The Search for Meaning in a Party

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “ ‘Laughter,’ I said, ‘is foolish. And what does pleasure accomplish?’ I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly – my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.” (Ecclesiastes 2:2-3)
       Passage: 1 John 1:1-4

         Solomon went on a journey to see if meaning and true satisfaction can be found in life without God. In his search for meaning through pursuing pleasure, one of the things Solomon did was have a lot of parties. After all, everyone enjoys a good party. Solomon had money in his pocket and time on his hands, so he decided, “Let the good times roll.” Then, to liven things up in addition to food and entertainment, he threw in plenty of wine. What Solomon observed was that a party is just a temporary show and diversion with no real substance to give meaning to life. The alcohol lowered people’s inhibitions, but it didn’t contribute anything that produced deep satisfaction. It never does.
       The problem wasn’t the party itself. It was that God wasn’t invited in and then, that alcohol was substituted for the joy of God’s Spirit. God wired us for relationship. He wants us to have connection with Him and others. That connection with others is fellowship. Put Christ at the center of your relationships and let Him bring true joy and pleasure to the party.  

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)