his whole life to Jesus
        • Can you say this?
      • We can put our trust and faith in Him
      • We need Jesus
    • We know that God works all things together for good for those that love Him – Rom 8:28
      • For my good and His glory
    • We know that when we see Him we will be like Him – 1 John 3:2
      • The Christian life is a glorious life
      • Our faith is in Jesus Christ
      • Our life is hidden with Christ in God
  • Be generous
    • Because of what we do not know
    • Because of what we do know
      • Because of Jesus
  • "A life worth living and a Lord worth loving"
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