In this sermon, the apostle Paul encourages believers to evaluate their own ministries using the word of God as a mirror. He warns against ministering in a legalistic way and emphasizes the importance of examining one's motives. Paul suggests four questions to ask in evaluating ministry: Is it based on the grace of God? Is the walk aligned with God's principles? Is it ministered by the Spirit of God? And is it focused on the cross of Christ? He emphasizes that the quality of ministry is determined by the heart and urges believers to prioritize a genuine relationship with God over external actions.

In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of seeking God in secret and not seeking recognition from others. He warns against doing good deeds for the purpose of being seen by others, as this will not bring true reward from God. The speaker emphasizes the need for quality time spent alone with God, shutting out distractions and focusing solely on Him. He also shares a cautionary tale of people who had previously sought the Lord and experienced His blessings, but then turned to relying on their own strength, causing God to hide His face from them.

In this sermon, the preacher describes a journey up a cableway to a beautiful mountain, followed by a visit to a tea place and a boat ride around Seal Island. The preacher then mentions a visit to a beautiful garden where royalty from around the world come to see a president. The sermon takes a personal turn as the preacher reflects on a conversation with his father and a meeting with a woman named Jeannie. The preacher then shifts to discussing the importance of friends and warns against having bad friends. He emphasizes the need for discernment and quotes a proverb about the influence of evil communication. The sermon concludes with a story about a young man who became a millionaire but had personal struggles, highlighting the importance of seeking God and avoiding negative influences.

In this sermon, the speaker addresses the importance of the center of gravity in the lives of those who preach the word of God. He emphasizes that the center of gravity should be in the message they preach, and this should be evident to others. The speaker uses the analogy of a river being constrained by its banks to illustrate how the preaching of the word gives depth, dynamic, and direction to the ministry. He also highlights the significance of being men of God and servants of the Word of God in the work of the ministry. The sermon emphasizes that theological training and orthodoxy are not enough if one's ministry lacks spiritual life and vitality.

In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.

In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving in secret, as taught by Jesus. He warns against giving to be seen by others, as this leads to a reward only in the earthly realm. The speaker shares his gratitude for the support of the work of the school by those who give out of their poverty, highlighting the principle that little is much when God is involved. He also criticizes the trend in Christianity of focusing too much on money and the use of un-sanctified money. The speaker suggests that Christians should work diligently for their own needs and give everything above that to the work of the Lord.

This sermon delves into the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6, focusing on the importance of maintaining a humble and sincere attitude in our religious practices such as giving, praying, and fasting. It emphasizes the need to avoid seeking honor from men and to keep our acts of devotion private, allowing God to reward us. The sermon also addresses the dangers of loving money, highlighting that serving both God and money is impossible, and that loving money ultimately leads to hating God.

This sermon delves into the importance of righteousness, emphasizing the call to practical perfection and living a life imitating God. It addresses the need for genuine motives in acts of righteousness, such as giving to the poor, praying, and fasting, highlighting the significance of doing these acts with sincerity and not for show. The sermon also challenges the traditional views on tithing and emphasizes the need for stewarding money wisely and giving to those in need with a pure heart.

Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of living with the awareness of the Judgment Seat of Christ, where every believer will be evaluated based on their life choices and dedication to God. He shares a profound personal experience at age 23, where he was confronted by Jesus about the potential waste of his life despite being saved. Bickle urges believers to seek a life of radical obedience and to measure their dedication against the Word of God rather than the standards of the world. He stresses that the most important aspect of life is how we will be evaluated by Christ, encouraging a focus on eternal rewards rather than temporary accolades. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to live fully for God, knowing that our actions today have eternal significance.

Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of living out the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, particularly focusing on five key kingdom activities: serving, giving, praying, fasting, and blessing others. He explains that these activities are not just duties but pathways to spiritual maturity and deeper intimacy with God, highlighting that God sees our efforts and rewards them generously. Bickle warns against seeking recognition from others, urging believers to live for the audience of one—God Himself. He reassures that every act of kindness, prayer, and service is noted by God, who promises to reward us both in this life and the next. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to these practices as a means of experiencing God's grace and transforming our hearts.

Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our strength, which encompasses our resources, time, and abilities. He explains that this love is not merely about financial contributions but involves a fasted lifestyle where we willingly give our natural strengths to God, allowing Him to work within us. Bickle highlights five expressions of this fasted lifestyle, including giving, serving, prayer, fasting food, and blessing our enemies, and stresses that true love for God requires intentionality and sacrifice. He encourages believers to seek grace for fasting in all areas of life, asserting that such acts position us to receive the Holy Spirit's empowering love. Ultimately, Bickle asserts that the greatest reward is the ability to love God deeply and authentically.

Shane Idleman emphasizes the destructive nature of pride, identifying it as the root cause of many personal and relational issues, including conflicts in marriages and workplaces. He uses the biblical figure Nimrod as an example of prideful rebellion against God, leading to the construction of the Tower of Babel, which ultimately resulted in confusion and division among people. Idleman warns that pride leads to foolish decisions and self-exaltation, urging listeners to embrace humility and recognize their dependence on God. He highlights the importance of weeping, working, and worshiping as means to combat pride and cultivate a humble spirit. The sermon concludes with a call to action for individuals to confront their pride and seek God's grace.

Shane Idleman addresses the destructive nature of pride in his sermon 'The Sin of Self Advancement - Puffed by Pride,' emphasizing that pride is often the root cause of personal and relational conflicts, addictions, and failures. He illustrates this through biblical examples, particularly focusing on Nimrod and the Tower of Babel, highlighting how self-exaltation leads to foolish decisions and ultimately to God's resistance. Idleman encourages humility as a remedy for pride, reminding the congregation that true advancement comes from God and that we must seek to serve others rather than ourselves. He concludes by urging listeners to recognize their pride and to humble themselves before God for true growth and grace.

Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of walking in the light and being honest before God and others. He highlights that true spiritual progress is hindered by hypocrisy and the desire for the praise of men. Poonen stresses that God values honesty above religious activities or outward appearances, and that our spiritual worth is determined by our sincerity before God, not by human standards.

F.B. Meyer emphasizes that true righteousness in religious duties should not be performed for public display, as highlighted in Matthew 6:1-8. He warns against the temptation to present a false image of piety, akin to a stage actor, and stresses the importance of sincerity in almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. Meyer shares a poignant reflection from a Burman convert who felt the weight of these teachings, contrasting the noisy displays of pagan worship with the quiet reverence that true faith demands. The sermon calls for introspection and authenticity in one's relationship with God.

J.R. Miller emphasizes the dangers of self-promotion and the importance of humility in our actions, particularly in doing good deeds without seeking recognition. He warns that talking about oneself often stems from pride and can diminish one's influence and worth in the eyes of others. Instead, Miller encourages believers to focus on serving God quietly and anonymously, as true rewards come from the Father in heaven rather than from human praise. He cites Jesus' teaching on performing acts of righteousness in secret, highlighting that self-praise is counterproductive and ultimately harms one's character. The sermon calls for a shift away from self-centeredness to a more Christ-centered approach in our lives and interactions.

R.A. Torrey continues his exposition of the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the principles of giving, praying, and fasting. He emphasizes that acts of righteousness should be done in secret to please God rather than to gain human approval, highlighting the importance of a sincere heart in all spiritual practices. Torrey explains that prayer should be directed to the Father, avoiding vain repetitions, and should prioritize God's glory and will. He also discusses the significance of fasting, urging believers to seek God's presence rather than public recognition. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a genuine relationship with God, marked by humility, sincerity, and a focus on His kingdom.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the constant presence of pride, hypocrisy, and vainglory—referred to as the 'white devil'—that can accompany Christians even while they engage in righteous acts. He points out that while the disciples were empowered to heal and cast out demons, they were reminded by Jesus not to take pride in their abilities. Brooks warns that these 'white devils' can undermine the sincerity of a believer's actions, suggesting that every duty performed is shadowed by these lurking temptations. The sermon serves as a call to vigilance against these internal struggles that can taint our spiritual endeavors.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the distinction between hypocrites and sincere Christians, using the nightingale as a metaphor for those who only perform well when being observed. He argues that a true believer seeks to please God at all times, regardless of whether anyone else is watching. Just as the sun shines brightly even when unseen, a sincere heart strives to do good for God's approval alone. The assurance of God's acknowledgment is sufficient for the faithful, providing them with joy and encouragement in their service. Ultimately, Brooks highlights the importance of a heart focused on God rather than on human recognition.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the futility of seeking human approval in the Christian life, asserting that true spirituality requires a heart that is solely devoted to God. He argues that a man after God's own heart must disregard the opinions of both friends and foes, demonstrating moral courage by standing firm in truth regardless of social status. Tozer encourages believers to seek only the approval of Christ, which leads to genuine freedom from the pressures of pleasing others. He concludes with a prayer for strength to overcome the desire for human validation and to find contentment in God's smile.

Chuck Smith emphasizes the centrality of Jesus Christ in worship at Calvary Chapel, arguing that any behavior that draws attention away from Him is detrimental to the congregation's focus. He shares personal experiences of distractions during worship, such as individuals standing or performing interpretive dances, which shift the congregation's attention from Jesus to the individual. Smith advocates for addressing these distractions lovingly and firmly, ensuring that worship remains centered on Christ. He warns against the dangers of seeking personal glory in worship, citing biblical examples like Nadab and Abihu and Ananias and Sapphira, who faced severe consequences for drawing attention to themselves instead of honoring God. Ultimately, Smith calls for a commitment to keeping Jesus as the focal point of worship to foster a genuine and edifying church environment.

John Wesley emphasizes the importance of sincerity in giving, praying, and fasting, urging believers to perform these acts not for the praise of men but for the glory of God. He explains that true acts of mercy and piety must stem from a pure intention, as God rewards those who serve Him in secret. Wesley highlights the Lord's Prayer as a model for prayer, encompassing all that we need and reflecting our dependence on God. He stresses the necessity of forgiveness, both in receiving it from God and extending it to others, as a condition for our own forgiveness. Ultimately, Wesley calls for a heart aligned with God's will, seeking His kingdom and righteousness above all.

A.W. Tozer explores Pythagoras' classification of humanity into three groups: seekers after knowledge, honor, and gain. He critiques modern society, noting that seekers of knowledge have become scholars and scientists obsessed with accumulating information, while seekers of honor are likened to politicians who crave public recognition and manipulate public sentiment for votes. Lastly, he addresses seekers of gain, contrasting honest businessmen with those who engage in illegal activities, highlighting a moral equivalence between them despite their social differences. Tozer's sermon challenges listeners to reflect on their own pursuits and the motivations behind them.

K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the emptiness of living for oneself, illustrating how self-centeredness leads to unhappiness and spiritual decay. He warns against the false sense of fulfillment that comes from doing good deeds for personal glory rather than for God's sake. True joy and purpose are found when we prioritize God's will and live to please Him, as exemplified by Jesus' own mission. By shifting our focus from self to God, we can experience genuine happiness and fulfillment in our lives. The sermon challenges us to reflect on our motives and to commit to living for Christ's sake.

Charles Finney addresses the dangers of valuing public opinion over God's approval, emphasizing that many professing Christians prioritize their reputation and social acceptance over true devotion to God. He distinguishes between self-love and selfishness, warning that when individuals act primarily to maintain their image, they become hypocrites. Finney urges listeners to examine their motives and actions, challenging them to pursue genuine obedience to God's commands regardless of societal pressures. He calls for a commitment to uphold God's standards, even when it conflicts with popular sentiment, and warns that those who conform to the world will face dire consequences.