The Conclusion of the Whole Matter
7 Key Lessons from “The Conclusion of the Whole Matter”
Notes from Sunday’s Sermon on Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
The sermon today was truly powerful. King Solomon had everything - money, wisdom, power - but what did he finally decide was important? Let’s look at the wisdom found in his conclusion in Ecclesiastes.
1. Your Life Matters Forever
“Your life has eternal significance.”
Every choice, action, and word matters beyond just today. We’re not just random people living without purpose. God made us to be like Him, and our lives have lasting value.
Question to consider: Are we thinking about how our choices today affect eternity?
2. Think About the End Before You Start
“Start with the end in mind,” Pastor Sael emphasized throughout the sermon.
Wise people think about where their actions will lead. They don’t just think about what feels good now, but ask: “What will happen if I keep living this way?”
Solomon thought about the end, and that’s how he came to the right conclusion.
Question to consider: What would we want God to say at the end of our lives? “Well done” or “I never knew you”?
3. Fearing God Doesn’t Mean Being Scared
This was an eye-opening part of the sermon. “Fearing God” doesn’t mean being terrified.
“The word ‘fear’ in Hebrew actually means deep respect and honor,” Pastor Sael explained.
It’s like respecting a father who loves but also has authority. It’s not running away from God - it’s running toward Him with respect.
Benefits of fearing God:
- It’s where wisdom begins (Psalms 111:10)
- It helps you live longer (Proverbs 10:27)
- It gives you confidence (Proverbs 14:26)
- It protects your children (Proverbs 14:26)
4. Being Holy Matters More Than Being Happy
“The big problem in churches today,” Pastor Sael said, “is that we chase happiness instead of holiness.”
This is such a challenging truth. How often do people make choices just to feel good right now?
But as the sermon reminded us: “Happiness goes away. Holiness changes you forever.”
Real joy doesn’t come from quick pleasures that the world offers. It comes from a clean life that honors God.
Question to consider: Are we trying to be happy, or are we trying to be holy?
5. If You Love God, You’ll Follow Him
“If you love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15
Real love for God isn’t just feelings or words. It shows up in how we live and obey Him.
Pastor Sael shared the story of Mary pouring expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet. Her love led her to sacrifice something valuable. True love for God leads to giving up things for Him.
6. We Will All Face Judgment
“God will judge everything we do, even our secret actions, whether good or bad.”
Nothing can be hidden from God. Everything we do, say, and think will be judged.
But this shouldn’t cause terror. Instead, it should help us live right. Knowing we’ll have to explain ourselves to God should motivate us to honor Him in everything.
7. God Loves Us So Much
Even when we mess up, God loves us deeply. Hell wasn’t made for people. God wants everyone to be saved.
That’s why He came to save us.
What We Should Do
- LISTEN to what really matters
- RESPECT God
- FOLLOW His commands
- UNDERSTAND this is our main job as humans
“As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” — Joshua 24:15
What will you decide today? Will you choose to respect God and follow His commands? Will you choose being holy over just being happy? Will you live thinking about eternity?
Remember: it’s never too late to change. Today is the day to make things right with God.
Reading through Ecclesiastes this week would be a great way to reflect on these truths.
Sermon by Pastor Sael: “The Conclusion of the Whole Matter - Understanding the whole duty of man | Ecclesiastes 12:13-14”
Date: May 11, 2025
Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/u3ptYCcMAl0