Text: Ecclesiastes 12:1

Introduction.

- Began his reign at 20 years old and became the most famous King of Israel.
- His name Solomon means “pacific”. A prophecy of how his kingdom would be.
- When he assumed his kingdom he asked God for wisdom.
- The Bible consists of 3 books which he wrote.
- Song of Songs, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.
- Biblical scholars agree that he wrote Song of Songs when he was a young man.
- He wrote Proverbs when he was middle aged and Ecclesiastes when he was an elder.
- In chapter 12, Ecclesiastes last one, he brings advise to the youth.
- “before the tough days”. Speaks of the senior years.
- Verse 2: loss of vision
- Verse 3: weakness in the legs and arms
- Verse 4: Difficulty in hearing
- Verse 5: Loss of appetite
- Verse 7: and death will come
- Ecclesiastes approaches 2 big questions:

01. How to be happy far from GOD?

- Com - Based on his own experience Solomon points to some ways.
- One way would be wealth: I Kings 4:22-26.
- Another way would be through culture: I Kings 4:29 and I King 4:32.
- Another way would be through drinking: Ecclesiastes 2:3
- One more way, sex: I Kings 11:3. Take a look at its conclusion: Ecclesiastes 7:26.
- Ecclesiastes 12:8. Vanity appears 37 times in Ecclesiastes.
- The Book begins and ends with this word. ( 1:2 and 12:8 ).
- Vanity: Something empty. Nothing. Achieves nothing.

02. How to live well in a world full of vanity?

- Old Solomon’s response is: “remember your creator”
- It’s the ideal memory at the proper time: Remembering God in your youthful days.
- Ecclesiastes 12:13. It’s the advice Solomon gives based on his experience.
- What is God’s place in life today?

Conclusion.

- Luke 18. A wealthy young man searched for God to learn the way to heaven.
- Jesus said: Go sell everything that you have, give to the poor and follow me
- He left saddened and scratching his head since he was the owner of many properties.
- John 6: Jesus asked if the disciples wanted to abandon him.
- Peter responds: “Lord, to whom would we go? You alone have the words that give eternal life.”
- Jesus has the best answer to life because it applies to both this life and eternity.