Tuesday, 10th of January 2017

Capitol Commission Georgia

Ron J. Bigalke, Ph.D. P.O. Box 244, Rincon, GA 31326-0244 (912) 659-4212 [email protected] PPuurrppoossee iinn LLiiffee Understood theologically, the entrance of sin into humankind has resulted in the destructive consequence of death. The effect of sin is spiritual alienation (separation) from God; consequently, human beings also experience physical death, which is a universal CAPITOL STUDY and visible reminder of the continual results of sin. The “preacher,” or “teacher,” (Heb. Qoheleth) of – who is – th wrote similar to a medical doctor. The Greek word for “assembly” is 154 General Assembly ekklesia (which is the New Testament word for “church”), and the title “Ecclesiastes” is derived from this word.

As the most powerful, wealthiest, and wisest man of his era, TUESDAY @ AM in 123 CAP • 7:30 Solomon certainly possessed the opportunity and resources for accomplishing what is mentioned in Ecclesiastes. Solomon knew • TUESDAY @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP that humanity is dying (both physically and spiritually) as a consequence of sin. Unfortunately, everyone does not have the same persuasion. Many people are either hesitant or unwilling to consider the somber nature of Solomon’s diagnosis, which means the biblical Capitol Commission Bible Studies are held every Tuesday. The prescription does not receive any necessary attention. Thankfully, weekly Bible study is nonpartisan and non-denominational. We will be “the Preacher” was not easily deterred by such obstinacy, which is studying the book of Ecclesiastes during the 2017 legislative session, evident in that he expended much effort and time to convince his which will begin on Tuesday, 10 January, and will continue every listeners and readers that the fatal nature of humanity’s soul week on the same day of the week. sickness is a serious problem. Two times are available for Bible study: (1) a legislative Bible study, pastoral counsel, and prayertime from 7:30-8:00am in 123 CAP; and, (2) an open-to-all Bible study from 12:00-12:45pm in 123 THE EXAMINATION OF LIFE COMPELS US TO ACCEPT THE

CAP (where ministry sponsors provide lunch). UNSETTLING YET UNDENIABLE TRUTH THAT LIFE IS TRULY I pray that this study will be edifying to you. My sole intent in MEANINGLESS WITHOUT GOD. this ministry is to serve you, and to be a resource to you for pastoral care, counsel, and prayer. Please accept my study in the Word of God, as evidence of my desire to serve you. First Corinthians 15:58 – Therefore, my beloved brethren, be – Dr. Ron J. Bigalke, Georgia State Minister, Capitol Commission steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. Capitol Commission Bible Studies The book of Ecclesiastes reveals several poignant observations are concerning the nature of this world. The examination of life compels us to accept the unsettling yet undeniable truth that life is truly Tuesday, 10 January 2017 meaningless without God. All the clever attempts to find life significance without God are ultimately “vanity of vanities.” When Ecclesiastes 1 – “Purpose in Life” life is experienced separately from God (“under the sun”), it is indeed futility (“vanity”), yet when you and I live for the Lord God, life is never “in vain” (1 Cor 15:58). The Holy Bible addresses matters of life, in the present and hereafter. A friend had a question regarding the Bible that was intended to help someone who was making thoughtless decisions THE VANITY OF LIFE WITHOUT GOD that would have disastrous consequences in light of eternity. How foolish to argue with a medical doctor who gives expert diagnosis, (Eccl 1:1-11) Ecclesiastes is “the words of the Preacher,” who is yet we all know individuals who discount advice from those who are identified as “the son of , king in ” (v. 1). Solomon attempting to help them. How infinitely unwise would it be for was the only descendant of David who was “king over Israel in someone to refuse biblical counsel that will affect one’s eternity. Jerusalem” (v. 12). Subsequent to Solomon’s death, the kingdom of Imagine yourself in the predicament wherein you or a loved one Israel divided into the North and the South. David’s remaining were diagnosed with a life threatening illness, and yet ignored the descendants were kings over the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The expert analysis because you felt okay. Scripture warns against such dynastic kings who were over the Northern Kingdom of Israel thinking when it asserts, “There is a way which seems right to a man, resided in Shechem (1 Kgs 12:25) or Samaria (1 Kgs 16:24). but its end is the way of death” (Prov 14:12; cf. 12:15; 16:2; 30:12). The book of Ecclesiastes follows a sermonic structure, with wise Solomon began his sermon by making an observation diagnosis from a spiritual doctor. concerning history and life: “vanity of vanities” (v. 2). In Hebrew

Capitol Commission Bible Studies Tuesday (10th of January) @ 7:30am – 8:00am, 123 CAP Tuesday (10th of January) @ 12 Noon – 12:45pm, 123 CAP (ministry sponsorship by Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols)

Tuesday, 10 January 2017 (the original language), words used twice are superlatives. For to life without God (v. 10). Life separate from God is meaningless, example, the “holy of holies” means the most holy place. When he as evident in attempting to be remembered and not forgotten (v. 11). used the phrase “vanity of vanities,” Solomon meant that life without God is the ultimate futility. “Vanity” (Heb. hebel) means THE QUESTION OF LIFE’S PURPOSE lacking authentic permanence, significance, substance, value, or (Eccl 1:12-18) Verses 12-18 can be divided into two sections: (1) an worth. Hebel occurs 34 times in Ecclesiastes, and only 35 times investigation of human achievement (vv. 12-15); and, (2) an elsewhere in the , with 13 of those latter passages evaluation of human achievement (vv. 16-18). Solomon attempted to used to describe idols. The notion of “ephemeral” or “vaporous” discover meaning and purpose in life, yet his quest only resulted in conveys the meaning (cf. Prov 21:6; Isa 57:13; Rom 8:20). additional frustrations. As the king of Israel (v. 12) and as one who “Vanity” does not mean that life is ultimately meaningless; possessed superlative (vv. 13, 16; cf. 1 Kgs 4:26-34), he had rather, the appellation refers to activities of life without God, not to unique resources for investigating life. the good world that God created. The world that God created is to The Preacher made a comprehensive inspection of all varieties be appreciated for its beauty, and considered accordingly. Nothing of human activities (v. 14), and concluded all were “a grievous task” “under the sun” will provide a valid purpose of existence because (v. 13), that is, demanding and disappointing. Solomon asserted life is evanescent and unsubstantial (cf. Gen 3:19; Job 1:21; Jas 4:14). that there is not any variety of activity (or effort) that can generate Frail humanity’s life is replete with activity and labor, which is like a something ultimately enduring, and therefore gratifying. No variety tiresome process of motion without progress. of activity or work can acquire meaning without God for it is “vanity” and similar to “striving after wind” (v. 14). No matter how

determined and resourceful one’s efforts may be to achieve life . . . LIFE WITHOUT GOD IS THE ULTIMATE FUTILITY. fulfillment without God, Scripture reminds everyone that such energies are fundamentally defective (v. 15; 7:13). Verses 3-11 reinforce the opening theme (v. 2) of Ecclesiastes. The essential idea is the impossibility to have permanent value BE CERTAIN DURING THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION THAT YOU ARE attached to any human endeavor. Ecclesiastes uses the phrase MATURING IN GOD’S GRACE. . . . “under the sun” to indicate that life has no meaning without God. Human beings have no “advantage” for their work “under the sun.” Our attention is focused upon the insignificance and uncertainty of Solomon had “wisdom more than all who were over Jerusalem” life. While the observation concerning life without God is cynical, it (v. 16; 1 Kgs 4:30-33; cf. Gen 14:18 and Josh 10:1 for those preceding is intended to cause humanity to outcry for some better manner of his reign). The wisdom that Solomon expended was mere human living, which will be revealed (in the Holy Bible) at the appropriate intellect, as opposed to living a life with thought of God, and he time. For the present moment, we are convinced how desperate and discovered it was inadequate to determine meaningful activity. hopeless life is apart from God. Wisdom in that regard was “madness and folly” (v. 17), which means foolish pleasures and thoughts (or more perversity). In the first essay, which Henry David Thoreau entitled Attempts to determine the meaning of life through unaided and “Economy,” of his renowned Walden, he famously commented, unenlightened reason – without the revelation of truth that God has “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation” ([Boston: Ticknor and given – is folly (foolishness). If the Lord God is negated, greater Fields, 1854; reprint, New York: Dover, 1995] 4). Thoreau explained how “men wisdom only produces “much grief” (mental anguish) and labor under a mistake.” increases “pain” (emotional sorrow) (v. 18). The devil promises The better part of the man is soon ploughed into the soil for knowledge apart from God (Gen 2:17; 3:1-5), yet it only leads to compost. By a seeming fate, commonly called necessity, they are death and ruin. Be certain during this legislative session that you employed, as it says in an old book [Matt 6:19-20], laying up are maturing in God’s grace as you multiply knowledge (2 Pet 3:17- treasures which moth and rust will corrupt and thieves break through 18), or your efforts alone will make you critical and cynical. and steal. It is a fool’s fate, as they will find when they get to the end Thank you for allowing Capitol Commission the nobility of it, if not before [ibid. 3]. in providing Bible studies to you. If we can serve you in any manner, please talk with us, or contact by email or phone. Verses 4-7 compare and contrast humanity with nature to communicate an obvious yet unsettling proposition. “A generation About Capitol Commission goes and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever” (v. 4). Capitol Commission state ministers are pastors-missionaries who teach weekly verse-by-verse Bible studies for legislators, lobbyists, and staff members. The Bible studies are hand- While only God is eternal (as opposed to the earth), the assertion distributed to each legislative office, emailed, and made available throughout the Capitol communicates that the world remains for an extensive time period. community. Capitol Commission is a ministry of the church seeking to proclaim the gospel message, and to help believers mature through verse-by-verse Bible teaching. In the Bible, we The material world that is less in dignity than humanity has relative see God’s love for the world, especially those who have been placed in authority. This is the foundation for our ministry to you. The church is instructed to submit and to honor consistency and stability, which motivates an outcry of inequity. government leaders (Rom 13:1-7), and to pray for their eternal salvation (1 Tim 2:1-4). The desire of Capitol Commission is to witness God transform the hearts and lives of elected Purpose and satisfaction is difficult for a life devoid of God (v. officials, lobbyists, and staff members. We apply this mandate to four primary areas of discipleship: (1) evangelize those who have not known saving faith in Jesus Christ; (2) establish 8), as evident in the assertion, “there is nothing new under the sun” those who desire to grow in their faith and knowledge of Scripture; (3) equip those called to (v. 9). The life quests of every age remain essentially the same. spiritual leadership; and, (4) encourage churches to participate with us in ministry. There are not any new pursuits that provide meaning and purpose

this week’s Bible studies sponsored by: Bible study copies made by: NEXT CAPITOL COMMISSION BIBLE STUDIES: ! Tuesday, 17th of January @ 7:30am in 123 CAP; and again (with lunch) @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP !