Overview:
Ecclesiastes 3:1–11
Will time last forever or will it ultimately come to an end? Because humans invented the clock, then obviously that device will not accompany us into eternity. The planets that God Almighty arranged in space continue to be the most perfect chronometer ever created, but when those planets stop, well, time stops. So even time is temporary. And that means we need to invest it wisely and find ways to enjoy it while it is ours to claim.
Ecclesiastes 3 provides a necessary and relieving break from the frenzied, hard-driving, seldom-resting business person of the latter half of Ecclesiastes 2. Because our time is short and the seasons of life keep going in a seeming endless cycle, Solomon addressed two questions: Are we able to affect or alter life’s events, and are these events moving toward any ultimate objective?
Message Summary:
In this message, Pastor Chuck Swindoll provides a “necessary and relieving break” from the frenzied pace of life described in Solomon’s earlier experiments. Focusing on the famous “seasons” passage of Ecclesiastes 3, Chuck explores the temporary nature of time and the sovereignty of God over the events of our lives. He addresses two fundamental questions: Can we alter life’s events? And are these events moving toward an ultimate objective? By understanding that God has made everything beautiful in its time and has “set eternity in the human heart,” we can move from the frustration of a “ragged edge” existence to a life of quiet confidence in God’s perfect timing.
Message Key Facts:
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The Sovereignty of Time: Solomon lists fourteen pairs of opposites (to be born/to die, to weep/to laugh, etc.) to show that every aspect of human experience falls under a divinely appointed season (Ecclesiastes 3:1–8).
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The Limits of Human Control: While humans are active in their “labor,” Chuck points out that we cannot change the seasons God has orchestrated. True relief comes from accepting God’s schedule rather than fighting it.
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Eternity in the Heart: God has placed a “longing for the eternal” within every person, which explains why earthly achievements never fully satisfy. We are designed for a realm beyond the tick of the clock (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
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The “Gift of God”: Contentment is found when a person can eat, drink, and find satisfaction in their work as a direct gift from God, acknowledging His hand in the mundane (Ecclesiastes 3:13).
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Immutable Divine Purpose: Whatever God does remains forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. This reality is intended to lead humanity to “fear” (stand in awe of) Him (Ecclesiastes 3:14).
Message References:
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Ecclesiastes 3:1: The foundational truth that there is an appointed time for everything under heaven.
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Ecclesiastes 3:11: The revelation that God makes everything beautiful in its time and has set eternity in our hearts.
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Ecclesiastes 3:12–13: The practical advice to rejoice, do good, and enjoy the fruit of one’s labor.
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Ecclesiastes 3:14: The declaration of the permanence and perfection of God’s work.
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Ecclesiastes 3:15: The cyclical nature of time—that which is has been, and that which will be has already been.
