A.B. Simpson emphasizes the futility of living for superficial gains, urging listeners to seek true fulfillment in God rather than in empty pursuits. He illustrates this through stories of misdirected efforts, such as a steward who destroyed a valuable castle to build a wall around nothing, and a girl who bought a purse without money to fill it. Simpson calls for a return to God as the center of life, encouraging individuals to discover their true selves and purpose. He stresses that true happiness and fulfillment come from a relationship with God, leading to a life of meaningful work and legacy. Ultimately, he challenges the congregation to leave behind a lasting impact through their lives and actions.

K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the contrast between worldly pleasure and true fulfillment, drawing from the teachings of King Solomon and the life of Moses. While Epicureanism promotes a life of indulgence, Solomon concludes that everything is meaningless without God, urging us to fear Him and keep His commandments. Yohannan highlights the emptiness felt by those who pursue worldly happiness, as seen in the lives of many, including the wealthy and educated who still feel hollow. He illustrates Moses' choice to forsake earthly riches for the sake of Christ, demonstrating that true purpose lies in eternal values rather than temporary pleasures. The sermon calls for an eternal perspective, reminding us that suffering for Christ leads to true life and fulfillment.

A.W. Tozer addresses the deception faced by those alienated from God, emphasizing that true peace and happiness cannot be found in worldly success, wealth, or morality. He highlights the futility of relying on external factors for inner fulfillment, citing the rich young ruler's quest for eternal life as a reflection of this emptiness. Tozer asserts that the human pursuit of success is fundamentally flawed, as it is based on false pretenses. He reminds us that every individual must confront their own spiritual condition and make a choice regarding their relationship with God.

Zac Poonen addresses the futility of pursuing pleasure, fame, wealth, and power, emphasizing the law of diminishing returns that leads to addiction and frustration. He illustrates how initial satisfaction from these pursuits fades, requiring greater indulgence to achieve the same pleasure, ultimately resulting in emptiness and despair. Poonen highlights that true fulfillment can only be found in God, as human hearts are designed with a spiritual vacuum that worldly pursuits cannot fill. He stresses the importance of cleansing our hearts from sin through Christ to experience lasting satisfaction and peace. The sermon calls for acknowledging Jesus as Lord over every aspect of life to overcome inner unrest.

David Wilkerson emphasizes that Christ's church will always face rejection from the world, and believers will often be reproached for their faith. He highlights that true fulfillment comes from fully surrendering to Jesus, as losing one's life for His sake leads to genuine joy and peace. Wilkerson warns against the modern tendency to preach a diluted gospel that seeks to meet only personal needs without calling for total commitment to Christ. He stresses that to be part of a church 'without spot or wrinkle,' one must lay down all sins and ambitions, embracing a life of complete surrender. Ultimately, true needs are met through self-denial and taking up the cross.

Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes that Christ came to bring joy and peace to humanity, contrasting true joy with the fleeting pleasures of the world. He explains that the disciples' joy stemmed not from riches, friends, or their own righteousness, but from the realization of Christ's completed work and His living presence. M'Cheyne urges listeners to seek joy in Jesus alone, as it is a joy that transcends earthly sorrows and lasts for eternity. He warns against self-righteousness and encourages believers to look to Christ for true fulfillment and gladness. Ultimately, he calls everyone to experience the joy that comes from recognizing Jesus as their Savior and living Head.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God above all else, reminding us that when we seek His kingdom and righteousness, we gain everything we truly need. He encourages believers to recognize that having God is far more valuable than worldly riches or influence, as true fulfillment comes from His presence rather than His gifts. Tozer calls us to deepen our love for God, not for what He can provide, but for the joy of knowing Him, which aligns with our purpose as His creations.