Why is fearing God and keeping commandments considered "the whole duty of man"? Setting the Context: Ecclesiastes’ Journey to the Conclusion - Solomon surveys life “under the sun” and finds vanity in wisdom, pleasure, work, riches, and even human righteousness. - After dismantling every earthly hope, he delivers a final, concise verdict: life’s ultimate purpose is summed up in relationship to God. The Key Verse “Now that all has been heard, fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13) What It Means to Fear God - Awe and Reverence • Recognizing God’s infinite holiness and power (Isaiah 6:1–5). - Humble Submission • Yielding every area of life to His sovereign will (James 4:7). - Beginning of Wisdom • “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). - Protective Boundary • A healthy, worshipful fear guards from sin’s snares (Proverbs 16:6). Why Keeping His Commandments Matters - Evidence of Love • “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). - Pathway to Blessing • Obedience brings covenant favor (Deuteronomy 28:1–2). - Expression of Holiness • Conformity to God’s moral character (1 Peter 1:15–16). - Witness to the World • Good works shine as testimony (Matthew 5:16). The Phrase “Whole Duty of Man” - Comprehensive Purpose • Nothing in human existence outranks fearing God and obeying Him. - Created Design • Humanity was fashioned for fellowship and obedience (Genesis 2:15–17). - Eternal Accountability • “For God will bring every deed into judgment” (Ecclesiastes 12:14). - Summation of the Law and Prophets • Love God with all your heart; love your neighbor (Mark 12:29–31). Connecting Fear and Obedience - Genuine fear fuels heartfelt obedience; rules without reverence breed legalism. - Obedience demonstrates that reverence is real, not mere sentiment. - Together they form an inseparable single duty—reverent allegiance. Practical Takeaways for Today - Cultivate reverent awe through regular Scripture reading and worship. - Examine choices against God’s revealed commands; adjust promptly. - Seek the Spirit’s power to obey (Ezekiel 36:27). - Remember eternal perspective: every act is weighed by the righteous Judge. |
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