Eccl 12 - Capitol Commission
Tuesday, 28th of March 2017
Capitol Commission Georgia
Cherishing Life
Ron J. Bigalke, Ph.D. P.O. Box 244, Rincon, GA 31326-‐0244 (912) 659-‐4212 [email protected]
CAPITOL BIBLE STUDY 154 th General Assembly
• TUESDAY @ 7:30 AM in 123 CAP • TUESDAY @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP
Capitol Commission Bible Studies are held every Tuesday. The weekly Bible study is nonpartisan and non-denominational. We are studying the book of Ecclesiastes during the 2017 legislative session, and will continue every week on Tuesday. Two opportunities are available for Bible study and prayer: (1) a legislative fellowship time of pastoral counsel and prayer from 7:308:00am in 123 CAP; and, (2) an open-to-all Bible study from 12:0012:45pm in 123 CAP (where ministry sponsors provide lunch). I pray that this study will be edifying to you. My sole intent in 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. – Dr. Ron J. Bigalke, Georgia State Minister, Capitol Commission
Capitol Commission Bible Studies are
Tuesday, 28 March 2017 Ecclesiastes 12 – “Cherishing Life” While never actually hearing the song, the story of Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying” is nevertheless interesting, especially in light of Ecclesiastes 12. Tim Nichols and Craig Wiseman wrote McGraw’s song in response to a friend who received a tremendous misdiagnosis. Relieved that their friend was fine, Nichols and Wiseman began discussing how it is for other people who are diagnosed with a life threatening illness. They gave thought to those who responded, “‘Wow, it’s time to get busy,’ as opposed to, ‘I’m going to go lay down in my bed and freak out.’” So from there, we started talking about people, when they’re faced with some sort of crisis in their life, they respond in this really unique, cool way. And so we were throwing out stuff like, ‘Dying to live,’ phrases like that, and Craig spit out, ‘Live like you were dying.” I said, ‘I love that,’ and we got a verse and a chorus. . . . [Vi-An Nguyen, “Songwriters Reveal the Story Behind ‘Live Like You Were Dying’ by Tim McGraw” (article online) (Parade, 8 September 2014, accessed 23 December 2016) available from http://parade.com/335635].
Ecclesiastes 12 exhorts all people to live while you are dying. Scripture reveals the truth that everyone is appointed to die (Rom 6:23; Heb 9:27). Consequently, it is unnecessary to live like you were dying because the somber reality is that everyone – young and old – are presently dying. Ecclesiastes 12 exhorts all people to live while they are dying. The graphic description of the aging process should result in a humility and somberness that prompts everyone to cherish life with far more priority upon the eternal.
LIVE IN VIEW OF ETERNITY (Eccl 12:1-8) Ecclesiastes 12 begins with an exhortation toward young people to develop an intimate relationship with God. Urging the young person to “remember” their “Creator” involves being active not passive. The convictions that develop from intimacy with God will benefit a person in their younger years and will also serve them well in latter times. Becoming older generally presents more difficult circumstances in many aspects, and thus the spiritual stability that arises from walking faithfully with God will always help a person overcome future challenges that appear with the passing of years. Whether young or old, all God’s people must strive to fight “the good fight of faith” (1 Tim 6:12) by finishing “the course” set before us (2 Tim 4:7; cf. 1 Cor 9:24-27; Phil 3:12-14; Heb 12:1-2). Verses 1-2 of Ecclesiastes 12 reiterate a repeated emphasis: enjoy life with wisdom. Every person will one day become old, thus take pleasure in life now yet also remember God in the midst of that enjoyment. Do not grow old and say what you wish to have done; rather, be able to share with others what you have accomplished. Eventually, “the sun and light, the moon and the stars are darkened” (v. 2a), which is metaphorical to illustrate a slower-paced life. Make the most of your opportunities while you are able prior to the time in which the “clouds return after the rain” (v. 2b).
. . . THE SPIRITUAL STABILITY THAT ARISES FROM WALKING FAITHFULLY WITH GOD WILL ALWAYS HELP A PERSON OVERCOME FUTURE CHALLENGES. . . .
The poetic description of the aging process is quite graphic: trembling limbs and failing vision (v. 3), poor hearing and difficulty sleeping (v. 4), anxiety, graying and whitening of hair, a slower gait, and the loss of certain desires (v. 5; cf. 2 Cor 4:16-18). Verse 6 uses additional metaphors that emphasize the importance of what is occurring. “Remember Him [the Creator] before the silver cord is broken and the golden bowl is crushed, the pitcher by the well is shattered and the wheel at the cistern is crushed.” A person’s mortality is depicted as a golden bowl that is severed from a silver cord and then shattered, and as a clay pitcher falling into a well to
Capitol Commission Bible Studies Tuesday (28th of March) – Prayer Meeting – @ 7:30am – 8:00am, 123 CAP
Tuesday (28th of March) – Bible Study – @ 12 Noon – 12:45pm, 123 CAP (ministry sponsorship by State Representative Bubber Epps)
Tuesday, 28 March 2017
shatter and a wheel at the cistern that snaps.
The duty of communicating biblical truth in a relevant manner without abating its exacting nature can be challenging (vv. 9-10). From one standpoint, there are some people who dependent upon such creativity that much truth from God’s Word is given a subordinate role, and thus one’s clever opinions become the emphasis. Conversely, there are others who desire to preserve biblical truth, yet do not connect the ancient world with contemporary times, and thus fail to communicate that veracity in a manner that is practical and relevant.
The metaphorical words conclude with language from the book of Genesis: “then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it” (v. 7; cf. Gen 2:7; 3:19). Every person will one day enter his or her eternal home; therefore, it is vital to honor God and enjoy life while possible. Verse 8 emphasizes that a life without wisdom is vanity.
ECCLESIASTES COMPELS US TO ENJOY THIS PRESENT LIFE BY LIVING A LIFE OF WISDOM AND HONORING GOD WITH EVERY BREATH WE HAVE.
Wisdom both disciples and stimulates individuals in the pursuit of obedience, and also captivates minds with the power of accumulated insight (Eccl 12:11). The teachings of the wise are similar to pointed and sharp instruments (“goads” and “nails”), which are convincing, direct, and readily understood (cf. Ps 23:4; Jer 10:4; Acts 26:14; Eph 4:14). The Bible is like “well-driven nails;” it is dependable. God is the “one Shepherd” who reveals divine, eternal truths which provide stability and strength upon which you can defer your thoughts (Eccl 12:11).
If a person believes they can halt the aging process, thinks he or she can live foolishly and enjoy life, or if a person imagines happiness without God, he or she is living thoughtlessly because one day when this earthly life passes, judgment will come (v. 14; Rom 6:23; Heb 9:27). Ecclesiastes compels us to enjoy this present life by living a life of wisdom and honoring God with every breath we have. The time to remember one’s Creator is “in the days of your youth” (Eccl 12:1), that is, while one still has vitality and zest.
In the ancient world, the king was regarded as “shepherd of the people.” The modern equivalent to a king in modern American times would be any governing authority. Not only does Ecclesiastes indicate that the words of the book are of divine origin (from “one Shepherd”), but also one can understand governing authorities as shepherding those whom they represent. Certainly, one could not have a more pertinent reason for prioritizing Bible study.
LIVE TREASURING WISDOM (Eccl 12:9-14) Ecclesiastes 12:9-12 admonishes to heed what God has revealed in the Bible despite how old you are. You are never too old to become wiser or to behave like a fool. A person can read “many books” concerning a vast array of subjects, yet the prudent individual will specialize in understanding God’s Word and thereby live a life of wisdom (v. 12).
You need fear nothing if you reverence God because you are secure in his will (v. 13). Therefore, live your life as if the Lord were publishing a book concerning your life and you would not be ashamed for the entire world to read it (v. 14; cf. Heb 12:1-2). If you live with an eternal perspective, the effects of time will not distress you. Reverence God (cf. Isa 6:1-7; Rev 1:17-18), obey his revealed Word (cf. Matt 11:28-30; 1 John 5:3), and live in light of eternity (Eccl 12:13-14; cf. John 5:24; 2 Cor 4:17; 1 Pet 4:7-11). The utmost purpose of humanity is to glory God and enjoy Him forever!
The theological term “revelation” refers both to God’s selfdisclosure with regard to His nature and purpose for humanity, and the corpus of truth made known. The term is derived from the Greek word apokalupsis (aj p okav l uyi"), which means “a disclosure” or “revelation,” and may pertain to the act whereby God reveals a truth through creation (Ps 19; Rom 1:18-21), dreams (Dan 2:20-30), miracles (John 20:30-31), oral communication (Exod 3:1-9; Acts 22:17-21), and the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14, 18).
Thank you for allowing Capitol Commission the nobility in providing Bible studies to you. If we can serve you in any manner, please talk with us, or contact by email or phone.
The two mediums of God’s revelation include general revelation and special revelation. General revelation is received through creation and conscience (Ps 19; Rom 1—3; Acts 14:15-17; 17:22-37); it is the world surrounding humanity, and also certain sensibilities within humanity. Special revelation is the very Word of God (the 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament).
About Capitol Commission Capitol Commission’s mission is to provide a pastoral presence in the capitol communities of our nation. Romans 10-14-15 affirms, “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent. . . ?” Please notice the reverse progression. If we desire anyone, including our government leaders, to (5) call upon the Lord and to seek Him and his Word for life decisions, they must prior to that (4) believe in Him, which means they must previously have (3) heard the Word of God, which means prior to that someone needs to (2) preach to them, which requires that others have first (1) sent someone.
Special revelation is the method by which God revealed Himself directly and specifically. The record of this medium is the Bible. The Bible is the “embodiment of knowledge and truth” (cf. Rom 2:20), which is necessary for faith/trust, and salvation (redemption). Wisdom is leading people to the “ancient paths” (Jer 6:16), which is to demonstrate how God’s holy and inspired Word relates to people’s lives today. Indeed, the “gift of wisdom” (1 Cor 12:8-10; cf. Eccl 12:9-10) is the God-given ability to declare and explain biblical and spiritual knowledge to complex, conflicting, or other difficult circumstances (particularly in cultures prioritizing human wisdom).
this week’s Bible studies sponsored by: Representative Bubber Epps Georgia House District 144
Capitol Commission is committed to the second part: preaching (proclaiming) the good news of salvation, yet this cannot occur without someone doing the first part: sending. All funding and prayer for this work comes from people who want the light of the gospel of God’s grace brought into our State Capitol. As you do #1 and we do #2, we can rejoice together as the Lord accomplishes in the Capitol what only He can produce in someone: #3, #4, and #5. What an exciting co-mission! Please join us in this ministry!
Bible study copies made by:
NEXT CAPITOL COMMISSION (INTERIM) BIBLE STUDY:
Tuesday, 4th of April @ 12 Noon in 123 CAP (the 1st Tuesday of each month, during interim)
Capitol Commission Georgia
Cherishing Life
Ron J. Bigalke, Ph.D. P.O. Box 244, Rincon, GA 31326-‐0244 (912) 659-‐4212 [email protected]
CAPITOL BIBLE STUDY 154 th General Assembly
• TUESDAY @ 7:30 AM in 123 CAP • TUESDAY @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP
Capitol Commission Bible Studies are held every Tuesday. The weekly Bible study is nonpartisan and non-denominational. We are studying the book of Ecclesiastes during the 2017 legislative session, and will continue every week on Tuesday. Two opportunities are available for Bible study and prayer: (1) a legislative fellowship time of pastoral counsel and prayer from 7:308:00am in 123 CAP; and, (2) an open-to-all Bible study from 12:0012:45pm in 123 CAP (where ministry sponsors provide lunch). I pray that this study will be edifying to you. My sole intent in 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. – Dr. Ron J. Bigalke, Georgia State Minister, Capitol Commission
Capitol Commission Bible Studies are
Tuesday, 28 March 2017 Ecclesiastes 12 – “Cherishing Life” While never actually hearing the song, the story of Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying” is nevertheless interesting, especially in light of Ecclesiastes 12. Tim Nichols and Craig Wiseman wrote McGraw’s song in response to a friend who received a tremendous misdiagnosis. Relieved that their friend was fine, Nichols and Wiseman began discussing how it is for other people who are diagnosed with a life threatening illness. They gave thought to those who responded, “‘Wow, it’s time to get busy,’ as opposed to, ‘I’m going to go lay down in my bed and freak out.’” So from there, we started talking about people, when they’re faced with some sort of crisis in their life, they respond in this really unique, cool way. And so we were throwing out stuff like, ‘Dying to live,’ phrases like that, and Craig spit out, ‘Live like you were dying.” I said, ‘I love that,’ and we got a verse and a chorus. . . . [Vi-An Nguyen, “Songwriters Reveal the Story Behind ‘Live Like You Were Dying’ by Tim McGraw” (article online) (Parade, 8 September 2014, accessed 23 December 2016) available from http://parade.com/335635].
Ecclesiastes 12 exhorts all people to live while you are dying. Scripture reveals the truth that everyone is appointed to die (Rom 6:23; Heb 9:27). Consequently, it is unnecessary to live like you were dying because the somber reality is that everyone – young and old – are presently dying. Ecclesiastes 12 exhorts all people to live while they are dying. The graphic description of the aging process should result in a humility and somberness that prompts everyone to cherish life with far more priority upon the eternal.
LIVE IN VIEW OF ETERNITY (Eccl 12:1-8) Ecclesiastes 12 begins with an exhortation toward young people to develop an intimate relationship with God. Urging the young person to “remember” their “Creator” involves being active not passive. The convictions that develop from intimacy with God will benefit a person in their younger years and will also serve them well in latter times. Becoming older generally presents more difficult circumstances in many aspects, and thus the spiritual stability that arises from walking faithfully with God will always help a person overcome future challenges that appear with the passing of years. Whether young or old, all God’s people must strive to fight “the good fight of faith” (1 Tim 6:12) by finishing “the course” set before us (2 Tim 4:7; cf. 1 Cor 9:24-27; Phil 3:12-14; Heb 12:1-2). Verses 1-2 of Ecclesiastes 12 reiterate a repeated emphasis: enjoy life with wisdom. Every person will one day become old, thus take pleasure in life now yet also remember God in the midst of that enjoyment. Do not grow old and say what you wish to have done; rather, be able to share with others what you have accomplished. Eventually, “the sun and light, the moon and the stars are darkened” (v. 2a), which is metaphorical to illustrate a slower-paced life. Make the most of your opportunities while you are able prior to the time in which the “clouds return after the rain” (v. 2b).
. . . THE SPIRITUAL STABILITY THAT ARISES FROM WALKING FAITHFULLY WITH GOD WILL ALWAYS HELP A PERSON OVERCOME FUTURE CHALLENGES. . . .
The poetic description of the aging process is quite graphic: trembling limbs and failing vision (v. 3), poor hearing and difficulty sleeping (v. 4), anxiety, graying and whitening of hair, a slower gait, and the loss of certain desires (v. 5; cf. 2 Cor 4:16-18). Verse 6 uses additional metaphors that emphasize the importance of what is occurring. “Remember Him [the Creator] before the silver cord is broken and the golden bowl is crushed, the pitcher by the well is shattered and the wheel at the cistern is crushed.” A person’s mortality is depicted as a golden bowl that is severed from a silver cord and then shattered, and as a clay pitcher falling into a well to
Capitol Commission Bible Studies Tuesday (28th of March) – Prayer Meeting – @ 7:30am – 8:00am, 123 CAP
Tuesday (28th of March) – Bible Study – @ 12 Noon – 12:45pm, 123 CAP (ministry sponsorship by State Representative Bubber Epps)
Tuesday, 28 March 2017
shatter and a wheel at the cistern that snaps.
The duty of communicating biblical truth in a relevant manner without abating its exacting nature can be challenging (vv. 9-10). From one standpoint, there are some people who dependent upon such creativity that much truth from God’s Word is given a subordinate role, and thus one’s clever opinions become the emphasis. Conversely, there are others who desire to preserve biblical truth, yet do not connect the ancient world with contemporary times, and thus fail to communicate that veracity in a manner that is practical and relevant.
The metaphorical words conclude with language from the book of Genesis: “then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it” (v. 7; cf. Gen 2:7; 3:19). Every person will one day enter his or her eternal home; therefore, it is vital to honor God and enjoy life while possible. Verse 8 emphasizes that a life without wisdom is vanity.
ECCLESIASTES COMPELS US TO ENJOY THIS PRESENT LIFE BY LIVING A LIFE OF WISDOM AND HONORING GOD WITH EVERY BREATH WE HAVE.
Wisdom both disciples and stimulates individuals in the pursuit of obedience, and also captivates minds with the power of accumulated insight (Eccl 12:11). The teachings of the wise are similar to pointed and sharp instruments (“goads” and “nails”), which are convincing, direct, and readily understood (cf. Ps 23:4; Jer 10:4; Acts 26:14; Eph 4:14). The Bible is like “well-driven nails;” it is dependable. God is the “one Shepherd” who reveals divine, eternal truths which provide stability and strength upon which you can defer your thoughts (Eccl 12:11).
If a person believes they can halt the aging process, thinks he or she can live foolishly and enjoy life, or if a person imagines happiness without God, he or she is living thoughtlessly because one day when this earthly life passes, judgment will come (v. 14; Rom 6:23; Heb 9:27). Ecclesiastes compels us to enjoy this present life by living a life of wisdom and honoring God with every breath we have. The time to remember one’s Creator is “in the days of your youth” (Eccl 12:1), that is, while one still has vitality and zest.
In the ancient world, the king was regarded as “shepherd of the people.” The modern equivalent to a king in modern American times would be any governing authority. Not only does Ecclesiastes indicate that the words of the book are of divine origin (from “one Shepherd”), but also one can understand governing authorities as shepherding those whom they represent. Certainly, one could not have a more pertinent reason for prioritizing Bible study.
LIVE TREASURING WISDOM (Eccl 12:9-14) Ecclesiastes 12:9-12 admonishes to heed what God has revealed in the Bible despite how old you are. You are never too old to become wiser or to behave like a fool. A person can read “many books” concerning a vast array of subjects, yet the prudent individual will specialize in understanding God’s Word and thereby live a life of wisdom (v. 12).
You need fear nothing if you reverence God because you are secure in his will (v. 13). Therefore, live your life as if the Lord were publishing a book concerning your life and you would not be ashamed for the entire world to read it (v. 14; cf. Heb 12:1-2). If you live with an eternal perspective, the effects of time will not distress you. Reverence God (cf. Isa 6:1-7; Rev 1:17-18), obey his revealed Word (cf. Matt 11:28-30; 1 John 5:3), and live in light of eternity (Eccl 12:13-14; cf. John 5:24; 2 Cor 4:17; 1 Pet 4:7-11). The utmost purpose of humanity is to glory God and enjoy Him forever!
The theological term “revelation” refers both to God’s selfdisclosure with regard to His nature and purpose for humanity, and the corpus of truth made known. The term is derived from the Greek word apokalupsis (aj p okav l uyi"), which means “a disclosure” or “revelation,” and may pertain to the act whereby God reveals a truth through creation (Ps 19; Rom 1:18-21), dreams (Dan 2:20-30), miracles (John 20:30-31), oral communication (Exod 3:1-9; Acts 22:17-21), and the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14, 18).
Thank you for allowing Capitol Commission the nobility in providing Bible studies to you. If we can serve you in any manner, please talk with us, or contact by email or phone.
The two mediums of God’s revelation include general revelation and special revelation. General revelation is received through creation and conscience (Ps 19; Rom 1—3; Acts 14:15-17; 17:22-37); it is the world surrounding humanity, and also certain sensibilities within humanity. Special revelation is the very Word of God (the 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament).
About Capitol Commission Capitol Commission’s mission is to provide a pastoral presence in the capitol communities of our nation. Romans 10-14-15 affirms, “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent. . . ?” Please notice the reverse progression. If we desire anyone, including our government leaders, to (5) call upon the Lord and to seek Him and his Word for life decisions, they must prior to that (4) believe in Him, which means they must previously have (3) heard the Word of God, which means prior to that someone needs to (2) preach to them, which requires that others have first (1) sent someone.
Special revelation is the method by which God revealed Himself directly and specifically. The record of this medium is the Bible. The Bible is the “embodiment of knowledge and truth” (cf. Rom 2:20), which is necessary for faith/trust, and salvation (redemption). Wisdom is leading people to the “ancient paths” (Jer 6:16), which is to demonstrate how God’s holy and inspired Word relates to people’s lives today. Indeed, the “gift of wisdom” (1 Cor 12:8-10; cf. Eccl 12:9-10) is the God-given ability to declare and explain biblical and spiritual knowledge to complex, conflicting, or other difficult circumstances (particularly in cultures prioritizing human wisdom).
this week’s Bible studies sponsored by: Representative Bubber Epps Georgia House District 144
Capitol Commission is committed to the second part: preaching (proclaiming) the good news of salvation, yet this cannot occur without someone doing the first part: sending. All funding and prayer for this work comes from people who want the light of the gospel of God’s grace brought into our State Capitol. As you do #1 and we do #2, we can rejoice together as the Lord accomplishes in the Capitol what only He can produce in someone: #3, #4, and #5. What an exciting co-mission! Please join us in this ministry!
Bible study copies made by:
NEXT CAPITOL COMMISSION (INTERIM) BIBLE STUDY:
Tuesday, 4th of April @ 12 Noon in 123 CAP (the 1st Tuesday of each month, during interim)
