Never Enough

That's Life - Message 4 - Never Enough - Eccl. 2:1-11

Outline:

The Search for Meaning and Satisfaction – The Pursuit of Happiness

I. Pleasure – vs. 1-3 – 2 Tim. 3:4
A. Gladness – seeking to be happy through lasting pleasure
B. Laughter – madness – out of control conduct, mindless babbling
C. Gratification – the “good life” – cheered, lifted above the routine – Prov. 14:13

II. Possessions – vs. 4-8 – A Paradise for Rest and Relaxation – Jam. 4:2-4; 1 Kings 11:3-13
A. Buildings – a palace that took 13 years to build, plus more
B. Gardens – a fertile paradise for parties or privacy
C. Servants – staff to tend to every want or need
D. Wealth – stock, precious metals, riches, treasures
E. Performers – for entertainment, companionship

III. Performance – vs. 9-11 – a distraction, not a destination
A. I Became Great
B. I Withheld Nothing
C. I Found No Profit – nothing left over, always wanting more

IV. Where Should We Seek Happiness?
A. In God

1. Salvation – Acts 2:25-28; Psa. 16:1; 144:15
2. God’s Gifts, acknowledging that they are from God – Acts 14:8-18; Psa. 111:2
3. With Reverence, Righteousness, and Obedience – Prov. 28:14; 29:18; Psa. 97:11
   B. In Christ
4. Sharing Christ’s Suffering – Matt. 5:1-12; 2 Cor. 12:10
5. Serving Christ’s Purposes – Matt. 6:32-33
6. Loving Christ More – John 21:15
   C. In the Church – Fellowship of the Saints – Acts 2:46; Psa. 149:4