33:T550,

In Ecclesiastes, the author takes the position of a practical secularist. And he asks, “If this life is all there is, then is life meaningless?”

The writer says if this life is all there is, if there’s no God and no meaning that you have to submit to, then you’re free to construct your own meaning. And so, he sets out to build meaning by living a cause-based life, and then by living a pleasure and beauty-based life. When he finds those both to be meaningless and burdensome, he decides to create a work-based life, to let work and career be an organizing principle in his life.

In doing this, he finds three things: 1) that a life of work is not worth it, 2) why it’s not worth it, and 3) what is worth it.

This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on March 23, 2003. Series: When All You’ve Ever Wanted Isn’t Enough. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2:17-26.

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34:T45a,When you find yourself longing for transformation in your life—for more joy, more peace, more fulfillment—chances are you start a list of all of the circumstances that need to change to get you there. We find ourselves believing that as soon as we get a better job, further our education, find a romantic partner, get healthy or make more money then our life will be all that we’ve ever dreamed about. But God’s Word tells us that’s just not the case. Changes in circumstances will not bring about the transformation we’re longing for. If we want to see transformation in our lives—if we want to experience the abundant life God created us for—we’ve got to get serious about the way we think. This episode will empower you to stop the negative thought spirals, change your perspective, and renew your mind with the truth of God’s Word so you can experience a life of peace, strength, and purpose—regardless of your circumstances. For more from Christine and to check out the show notes visit www.christinecaine.com/podcast today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Focusing Your Life—Part Two