“A TIME TO CAST AWAY STONES, AND A TIME TO GATHER STONES”

INTRODUCTION

A. Ecclesiastes 3:1 1. “The words of the Preacher” (1:1), Solomon, inform us that a time is available for every event that transpires in the lives of men.

2. We began this a few weeks ago, and continue it now.

B. Ecclesiastes 3:5a-b Our study resumes at this time with “a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones.”

I. “A TIME TO CAST AWAY STONES”

A. Old Testament

1. 2nd Corinthians 3:1-18; Exodus 24:12; 31:18; 34:29-35 The Old Testament was written on stones, which Law we are compelled to do away with.

2. Hebrews 8:7-13; Jeremiah 31:31-34 Commenting on Jeremiah’s prophecy, the Hebrew writer identifies the Law of Moses as “old” and “obsolete.”

3. Galatians 3:23-25 The Old Testament served its purpose, to bring us to Christ.

4. Matthew 5:17-18; Romans 10:4 That Covenant, being fulfilled, has its end in Christ.

5. Romans 15:4; 1st Corinthians 10:11 While it is still useful in some ways, the Law engraved on stones is no longer binding.

B. Jerusalem Temple

1. Luke 19:41-44 Observing the temple at Jerusalem, Jesus remarked that its stones would not remain intact.

2. Matthew 24:1-35 He prophesied fully concerning the destruction of the whole city of Jerusalem.

3. John 4:19-24 No matter; the place of our worship is “in spirit,” not in Jerusalem.

C. Idolatry

1. Habakkuk 2:19-20 Compared to the majesty of God on high, idols of stone or wood are just stupid.

2. Exodus 20:3-5 The Law of Moses forbade gods other than the God.

3. Romans 1:20-23 It is utter futility to worship corruptible creatures, rather than the Creator Himself.

4. Galatians 5:19-21 Idolatry is included among the “works of the flesh” that preclude entrance into the kingdom of God.

5. Colossians 3:5-6 Idolatry amounts to anything being placed before God; covetousness certainly qualifies.

6. Acts 17:16-31 The answer to those engaged in idolatry is to inform them of the God they yet do not know.

7. 1st Thessalonians 1:9-10 Idols must be abandoned in order to serve the genuine God.

8. 2nd Corinthians 6:14-18 Those in fellowship with God must shun all things connected to idolatry.

D. Impediments To Faithfulness

1. Matthew 13:3-6, 20-21; Luke 8:5-6, 13 Stones may represent a failure to overcome tribulations or temptations.

2. 2nd Timothy 3:12; Matthew 5:10-12 As Christians, however, we must learn to live with persecution.

3. 1st Corinthians 10:13; James 1:12 Temptations are always escapable, and we will be rewarded if we succeed.

4. Acts 14:21-22; 2nd Timothy 2:11-12 The only way to heaven is by enduring difficulty.

E. Christ’s Tomb

1. Matthew 27:57-28:8 The resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, His triumph over death, was revealed by an angel casting away a stone.

2. Romans 1:1-4 Jesus’ power over death proves Him to be God’s Son.

3. Acts 2:22-39; 4:2, 33; 17:18 We are duty-bound to teach on this most vital subject.

4. Romans 6:3-6; 1st Peter 3:21 We must be baptized for our salvation into Christ, in order to share in the likeness of His resurrection.

5. 1st Peter 1:3; Romans 14:9; 1st Thessalonians 4:14 Our hope of eternal life rests in the fact of His resurrection!

II. “A TIME TO GATHER STONES”

A. Temple Of Christ

1. 1st Peter 2:4-5 As “living stones,” Christians must be gathered together in the church to be effective.

2. Ephesians 2:19-22

3. 1st Corinthians 3:9-17

4. Matthew 16:13-18 Christ’s church is built on the rock of Peter’s confession, that Jesus is the Christ, God’s Son.

5. Matthew 7:24-27 We must build on the Rock!

B. Memorials

1. Joshua 4:1-9, 19-24 The Israelites gathered stones in Joshua’s time to serve as a memorial to future generations that the people were led by an awesome God.

2. Many memorials were instituted with the express purpose of educating youth.

a. Exodus 12:21-28

b. Exodus 13:11-16

c. Deuteronomy 6:20-25

d. Deuteronomy 6:6-9

CONCLUSION

A. Cast away the stones of:

1. Old Testament worship.

2. Impediments to faithfulness.

3. Christ’s empty tomb.

B. Gather the stones of:

1. Believers.

2. Memorials of God.

By Bryan Matthew Dockens

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