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It Pays To Do Right Text: II Kings 18:1-7 IBCSWS 1/23/05 Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar
Knowing what is right and what is wrong is a very advantageous knowledge; understanding the danger of falsehood and the blessings of truth is a great treasure, but doing what is right is a rewarding investment of an upright man. Sometimes we ask ourselves if we are really doing the right thing or not, and it’s a kind of question we should not ignore because it is an honest way of checking how reliable we are. Above all, we should also consider what the Bible says for it warns us of the deceitfulness and poorness of man’s judgment and choices. In Proverbs 14:12, it is written, There is a way that seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death. (KJV) This essential and weighty passage from the Scriptures reminds us not to rely on our own understanding but in the Living God. Taking a closer look on Hezekiah’s extra-ordinary life and how he pleased God by doing what is right will definitely teach us a substantial lesson that could be treasured for a life-time.
(I) Right In The Sight Of God II Kings 18:1-3 -Right mind-set and action against idolatry vs1-4 -Right object of faith v5 -Right walk with God v6 -Right attitude toward God’s Word v6 The Word of God is Truth and it is the only reliable source where we can get needful information in order to differentiate good from evil. Modern society tries to justify things that seem good to the populace, but if they do not conform to the principles of truth, these are not pleasing to God. In II Kings 18:3, it is written, And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did. (KJV) Undoubtedly, what Hezekiah did was offensive to the idolaters but in the sight of God, he did what was right.
(II) The Blessings Of Doing Right Things II Kings 18:5-8 -Uniqueness v5 -The abiding presence of God v7 -Historic Success vs7-8 -Extended life II Kings 20:5-6 It pays to do right. Truly, the life of Hezekiah proved it in an impressive manner. Hezekiah did what was right and pleasing to God; he trusted and clave to Him and the LORD stayed with him and prospered him in a tremendous way. As we are heading to a more perilous future, may we not loosen our spiritual grip on the Word of God but earnestly walk in the way of truth. In Philippians 2:14-16, it is written, Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. (KJV) Our commitment to serve the Lord Jesus must not be taken lightly, but be strengthened, lest we neglect our responsibility to proclaim the Gospel of Christ. No matter what other people say, no matter how unfriendly the world to us today, may we not compromise with the world, but do what is right in the sight of God. Remember, it pays to do right.
© 2005 INTO ALL THE WORLD (All rights reserved) Ilagan, Isabela, Philippines
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