In the biblical context, motive refers to the underlying reason or intention behind an individual's actions or decisions, and is a crucial aspect of Christian faith and practice. According to Scripture, a person's motives can either be pure and selfless, as exemplified in 1 Corinthians 13:3, where Paul emphasizes the importance of loving others without expectation of reward, or they can be driven by selfish desires, as warned against in James 3:14-16. The Bible teaches that God is concerned with the motives of the heart, as expressed in Proverbs 16:2, which states that God weighs the motives of the heart, and that believers should strive to have pure and sincere motives in all they do, reflecting a heart that is fully surrendered to God. Ultimately, the Bible encourages believers to examine their motives and ensure they are aligned with God's will, as expressed in Romans 8:28, where Paul writes that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of holy motives in our actions, warning against allowing temporal consequences to dictate eternal decisions. He cautions that even good deeds can be tainted if motivated by fear or personal gain, and stresses that the true measure of an act's goodness lies in i
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of fashioning ourselves as Christians according to God's holiness rather than our former lusts. He explains that while we are not fixed in our nature, we have the potential for change and growth through the influence of the Holy Spirit. Tozer encourages believers
In this sermon, the speaker discusses the demand for perfect holiness from God. He explains that there are three ways people respond to this call to be holy. The first response is to give up and quit trying because it seems impossible to achieve. The second response is to try to be holy through pers
Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the importance of being holy and devoted to God, using the story of a sinful woman who anointed Jesus' feet with her tears and expensive ointment as a powerful example of true worship and love. He contrasts her genuine devotion with the indifference of Simon the Pharisee
In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God over sin and the world. He compares the power of sin to the law of gravity, stating that while sin may pull us down, the power of the risen son of God is greater. He highlights that believers are more than conquerors through Christ's love and
In this sermon, the preacher expresses concern about the mechanical and superficial nature of preaching the gospel. He criticizes the reliance on books and conferences, emphasizing the need for a genuine demonstration of God's power. The preacher highlights the vast amount of money spent on radio an
In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of God leading the children of Israel through the wilderness with a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day. He emphasizes that our God is a consuming fire, highlighting the power and presence of God. The speaker then shifts to disc
In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision of Christ rather than just having ideas. He criticizes the preaching in the country today, stating that it lacks the true expression of Christ. The speaker questions why God often gives worldly success and riches to wicked indi
Art Katz emphasizes the critical distinction between holiness and the pursuit of blessings, warning against the dangers of seeking experiences that may dilute the true nature of God. He expresses concern over the church's complacency and the tendency to accept dubious phenomena in the name of blessi
In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing God in order to understand sin. They explain that sin is falling short of the character and glory of God. The speaker uses the example of a commercial where two shirts are washed with different detergents to illustrate the difference b