david and peter wrote about doing good (psalm 34:11-16)
Introduction:
1. According to vs.11, David has something worthwhile to tell us. 2. In vs.12 David mentioned 3 special blessings: desiring life, loving many days, and seeing good. 3. David showed how these blessings involve certain activities, including: a. controlling the tongue b. turning away from evil c. doing good d. seeking and pursuing peace. 4. Years later, the apostle Peter wrote the same information (1 Peter 3:10-12). 5. The instructions in these passages applied to the people who lived under the old covenant, and they apply to those who now live under the new. 6. While all of these instructions deserve our careful attention, we are especially concerned with the admonition to "do good." 7. In our lesson we are emphasizing the fact that "David and Peter wrote about doing good" [we conclude that true happiness includes "doing good"]. 8. Let us begin by pointing out how . . . Discussion: I. THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH US TO DO GOOD
A. See Psalm 37:3; Hebrews 13:16. B. In addition to teaching us to do good, . . . II. THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US WHEN WE ARE TO DO GOOD
A. In John 9:4 Jesus showed by His example when we are to do good. B. We learn from Galatians 6:10 that the Lord wants us to take advantage of opportunities that are presented to us. C. Now that we know that the Lord wants us to do good and we know when He wants us to do good, let us turn our attention to . . . III. 6 PRINCIPLES THAT WILL MOTIVATE US TO DO GOOD
A. Principle #1: In 1 Thessalonians 1:3, a "labor of love" is mentioned. 1. God's love should motivate us to do good. 2. Love for God and love for our fellow man should be the driving force behind the good we do. 3. There is no profit in doing good without love (1 Corinthians 13:3). B. Principle #2: The good we do will influence others (Matthew 5:16). C. Principle #3: Doing good is one means by which we bear fruit. 1. Jesus showed in John 15:8 how important bearing fruit is. 2. There is a close relationship between doing good works and being fruitful (Titus 3:14). 3. To be the Lord's disciples we must bear fruit, and doing good is one way we bear fruit. D. Principle #4: We will reap if we do not become weary (Galatians 6:9). E. Principle #5: Our labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). F. Principle #6: God will not forget the good we do (Hebrews 6:10). Conclusion:
1. The passages we have studied emphasize the importance of "doing good." 2. Let us always remember from David and Peter that "doing good" is one of the keys to desiring life, loving many days, and seeing good.
