The Emptiness of Brokenness

Ecclesiastes 7:1-8:17

Wrong expectations lead to:

• despair – I can’t do this anymore
• anger – I can’t believe God would allow this
• unbelief – There isn’t any God at all. 

1. The Perception: The righteous suffer, the wicked prosper

Ecclesiastes 7:14-17 and 8:14-15

God’s purposes in suffering and trials:

• Reveals our heart
• Produces character
• Tests and strengthens our faith
• Shows the brokenness of the world

John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble…..

2.  The Reality: No one is righteous

Romans 3:10-12
Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”
Ecclesiastes 8:12-13
Romans 6:23 – “The wages of sin is death….”

3. The Solution: Jesus Saves

Romans 3:23-24 – “For all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God… and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 6:23 – “The wages of sin is death….but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord! 
John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble…. but take heart! I have overcome the world.”