Good Intentions

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

Introduction

What is a good intention?A determination to act; a resolveMore than a passing thought

Many examples of good intentionsMost remain undoneSome are not pleasing to God

anyway

Sarah (Genesis 16:1—6)

Good intentionNeed for an heir was legitimateHer suggestion was a common

practice

Sarah (Genesis 16:1—6)

Result was not what she desired Ishmael’s mother, Hagar, cast

out (v. 6)Descendants became Israel’s

enemiesGod took care of the seed

“problem.” (Genesis 12:1-3; Galatians 3:16)

Solomon (1 Kings 3:9)

Wanted to be a good leaderAwesome taskGood thing to desire

Solomon (1 Kings 3:9)

Failed to use his wisdom properlyFailed to use it in his personal life

(1 Kings 11:1-8)His son, Rehoboam, caused the

division of the kingdom (1 Kings 12:16-20)

Job’s Friends (Job 2:11-13)

Came to comfort himThoughtful act on their part

(2 Corinthians 1:4)Obligation to comfort others

(Romans 12:15; Galatians 6:2) Important (2 Timothy 1:15-18)

Job’s Friends

Condemned him insteadEliphaz: Innocent do not suffer (4:7)Bildad: “God rewards the good” (8:2)Zophar: “Lucky God doesn’t remember

all your sin” (11:6)No comfort (6:14-25; 12:1; 13:4, 5)

Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-26)He intended to please God

Asked the right person: JesusAsked the right question: “What

do I lack?”

Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-26)He didn’t follow up on his

intentionWent away sorrowfulNot willing to pay the price of

discipleship (Luke 9:23-25)

Peter (Matthew 26:31-35)

Intended to be loyalWhether others did or not (v. 33)Willing to die for Christ (v. 35)

Peter (Matthew 26:31-35)

Did not carry out his intentionThe rest scatteredPeter “followed from afar”

(Matthew 26:56, 58, 70, 72, 75)

Felix (Acts 24:10-27)

Sent for PaulTo hear about “faith in Christ” (v.

24)Some interest perhaps

Felix (Acts 24:10-27)

Failed to carry out his intentionAffected by what he heard (v. 24)Delayed in doing anything

(v. 25; Acts 26:28)

Lessons To Be learned

Can lead to sinDesire to help the needy:

Institutionalism (1 Timothy 3:15)Desire to improve worship:

Instrumental music (Ephesians 5:19)Desire for unity:

Perversion of Romans 14 (2 John 9-11)

Lessons To Be learned

Not always carried outDelay in obeying the gospel

(Acts 26:28)Delay in being restored until problems

are “worked out” (Philippians 4:13)Delay in developing as better

servants (James 4:17)

Conclusion

Good intentions are not enough

“Road to hell is paved with good intentions”

What about you and me?