YOU CAN’T GO WRONG DOING RIGHT---Proverbs 3:1-12

·         EVEN IF HELL WERE NOT REAL, IT WOULD BE WORTHWHILE TO LIVE A CHRISTIAN LIFE ON EARTH

·         IF HEAVEN WERE NOT REAL, THE CHRISTIAN LIFE WOULD BE MY CHOICE BECAUSE….

·         THERE IS NO DANGER IN LIVING A CLEAN LIFE

·         THERE ARE NO SIDE AFFECTS FROM READING THE BIBLE (HANGOVERS, DUI, DWI, BROKEN HOMES)

·         THERE ARE NO BRAIN CELLS BEING BURNT BY GOING TO CHURCH

·         THERE IS JOY IN SINGING HYMNS

·         THERE IS EDUCATION IN THE CHURCH

·         THERE ARE POSITIVE THINKERS IN THE CHURCH

·        THERE IS A GOOD ENVIRONMENT IN THE CHURCH

INTRO:  In these first 12 verses of chapter three we are challenged with Christian graces, but with each challenge is a definite promise that assures us we Can't Go Wrong Doing Right.

In the way of believing obedience to God's commandments health and peace may commonly be enjoyed; and though our days may not be long upon earth, we shall live forever in heaven.

·         LET NOT MERCY AND TRUTH FORSAKE THEE; GOD'S MERCY IN PROMISING, AND HIS TRUTH IN PERFORMING: LIVE UP TO THEM, KEEP UP THINE INTEREST IN THEM, AND TAKE THE COMFORT OF THEM.

·         THERE IS NOT A GREATER ENEMY TO THE FEAR OF THE LORD IN THE HEART, THAN SELF-CONCEIT OF OUR OWN WISDOM. The prudence and sobriety which religion teaches, tend not only to the health of the soul, but to the health of the body.

·         WORLDLY WEALTH IS BUT POOR SUBSTANCE, YET, SUCH AS IT IS, WE MUST HONOUR GOD WITH IT; And Those That Do Good With What They Have, Shall Have More To Do More Good With.

·         SHOULD THE LORD VISIT US WITH TRIALS AND SICKNESS, LET US NOT FORGET THAT THE EXHORTATION SPEAKS TO US AS TO CHILDREN, FOR OUR GOOD.

I.               PEACE FOR OBEDIENCE: Verses 1-2

A-There was a day when this world didn't have God's Word and the Word was precious to the people when they did hear it.

B- Here is a two-fold promise to us if we would just not forget the Word of God. One is long life and the other is peace.

II.          FAVOR FOR MEEKNESS: Verses 3-4

The greatest reason for man to show mercy is because God was merciful to us.   Titus 3:5--Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;.

III.     DIRECTIONS FOR TRUSTING: Verses 5-6

The Scripture tells us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean upon what we undersatnd.

IV.         STRENGTH FOR SEPARATION: Verses 7-8

 We are, as the Scripture says, to fear the Lord and depart from evil.

V. PLENTY FOR PAYING: Verses 9-10

The Israelite presented the first-fruits, the best, in token of gratitude and humble thanksgiving to God.