1. Good Intentions Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

2. Introduction What is a good intention? A determination to act; a resolve More than a passing thought Many examples of good intentions Most remain undone Some are not pleasing to God anyway

3. Sarah (Genesis 16:1—6) Good intention Need for an heir was legitimate Her suggestion was a common practice

4. Sarah (Genesis 16:1—6) Result was not what she desired Ishmael’s mother, Hagar, cast out (v. 6) Descendants became Israel’s enemies God took care of the seed “problem.” (Genesis 12:1-3; Galatians 3:16)

5. Solomon (1 Kings 3:9) Wanted to be a good leader Awesome task Good thing to desire

6. Solomon (1 Kings 3:9) Failed to use his wisdom properly Failed 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)

7. Job’s Friends (Job 2:11-13) Came to comfort him Thoughtful act on their part (2 Corinthians 1:4) Obligation to comfort others (Romans 12:15; Galatians 6:2) Important (2 Timothy 1:15-18)

8. Job’s Friends Condemned him instead Eliphaz: 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)

9. Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-26 ) He intended to please God Asked the right person: Jesus Asked the right question: “What do I lack? ”

10. Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-26 ) He didn’t follow up on his intention Went away sorrowful Not willing to pay the price of discipleship (Luke 9:23-25)

11. Peter (Matthew 26:31-35) Intended to be loyal Whether others did or not (v. 33) Willing to die for Christ (v. 35)

12. Peter (Matthew 26:31-35) Did not carry out his intention The rest scattered Peter “followed from afar” (Matthew 26:56, 58, 70, 72, 75)

13. Felix (Acts 24:10-27) Sent for Paul To hear about “faith in Christ” (v. 24) Some interest perhaps

14. Felix (Acts 24:10-27) Failed to carry out his intention Affected by what he heard (v. 24) Delayed in doing anything (v. 25; Acts 26:28)

15. Lessons To Be learned Can lead to sin Desire 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)

16. Lessons To Be learned Not always carried out Delay 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)

17. Conclusion Good intentions are not enough “Road to hell is paved with good intentions” What about you and me?