Time to seek – Preaching
Preaching Outline on Ecclesiastes 3:6 – “A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away.”
Introduction to Ecclesiastes 3:6
The Christian life is a divine dance between the times established by God. Jesus, the Only Begotten Son, modeled this heavenly synchrony: He didn’t rush to Cana of Galilee (John 2:4), he didn’t give in to the pressure of the Pharisees (John 7:6) and he waited four days to raise Lazarus from the dead, revealing that God’s timing transforms death into life (John 11:39-44). Like him, we are called to discern God’s “kairos” – the right moments to act – in the midst of human “chronos”, which are limited and fleeting.
Development
Time to seek: the priority of the kingdom
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God…” (Matthew 6:33)
What to look for:
Eternity, not earthly treasures (Colossians 3:2). This is the focus of those who serve the Lord; our goal is God’s Kingdom and his project of Salvation in Christ.
The face of God, not His benefits (Psalm 27:8).
The prosperity gospel distorts the search by focusing on material goods. Our main focus is on eternity and spiritual blessings.
True seeking requires fasting, prayer and renunciation (Matthew 6:16-18). Like Mary, who chose “the good part” at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10:42).
Time to lose: The liberation of the self
“Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25).
What to miss:
Self-sufficiency: “Without me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). There’s nothing better than depending on God and his plan, his will; he never makes mistakes and knows all the paths.
Religious masks: Hypocrisy, spiritual pride (Matthew 23:27).
Losing is a painful but necessary process: like the rich young man, we need to let go of what imprisons us (Mark 10:21-22). If we look at our journey, we will see many things that we need to lose in order to please the Lord. If we analyze God’s word, we will see that many servants had to put aside many interests and desires in order to please the Lord God.
Make an “inventory of the soul”: What is God asking you to leave behind today?
Time to save: invisible treasures
“Beware of covetousness; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of what he possesses” (Luke 12:15).
What to keep:
The Word: “I have hidden your word in my heart” (Psalm 119:11).
Spiritual gifts: “Do not despise the gift that is in you” (1 Timothy 4:14).
Sacred stewardship: The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) teaches: to save is not to bury, but to multiply!
Practical example: Joseph kept integrity in Egypt and saved nations (Genesis 41:38-40).
Conclusion of Ecclesiastes 3:6
Solomon reveals that God has made everything appropriate for its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Today, the Holy Spirit cries out:
- For those who seek: Don’t stop! “You will find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
- To those who have lost: Fear not! “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5).
- For those who keep it: Don’t hide it! “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14).
- To those who throw: Don’t give up! “The harvest is plentiful” (Luke 10:2).
More Preaching Outlines
- Mysteries of God – Ecclesiastes 11:5
- The Lord is our Fortress – Psalm 46:1
- In God’s word – Proverbs 4:13
