May 29, 2011 by Allen Coleman 0 comments

Posted in: Contentment/Satisfaction

Starting in January of 2011, we started a series entitled "Vanity". This was an expositional preaching series through the book of Ecclesiastes. Warren Wiersbe titled his commentary on the book "Be Satisfied". To aid us with that goal in mind, we concluded our series in confessional form. To do so, I highlighted the major themes in Ecclesiastes and our appropriate response to each one. This confession serves to affirm our satisfaction in Christ alone and that all else is vanity.

"THE VANITY CONFESSION" By: Allen Coleman

PROGRESS IS VANITY. What has been, will be again. There is nothing new under the sun. I will be satisfied in the perpetual progress made possible by Christ.

PLEASURE IS VANITY. Nothing in this world, pleasure or possession, can give me lasting contentment. I will be satisfied in the pleasure of knowing Christ alone.

KNOWLEDGE IS VANITY. All that I learn and understand is of little eternal benefit. It is only through a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ that my mind is renewed. I will be satisfied in the knowledge of His Gospel.

LABOR IS VANITY. My own strength delivers me nothing of value. No accomplishment of mine is great enough. However, Christ accomplished the work of my salvation. No position I’ve pursued is high enough. Even so, Christ has positioned me among the saints. I will be satisfied in the labor Christ has done on the cross.

CONTROL IS VANITY. Each season, whether success or sorrow, comes through the hands of a sovereign God. All that I know of tomorrow is that His love will remain the same. A love that seeks to save and sanctify me for His glory and my joy. I will be satisfied in Christ’s will for my life.

LIFE IS VANITY. It is my duty, by the power of the Spirit, to fear God and keep His commands. My time in this life is to prepare me for the next. I pray that I do not waste that preparation with selfish indulgences or vain pursuits. I will be satisfied in the eternal life Christ has given me.

I am grateful for all His creation, His pursuit of me in the flesh, His sinless life, His work on the cross—His forgiveness of my failures and His restoration of my soul—His triumphant resurrection, His glorious ascension, and His promised return. 

I am satisfied. Amen.