What other Scriptures emphasize the importance of following through on our intentions? Setting the Scene with 2 Corinthians 8:10 “And this is my opinion about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but even to have the desire to do so.” Paul commends the Corinthians for their good intention and urges them to complete what they began. Scripture consistently echoes this call to match desire with deed. The Heart Behind Completing Commitments • God values integrity: He desires that our inner purpose and outward action align. • Completion glorifies Him: Finished obedience showcases His faithfulness working through us. • Others are blessed: Follow-through turns promises into tangible help. Old Testament Wisdom About Follow-Through • Numbers 30:2 – “If a man makes a vow to the LORD … he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised.” • Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 – “When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it… It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.” • Psalm 15:4 – The righteous one “keeps his oath even when it hurts, and does not change.” • Proverbs 3:27-28 – “Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act.” • Proverbs 20:25 – “It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows.” Key takeaways: – Make promises thoughtfully. – Once made, act promptly. – Even costly faithfulness honors God. Jesus’ Teaching: Words Need Action • Matthew 5:37 – “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” • Matthew 21:28-31 – In the parable of the two sons, the one who actually went to work pleased the father, not the one who merely agreed. • Luke 14:28 – “Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it?” Highlights: – Clear, honest commitments. – Calculated readiness to finish. – Obedience proved by action, not talk. Early Church Practice: Intentions into Deeds • James 2:17 – “So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.” • 1 John 3:18 – “Little children, let us love not in word and speech but in action and truth.” • Romans 12:11 – “Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” • Galatians 6:9 – “And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up.” • Titus 3:14 – “Our people must learn to devote themselves to good works, in order to meet pressing needs, so they will not be unfruitful.” Application: – Genuine faith produces visible works. – Perseverance turns one-time enthusiasm into sustained ministry. – Meeting pressing needs keeps believers fruitful. Practical Pointers for Today • Start with prayerful planning—count the cost before committing. • Record your commitments; revisit them until they’re done. • Act promptly when resources are in hand (Proverbs 3:27-28). • Invite accountability: share goals with mature believers. • Remember God’s enabling grace—He supplies strength to finish. |
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