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Sermon Introduction

One of our core values in our church community, GCF Naga, is excellence in life and ministry. A core value is something that we value. We give importance to it. It is a guiding principle. Moreover, we strive to develop it in ourselves and our community. It should eventually be part of our DNA as a community, meaning it is who we are in our personal lives, family life, work-life, community life, and ministry life. We seek understanding from Ecclesiastes, one of the wisdom books of the Bible

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Ecclesiastes 9:10 ESV

10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.

Ecclesiastes 10:10 ESV

10 If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge,
he must use more strength,
but wisdom helps one to succeed.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 ESV

13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Notes

One of our core values in our church community, GCF Naga, is excellence in life and ministry. A core value is something that we value. We give importance to it. It is a guiding principle. Moreover, we strive to develop it in ourselves and our community. It should eventually be part of our DNA as a community, meaning it is who we are in our personal lives, family life, work-life, community life, and ministry life. We seek understanding from Ecclesiastes, one of the wisdom books of the Bible

1. Wisdom reminds people that life on earth is limited. Everyone will eventually die sooner or later. Those who heed must put their energies to good use. One must work well or do their very best in a worthy endeavor (9:10).

2. A man cutting a tree with a blunt ax is unwise. A man cutting a tree with an ax that is not very sharp lacks wisdom. However, a man cutting a tree with a sharp ax is wise than both. Wisdom helps one succeed (10:10).

3. After everything that was stated, the author concluded that everyone should fear God and obey His commandments. It is everyone’s duty. One day God will judge every action made in public and private (12:13-14).

Application

1. Remember that no one will live forever. We should put our energies into working well so we may contribute to our family and the generations to come and to the work of God for generations to come.

2. We are unwise if we use a blunt mind and undeveloped skills. We lack wisdom if we fail to sharpen our minds and skills habitually. Thus, habitually pause and take the time to sharpen our minds and skills.

3. Fear God and obey His commandments. Let us ground our hearts, minds, and our actions in the word of God. We work well, and we grow in wisdom because we fear God.

Discussion / Reflection

1. What reason should one have in working well, according to Ecclesiastes 9:10?

2. What gives us the advantage according to Ecclesiastes 10:10? Explain

3. How may we grow in excellence in the different areas of life and ministry?