The Certainty of Uncertainty

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

Ecclesiastes is written and designed to address the very questions, confusion, inconsistency, and brokenness that we encounter in this world.

Ecclesiastes 12:11 The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd.

From Solomon about whom the Bible says:

1 Kings 4:29–34 Solomon’s aim is to goad us, and cause us to have a resilient joy amid uncertainty that is as stable as a well-driven nail.

Main Idea: Solomon explains five perspectives that enable us to have confidence and joy amid the certainty of uncertainty.

1. God is sovereign over the good, the bad, and everything in between (3:1-9)

2. God’s plan is comprehensive and beautiful of (3:11a)

3. Every blessing and every difficulty should cause us to ask, “Is there something better?” (3:11b)

But God has made us to be gloriously and infinitely satisfied in Him alone, and not in anyone or anything else!

4. Recognize and pursue joy in life as a gift from God (3:12-13)

5. In light of God’s unalterable sovereignty, fear Him (3:14-15)

“Solomon wishes to deliver us from a rosy-colored, self-confident, godless life, with its inevitable cynicism and bitterness, and from trusting in wisdom, pleasure, wealth, and human [strength]. He wishes to drive us to see that God is there, that He is good and generous, and that only such an outlook makes life coherent and fulfilling.” – Michael Eaton

The divine design in all the cycles of life is that we see, and seek, the God who is worthy of our reverent worship and total devotion.

“God has so worked, that men might fear Him” [have worshipful reverence for Him], and Him alone!

Brian Sayers

Brian is the Pastor of Counseling & Equipping at Faith Bible Church. He is passionate about the local church, and equipping the saints to effectively serve one another. Before coming to Spokane, he spent 14 years serving God's people as a pastor in rural New England (Vermont & New Hampshire).

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