The Reality of Aging | Ecclesiastes 12 | Tommy Danner

In this sermon, Tommy walks the congregation through Ecclesiastes 12, using King Solomon’s final reflections to confront the reality of aging, mortality, and meaning. Written near the end of Solomon’s life, Ecclesiastes reflects a man who has experienced wealth, wisdom, pleasure, and power—yet concludes that life lived merely “under the sun” is ultimately meaningless apart from God.

The sermon opens by framing Ecclesiastes as deeply honest and intentionally sobering. Solomon repeatedly uses the word “meaningless” to describe life when it is viewed only from an earthly perspective. This is not nihilism, but realism—designed to awaken people, especially the young, before time, strength, and opportunity slip away.

Tommy explains that Ecclesiastes 12 is written as an allegory of aging, describing the gradual decline of the human body and mind. Solomon urges readers to “remember your Creator in the days of your youth,” because aging brings psychological, physiological, and eventually physical decline. The mind grows weary, joy becomes harder to find, and life can feel increasingly dark and repetitive. This is the psychological toll of aging when hope is rooted only in earthly things.

Physiologically, Solomon’s imagery vividly portrays the body breaking down: trembling hands, weakened legs, failing eyesight, loss of hearing, disrupted sleep, and diminished desire. Rather than being crude, the allegory preserves dignity while making the point unmistakable—human strength is temporary, and decline is inevitable.

Finally, the physical conclusion is unavoidable: death. The “silver cord” is severed, the “golden bowl” is broken, and the spirit returns to God. Tommy emphasizes that Scripture is clear—death is certain, and judgment follows. Ignoring this reality does not delay it.

Yet the sermon does not end in despair. Solomon closes with clarity and hope: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of mankind.” Life gains meaning when lived with God at the center. Obedience, reverence, and eternal perspective anchor life with purpose that aging and death cannot erase.

Tommy’s central message is clear: wisdom is not found in denying mortality, but in preparing for it. The best time to orient life around God is not later—but now.

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to live life “under the sun,” and where do you see that mindset influencing your daily decisions?

2. Why do you think Solomon specifically urges people to remember God while they are young?

3. How does facing the reality of aging and death change the way you prioritize your time, energy, and relationships?

4. In what ways can fearing God and keeping His commandments bring meaning to ordinary, everyday life?

5. What is one practical step you can take this week to live with a more eternal perspective?

If you’d like, I can also:

• Condense this into a small-group handout

• Rewrite it in a more devotional tone

• Create a teaching outline or sermon recap slide