Sermon on Vanity: Everything is vanity
Let us turn our hearts to a sobering and essential truth: the vanity of earthly pursuits. Today, we will explore the wisdom found in Scripture regarding the fleeting nature of worldly things and the importance of seeking lasting, eternal value.
1. Vanity of vanities, says the preacher, vanity of vanities! Everything is vanity. (Ecclesiastes 1:2)
"Vanity of vanities, says the preacher, vanity of vanities! Everything is vanity." Ecclesiastes 1:2 sets the tone for our reflection. The preacher, Solomon, having experienced the height of earthly success, declares the emptiness of worldly pursuits. Everything, without God, is fleeting and meaningless. It is like chasing the wind.
2. Therefore do not trust in vanity, deceiving yourself, for vanity will be your reward. (Job 15:31)
"Therefore do not trust in vanity, deceiving yourself, for vanity will be your reward." Job 15:31 warns us against placing our trust in things that cannot satisfy. To rely on vanity is to deceive ourselves, for its reward is ultimately emptiness and disappointment.
3. The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are vanity. (Psalms 94:11)
"The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are vanity." Psalms 94:11 reminds us that God sees our hearts and knows the futility of our worldly thoughts. Our human inclinations often lead us astray, chasing after things that ultimately leave us wanting.
4. And turn not aside; for you would follow after vanities, which profit nothing, and which will not deliver you, for they are vanities. (1 Samuel 12:21)
"And turn not aside; for you would follow after vanities, which profit nothing, and which will not deliver you, for they are vanities." 1 Samuel 12:21 urges us to stay on the path of righteousness and not be lured by the empty promises of worldly vanities. These things offer no lasting profit and cannot deliver us from our true needs.
5. Therefore he spent his days in vanity, and his years in trouble. (Psalms 78:33)
"Therefore he spent his days in vanity, and his years in trouble." Psalms 78:33 illustrates the consequence of pursuing vanity. It leads to a life of wasted time and unnecessary trouble. The pursuit of fleeting pleasures results in lasting pain.
6. They are vanity, the work of errors; in the time of their visitation they will perish. (Jeremiah 51:18)
"They are vanity, the work of errors; in the time of their visitation they will perish." Jeremiah 51:18 reveals the temporary nature of worldly things. They are the products of human error and will ultimately perish.
7. Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity, and revive me in your way. (Psalms 119:37)
"Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity, and revive me in your way." Psalms 119:37 offers a prayer for deliverance from the allure of vanity. It is a plea for God to refocus our gaze on His ways, which lead to true life and revival.
8. Man is like vanity; your days are like a passing shadow. (Psalms 144:4)
"Man is like vanity; your days are like a passing shadow." Psalms 144:4 reminds us of the brevity of human life. Our time on earth is fleeting, like a shadow that quickly vanishes. This truth should compel us to seek lasting value in God.
9. I hate those who indulge in deceitful vanities; but I trust in the Lord. (Psalms 31:6)
"I hate those who indulge in deceitful vanities; but I trust in the Lord." Psalms 31:6 expresses a rejection of deceitful vanities and a commitment to trusting in the Lord. True security and satisfaction are found only in Him.
10. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. (Ecclesiastes 1:14)
"I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit." Ecclesiastes 1:14 concludes with a sobering observation. All earthly pursuits, without God, lead to emptiness and frustration.
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Conclusion
Let us heed the wisdom of Scripture and turn away from the fleeting vanities of this world. Let us set our hearts on things eternal, seeking a relationship with God that brings true and lasting satisfaction. Let us remember that our lives are brief, and only what is done for Christ will endure. Amen.
