Fear God and Keep His Commandments for This is the Whole Duty of Man - Ecclesiastes 12:13

In Ecclesiastes 12:13 Solomon said, “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Everything’s been considered and Solomon meant it. He tried, tasted, and experienced anything you could try, taste, and experience. He wrestled with the most important issues of life throughout the book, and he finally reached this conclusion. The wisest man who ever lived – second only to Christ – tells us what life is about. He’s been confused throughout the earlier chapters, unable to make sense of this life, but now he can finally share what he’s learned after all his searching. All his uncertainties are behind him, and it boils down to these words. They’re so dramatic because he considered what this world offers physically – money, fame, power, relationships, pleasure – but when he figured out what’s important – when he learned how to experience satisfaction in this life – he didn’t mention anything physical. He said, “fear God and keep His commandments,” which is spiritual.

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Lessons for Fear God and Keep His Commandments for This is the Whole Duty of Man

Lesson 1: Meaning in life is found in ______________ and _______________ God (Ecc 12:13; Pro 1:7 cf. Matt 10:28, 22:37, John 14:15, Isa 8:11-13).

Lesson 2: Fear of God ________________ __________________ (Psa 112:1, 128:1; Gen 22:1-2, 11-12; Exo 1:16-17; Exo 20:18-20; Deut 8:6, 31:12; Jer 2:19, 32:40).

Lesson 3: Lack of fear of God ________________ ______________________ (Exo 9:27-29; 1 Sam 15:24).

Lesson 4: __________ ________________ puts this life in perspective (Ecc 12:14; 2 Cor 5:10; Rom 2:16; John 5:24; Rom 8:1).

Family Worship Guide for Fear God and Keep His Commandments for This is the Whole Duty of Man

Day 1: Read Ecc 12:13; Pro 1:7 cf. Matt 10:28, 22:37, John 14:15, Isa 8:11-13 and discuss: Based on the Book of Ecclesiastes, where is meaning and satisfaction in life not found? In other words, where did Solomon look before coming to his conclusion? Why did he come to the conclusion that we read at the end of the book?

Day 2: Read Psa 112:1, 128:1; Gen 22:1-2, 11-12; Exo 1:16-17; Exo 20:18-20; Deut 8:6, 31:12; Jer 2:19, 32:40 and discuss: Why does the fear of God produce obedience? Pastor Scott gave some examples of people obeying God because they feared Him. Can you think of some other examples? Do we obey God because we love Him, fear Him, or both?

Day 3: Read Exo 9:27-29; 1 Sam 15:24 and discuss: Why does the lack of fear of God produce disobedience? Pastor Scott gave some examples of people disobeying God because they didn’t fear Him. Can you think of some other examples? Do people disobey God because they don’t love Him, don’t fear Him, or both?

Day 4: Read Ecc 12:14; 2 Cor 5:10; Rom 2:16; John 5:24; Rom 8:1 and discuss: How does God’s judgment put this life in perspective? What can seem big in this life, but becomes small when considering standing before God? How are believers judged? If our sins are judged on the cross, then what is left to be judged?

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