Do the Right Thing
September 19-23, 2005

Don't let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Romans 12:21 (NLT)

Doing the right thing isn't always easy. It's a choice we need to make. We've all had those times when it was easier to do what's convenient, self serving, or safe. What we think brings satisfaction and significance, such as selfish pleasure, possessions, and power ends up in emptiness. Paul, the apostle, had this problem. In Romans 7:19 he laments, "When I want to do good, I don't. And when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway." Even Jesus, who was perfect, struggled with these same temptations but overcame them. Because he was able to overcome temptations He can give those of us who believe the strength to do good. "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago" Ephesians 2:10. Here are some points to ponder about what God says brings satisfaction and significance.

MONDAY

1. CHOOSE TO LOVE.

[Your Objective: Discuss why choosing to love others is important.]

What does Deuteronomy 30:20 say about how we should relate to the Lord?

  • Why should we choose to love God?
  • How does our level of obedience to God's direction relate to the amount of trust we have in Him?

According to 1 John 4:11, what are we to do because of God's love for us?

  • What keeps us from showing love to others?
  • How do we find the strength to choose to love others?

Read 1 John 3:18. In what way are we to express love for other people?

  • Since we are inherently selfish, discuss the personal cost to love others through actions instead of words.
  • What is the significance of this cost when viewed from an eternal perspective?
  • What are some creative or practical ways we express our love for others?

Worship (Magnification) - Because God loves us, choosing to love others magnifies God. Even when we are unlovable. In choosing to love others, where is your struggle? Through the help of your small group or a prayer partner, commit to choose one thing you will do this week to be less selfish through an expression of God's love toward another. Pray for one another and be prepared to share the outcome next week.

TUESDAY

2. CHOOSE TO GIVE.

[Your Objective: Make the necessary sacrifices in your life to give to others.]

According to 1 Timothy 6:9 what happens to people who want to get rich?

  • Why does the desire to get rich lead to ruin and destruction?
  • How does this desire to get rich not lead to satisfaction?

Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19. What are the rich in this present world commanded to do?

  • How is giving an example of putting your hope in God?
  • In what way is God's wealth different from worldly wealth?

Discipleship (Maturity) - Being willing to give to others requires you to think beyond yourself and grow in your faith. Discuss with your group ideas for some small, practical ways in which you can give to those around you this week. As an encouragement to the group, share examples of God enriching your life when you have given to others.

WEDNESDAY

3. CHOOSE TO SERVE.

[Your Objective: Acknowledge that the only way to serve is to understand how important others are and then choose to serve them.]

According to 1 Peter 5:5 to whom does God show favor? How should we serve each other?

  • How does our pride hamper our ability to serve others?
  • What can we do to humble ourselves so we are better positioned for service?
  • Discuss some ways we can defeat pride.

Read Philippians 2:3. What are some things that hinder our ability to see the importance of others?

  • Often times we tend to compare ourselves to others. Why might these comparisons get in the way of our service to God and people around us who are in need?
  • What is the best way to focus on the importance of others so that we can better serve them?

What lessons regarding service did Jesus teach us in Matthew 20:28?

  • Why is it important as Christians for people to see us in action as servants to others?
  • How can we better follow the example that Jesus set for us as it relates to service?

Ministry - God directs us as Christians to serve one another. Open your eyes and heart to the needs of others in the world around you. What can you do to help? Make a commitment this week to serve someone who needs help. Pray for guidance and support as you put your commitment into action.

THURSDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:

[Your Objective: Decide to do what's right - even when you don't want to or feel like it.]

You will harvest what you plant. If you follow your selfish desires, you will harvest destruction, but if you follow the Spirit, you will harvest eternal life. Don't get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don't give up.

Galatians 6:7-9 (CEV)

What are you planting? If you're not satisfied with what's growing, it's because you're not planting the right seeds. Your life will only change if you do something about it. God has good things planned for you, but you must choose them. Right now, before you leave this place, make a choice to love, give, or serve in a new way. Share your decision with your group or with a spiritual growth partner. Journal what you observe after making this choice and plan to share in a future session its impact on your harvest.

'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

FRIDAY

(Your Objective: Let me not neglect any kindness, for I shall not pass this way again)

Any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Dale Carnegie calls it one of the basic requirements for happiness in life. It is a reminder to all of us that we do not live for ourselves alone, that we must do what we can to help others, to lighten a burden or soften a grief whenever the need arises ... for we shall not pass this way again.

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men.

Galatians 6:10

Emily Dickinson said "If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, or cool one pain, or help one fainting robin unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain."