Ecclesiastes 9:13-12:14; 1 Corinthians 9:1-18
Psalm 96 is filled with calls to praise God in numerous ways – by singing, proclamation, declaration, recognition (i.e., “to ascribe” – repeated three times!); bringing an offering, worshiping, revering (i.e., “trembling”), and other ways. We are to tell the nations that “the LORD reigns” (verse 10). In addition, we see that all nature praises God – “the heavens, the earth, the seas, the fields, the forests, and all creation” are “to sing before the LORD” (verses 11-13) – because He comes to us in righteousness as the “righteous, faithful, holy Judge Who reigns in splendor and majesty over all” (verses 13). For these reasons, He is therefore worthy of all our praise, honor, and glory (verse 4).
In Ecclesiastes 9:13-12:14, we notice that practically every sentence in this section contains a guiding principle for living the Christian life. Solomon teaches us that, because our world is so corrupted by sin, godly wisdom works to our advantage – if we will apply it to our hearts and lives. In chapter 9, Solomon states that he was “impressed by the poor, wise man who saved his city by wisdom” (verses 13-16) – an illustration not only of the superiority of wisdom over brute strength but also of uncelebrated service. The poor wise man certainly denied himself. “Fools multiply words” (cf., 10:14), so it’s a good idea for us to guard our lips and tongues. “Cast your bread upon the waters: for after many days you will find it again” (cf., 11:1). This truth teaches us to trust the Lord. So many things we “do not know” (repeated three times in verses 2, 5, and 6), but with the Lord’s help, we can live securely in and navigate safely through these “many days of darkness” (verse 8). While we are young, we must learn to trust in “the work of God, the Maker of all things” (verse 5). Chapter 12 is an incredible admonition which I recall from my own youth. My parents specifically taught me at a young age to “remember my Creator in the days of my youth” (verse 1) – “before the days of trouble come.” Four and a half years ago, the lamp of my life was snuffed out, and now it seems that my days of trouble have come. As Solomon writes, the “years approach, and I find no pleasure in them. The keepers of my house have begun to tremble; I rise up at the sound of birds, but their songs grow faint; I know the fear of heights and the danger of the streets. Indeed, the strong man stoops; the grasshopper drags itself along; and desire is no longer stirred” (verses 1-5). Apart from God’s mercy and grace, I wonder how I have ever made it this far, but I also know that by His providence, my spirit too will return not long hence to Him Who gave it, and I will go to my eternal home (verse 5). In my youth, when my inclinations were naturally bent toward other things, God impressed upon my heart the need to “remember” Him. Now, I thank Him that, by His mercy, He was gentle with me – faithfully refusing to abandon me to my own waywardness. Now that I am in my eightieth year, may I emphasize something directly to you – Solomon was absolutely right. He concluded, “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (verse 13). Everything else is meaningless.
In 1 Corinthians 9:1-18, Paul continues to address the problem of offensive behavior in the church, and here, he sets forth the principle that, while believers have certain rights and freedoms, we may choose to suspend our rights for biblical causes that are higher than our own. In fact, Paul is actually teaching that we should set our own rights aside in favor of others. This is what Jesus meant when He said, “deny yourself” (cf., Mark 8:34). Paul writes, “We put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ” (verse 12). He continues: “We did not use our rights … though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone” (verses 12-19). Paul is saying that, as believers in Christ, we do not need to exercise our rights or appeal to them as we serve our King and His causes. Paul’s position pretty much eliminates offensive behavior.