The vanity of earthly things.....eccl2.....keeping a proper worldview

I was looking over a sermon;

The Vanity of Earthly Things and Worldly Enjoyments

Ralph Erskine, January, 1723

I paused to give thought to a portion of it dealing with eccl2.....Do you see it as he did, or what biblical principles keep a hedge around a proper biblical worldview in terms of entertainments, hobbies, pleasures here and now....in view of where we are going eternally....
1. The subject, or the thing he passes his judgment on, namely, ALL. That is, all that is in the world:
all the pleasures,
all the profits,
all the honors,
all the advancements,
all the lusts of the world,
all things under the sun that a man can set his heart upon,
all worldly employments and enjoyments,
all things besides God, and considered as separate from Him.

How or what other sections of scripture keep you on track biblically with a proper balance on lawful enjoyments and a proper use of ones time.
http://www.gracegems.org/30/vanity_of_earthly_things.htm

 

in this sermon these thoughts could be expanded on....

 

Some do not sin simply because they do not have the means to sin.

Some are enticed to sin as they think it is to a lesser degree than openly blatant sin.

 

Matthew Henry Commentary30:7-9 Agur wisely prayed for a middle state, that he might be kept at a distance from temptations; he asked daily bread suited to his station, his family, and his real good. There is a remarkable similarity between this prayer and several clauses of the Lord's prayer. If we are removed from vanity and lies; if we are interested in the pardoning love of Christ, and have him for our portion; if we walk with God, then we shall have all we can ask or think, as to spiritual things. When we consider how those who have abundance are prone to abuse the gift, and what it is to suffer want, Agur's prayer will ever be found a wise one, though seldom offered. Food convenient; what is so for one, may not be so for another; but we may be sure that our heavenly Father will supply all our need, and not suffer us to want anything good for us; and why should we wish for more?

 

Richard Baxter was considered to be a legalist by many, but he is worth the read and consideration of what he offers.
http://www.reformedtheology.ca/baxter1.htm

 

The Ten Marks of a Flesh-Pleaser

by Richard Baxter
The signs of a flesh-pleaser or sensualist are these:
1. When a man in his desire to please his appetite, does not do it with a view to a higher end, that is to say to the preparing himself for the service of God; but does it only for the delight itself. (Of course no one does every action conciously with a view to the service of God. Nevertheless, the general manner or habit of a life spent in the service of God is absent for the flesh-pleaser.)
2. When he looks more eagerly and industriously after the prosperity of his body than of his soul.
3. When he will not refrain from his pleasures, when God forbids them, or when they hurt his soul, or when the necessities of his soul call him away from them. But he must have his delight whatever it costs him, and is so set upon it, that he cannot deny it to himself.
4. When the pleasures of his flesh exceed his delights in God, and his holy word and ways, and the expectations of endless pleasure. And this not only in the passion, but in the estimation, choice, and action. When he had rather be at a play, or feast, or other entertainment, or getting good bargains or profits in the world, than to live in the life of faith and love, which would be a holy and heavenly way of living.
5. When men set their minds to scheme and study to make provision for the pleasures of the flesh; and this is first and sweetest in their thoughts.
6. When they had rather talk, or hear, or read of fleshly pleasures, than of spiritual and heavenly delights.
7. When they love the company of merry sensualists, better than the communion of saints, in which they may be exercised in the praises of their Maker.
8. When they consider that the best place to live and work is where they have the pleasure of the flesh. They would rather be where they have things easy, and lack nothing for the body, rather than where they have far better help and provision for the soul, though the flesh be pinched for it.
9. When he will be more eager to spend money to please his flesh than to please God.
10. When he will believe or like no doctrine but "easy-believism," and hate mortification as too strict "legalism." By these, and similar signs, sensuality may easily be known; indeed, by the main bent of the life.