Introduction
Friends, as we gather here today, let’s remember that our lives are full of seasons—times of joy and times of sorrow, beginnings and endings. The world may seem unpredictable, but the Bible assures us that God is in control, working out His perfect plan. Let’s look together at Ecclesiastes 3 and see what God wants to teach us about His order, our place in it, and the hope we have in Jesus Christ.
I. The Events and Purposes of Life
Ecclesiastes 3:1
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
Our lives are a tapestry of different experiences. Some are joyful, some are hard, but all are known by God. The Preacher in Ecclesiastes gives us a list of life’s opposites—being born and dying, planting and plucking up, weeping and laughing, mourning and dancing. Each one has its time.
You might feel like life is just the same old thing, day after day. But if you look closely, you’ll see God’s variety in every season. The monotony we sometimes feel is more about our hearts than about the life God has given us. Life is made up of many parts, and each one matters.
And life is full of opposites. We all know what it’s like to move from joy to sorrow, from building up to tearing down.
Psalm 30:5
“Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
God has set these seasons. Nothing is random. Even when things seem out of control, God is working out His purpose.
II. God’s Sovereignty Over Times and Seasons
God has appointed every season.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.”
We aren’t in charge of when things begin or end.
Hebrews 9:27
“And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.”
Acts 17:26
“And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.”
God alone knows the full story. We may not understand why things happen as they do, but we can know the One who holds all things together.
III. The Beauty of God’s Plan
Everything God does is beautiful in its time—even the things we don’t understand.
Genesis 1:31
“And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.”
Even the hard seasons have their place in God’s plan.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
God’s order isn’t always clear to us, but He is always working for our good and His glory.
IV. Our Response: Trust, Humility, and Hope
Because God is in control, we can respond in a few ways:
- Trust: We may not know the future, but we know God is faithful.
- Humility: We don’t have all the answers, but God does.
- Submission:
Psalm 25:10
“All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.” - Fear (Reverence):
Ecclesiastes 3:14
“I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him.”
V. The Problem of Evil and Injustice
The Preacher saw wickedness even where there should have been justice.
Ecclesiastes 3:16
“Moreover, I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, even there was wickedness, and in the place of righteousness, even there was wickedness.”
This troubled him, just as it troubles us. But God promises a day of judgment.
Ecclesiastes 3:17
“I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work.”
We may not see justice now, but God will set things right. Our hope is not in this world, but in Christ, who will come again to judge the living and the dead.
VI. The Dignity of Man and the Hope of the Gospel
Some say people are no better than animals, but the Bible teaches otherwise.
Genesis 1:27
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
We are made for relationship with God. Yes, we all return to dust, but for those who trust in Christ, death is not the end.
Philippians 1:23
“My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.”
Jesus came, lived, died, and rose again so that we might have eternal life.
2 Timothy 1:10
“…our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
Conclusion
Life is full of seasons, but God is the Lord of them all. If you are a Christian, take comfort in knowing your times are in God’s hands. If you don’t know Jesus, today is the day to turn to Him and receive the gift of eternal life. Trust Him with your season—He makes all things beautiful in His time.
Let’s close with these words from Psalm 31:14–15a (ESV):
“But I trust in you, O LORD;
I say, ‘You are my God.’
My times are in your hand…”
May this psalm be our prayer and our confidence as we walk through every season with Jesus.
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