AM Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 5.1-5

Brent T. Willey

Ecclesiastes 5.1 Entering God’s House  1 Timothy 3.15

Introduction:

1. Consider two passages that concern the “house of God.”

   1. Eccl. 5.1: “Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil.”

   2. 1 Tim. 3.15: “I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar & ground of the truth.”

2. Two interesting figures of speech:

   1. “Walk prudently” [shamor raglaka] – “keep your foot”

   2. “Conduct yourself” [anastréphō] – “behavior”

3. How should we enter?

I. ENTER PREPAREDLY

1. Important events require physical & mental preparation!

2. Proper worship requires thought-out preparation.

   1. The Levitical priesthood – (Num. 8.21)

   2. Sabbath Day Preparation [paraskeué] – (Exod. 16.23; Mark 15.42; cf., Mark 14.13-16)

   3. Orderly things – (1 Cor. 14.40; Titus 1.5)

II. ENTER RESPECTFULLY

1. This is serious business! (John 4.23-24; Hab. 2.20)

2. Grateful & respectful! (Heb. 12.28;cf.,Matt. 6.33)

   1. Displays thankfulness. (1 Thess. 5.18)

   2. Offers the best we can. (Col. 3.23)

   3. Is attentive to all aspects of worship. (Neh. 8.3)

   4. Respects & considers other worshipers. (Phil. 2.3-4)

III. ENTER ENTHUSIASTICALLY

1. Reverence & enthusiasm can mix.

   1. Beware of “lukewarm” Christianity. (Rev. 3.14-16)

   2. Ephesus had left their “first love” (Rev. 2.4).

2.  Enthusiasm is a byproduct of being so richly blessed.

   1. David’s enthusiastic demeanor. (Psa. 66.16; 118.24)

   2. Paul’s similar attitude. (Phil. 4.4; 1 Thess. 5.16)

   3. Thanksgiving & praise go hand-in-hand. (Heb. 13.15)

Conclusion: Enter properly and leave ready to serve!