"THERE IS A SEASON" Ecclesiastes 3:1 I. Introduction. A. There are appropriate occasions to engage in specific activities. B. Christmas in July does not seem to work too well. C. Weddings and funerals do not mix well. D. Good and evil are separates: not intended to be mixed in one's life. II. Body. A. Solomon deals with two things not possible to do at same time: Ecclesiastes 3:7. 1. There are some things you can do two, or even three, at a time. 2. You can read and watch TV at the same time. 3. Read and point out illustrations in Ecclesiastes 3:2-8. 4. Very nature of many of these prohibit simultan- eous action. 5. If one is able to do both at same time: not very successful. B. There is...a time to "keep silence"(listen). 1. If try to speak and listen at same time, cannot do either to degree needed. 2. There are times to give undivided attention. (Isaiah 49:1-only time in King James). 3. Examples: a. When hearing the word of God: Acts 10:33. b. When receiving instruction: (1 From teacher: John 3:2. (2 From parent: Ephesians 6:1. (3 From authorities: I Peter 2:13-14. c. Receiving medical advise: I Timothy 5:23. d. When someone has something that needs to be said: (1 Mates: I Peter 3:7. (2 Friends: John 15:14. (3 Brethren: Matthew 18:15. 4. Reasons for listening: a. Prepare for this life.(Need information) b. Prepare for eternity.(How else learn?) c. To function in this life: Proverbs 8:33. d. To indicate interest and friendship: Song of Solomon 2:14. e. To solve problems: Matthew 18:15. 5. Listening is an art that needs cultivation. C. There is...a time "to speak." 1. Some things need to be said. a. To gain attention: Ephesians 6:20. b. To provoke thinking: Acts 18:26. c. To inspire action: Acts 18:14. 2. Some things need to be taught. a. Words of salvation: Acts 26:25. b. Proper conduct: Romans 13:1-7. c. How to adjust to life: I Timothy 6:6-8. d. How to work: Ephesians 4:28. 3. Some things need to be shared. a. For the sake of others: Paul(II Cor. 11). b. For one's personal welfare: James 5:14. c. For emotional stability: James 5:16. 4. To communicate feelings, thoughts, joys, and hurts(Paul). a. With mate. b. With parents. c. With brethren. d. Communicate feelings: (1 Helps the speaker. (2 Helps the listener. e. How else will they know???? D. There are times not to speak. 1. Tell a falsehood. 2. Gossip. 3. When motives are impure. 4. To deliberately & willfully harm others with words. a. Can be more cruel than physical violence. b. "Mental cruelty." 5. Hence: Ephesians 4:31. E. There are times not to listen. 1. Consider the above. 2. How: a. Say so. b. Walk away. c. Ignore. III. Conclusion. A. There is a season...-jy