Man must look to God – Preaching
Preaching Outline on Ecclesiastes 12:1-6 – “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth… Before the silver cord is broken and the golden cup is shattered…”
Introduction to Ecclesiastes 12:1-6
Solomon, at the height of his wisdom, writes Ecclesiastes as a solemn warning: life is brief, and the choices made today will echo in eternity. The text uses poetic metaphors to illustrate human frailty and the urgency of seeking God while there is still time.
In ancient times, objects such as gold cups and pitchers were symbols of value and usefulness. Breaking them represented an irreparable loss.
Just like these objects, our lives have an expiration date. Youth passes, strength diminishes and opportunities fade. The exhortation is clear: don’t postpone your commitment to God, don’t reject the opportunity for Salvation.
Development
The silver cord: the connection with God (v. 6)
“Before the silver cord is broken…”
The “silver cord” symbolizes life, sustained by God (Job 33:4). Breaking it is physical death.
Maintain a daily connection with God: Just as a cell phone needs recharging, our soul needs prayer and the Word (John 15:5). Prayer and reading God’s word is fundamental to a life of communion and intimacy with God. We make time for so many things in our lives and sometimes we don’t take the time to be in the Lord’s presence.
Invest in relationships, not just religion: Knowing God is more than ritual; it’s intimacy (Jeremiah 9:24). God’s desire is to be by our side at every moment, to participate in our sad and joyful moments, always pointing us in the right direction.
The golden cup: the works of God (v. 6)
“…and the golden cup is broken.”
The golden cup represents God’s blessings (healing, provision, spiritual gifts), which will cease when life ends. Everything God has given us has a purpose in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Use your gifts now, don’t bury your talents (Matthew 25:14-30). Be a channel of healing and hope today.
Value the supernatural: Miracles are not spectacles, but signs of the Kingdom (Acts 3:6).
The broken pitcher: the interrupted word (v. 6)
“…and break the pitcher by the fountain.”
The pitcher was used to fetch water. Its breaking symbolizes the end of the opportunity to hear the Word. Our God has given us the tools we need to proclaim His name and His plan of Salvation in Jesus; by not using these tools, we are nullifying His work in our lives.
Prioritize preaching: “Faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10:17). Attend services, read the Bible, listen to Christian podcasts. Share while there’s still time, talk about Jesus to colleagues, family and even on social media (Mark 16:15).
The wheel at the well: the fellowship of the church (v. 6)
“…and break the wheel by the well.”
The wheel at the well was used to draw water. The church, as a “wheel”, exists to bring the thirsty to Christ, the “living water”.
Strengthen fellowship: Participate in small groups; don’t be an “island believer” (Hebrews 10:25).
Be a well, not a pit: Your words and actions should reflect Christ (Colossians 4:6). Our witness can both reach lives for Christ and lead them away from Him.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS FOR TODAY
For young people
- Don’t underestimate time: Your youth is fertile ground for planting eternal values (1 Timothy 4:12).
- Flee from spiritual procrastination: “Tomorrow” may be too late.
For seniors
- Leave a legacy of faith: Your story is a testimony for new generations (Psalm 71:18).
For everyone
- Do a spiritual check-up: What needs to be fixed today? Relationships? Habits?
- Live with eternity in your heart: Decide how you want to be remembered when the silver cord is severed.
Conclusion
Solomon ends with a dramatic warning: “The sum of all that has been heard is: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of every man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
The urgent invitation:
If you have never surrendered to Christ: Today is the day (2 Corinthians 6:2).
If you already know him: rekindle your passion. Don’t live on spiritual memories.
More Preaching Outlines
- Mysteries of God – Ecclesiastes 11:5
- The encounter with the Lord Jesus – Psalms 39:6-7
- The Comforter – Psalm 23:4
