Motives
In the Bible, motives are deeply connected to the intentions of the heart and reflect one's underlying desires and purposes behind actions. The Scriptures emphasize that God examines not just external behaviors but also the inner motivations of individuals. For example, Proverbs 16:2 states, "All a person's ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD," highlighting that human beings may justify their actions, yet it is God who truly understands the heart's intentions. Furthermore, in the New Testament, Jesus teaches about the importance of motives in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 6:1-4, He warns against performing righteous deeds for the sake of public recognition, indicating that genuine acts of charity should be done discreetly, for the right reasons, so that they are pleasing to God rather than for human praise. The apostle Paul also emphasizes the significance of motives in 1 Corinthians 4:5, where he asserts that God will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. Therefore, in biblical terms, motives are crucial as they dictate the righteousness of one's actions in the sight of God, revealing the true character of an individual beyond mere appearances.
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Checking Your Motives
By George Verwer96037:45MAT 6:33LUK 17:7PHP 2:3In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of integrity and commitment to truth in the preaching of the word of God. He refers to a difficult passage in Luke 17, which talks about the relationship between a servant and his master. The speaker emphasizes the significance of motivation in carrying out God's commands and warns against setting overly ambitious goals that can lead to relying on one's own efforts instead of relying on God. He also cautions against having vested interests and biases that can hinder the work of God. The speaker shares personal experiences of listening to sermons and highlights the importance of being open to receiving messages from God even through seemingly boring or unconventional sources.
Examining Your Motives
By Rolfe Barnard87639:23JHN 4:34In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of doing the will of God and finishing His work. He references a Bible verse from the fourth chapter of the Gospel of John, verse 34, which states that doing God's will brings satisfaction and fulfillment. The speaker also shares a story about Mr. Burns, who experienced a revival while working in Mr. McChain's parish in Scotland. The sermon emphasizes the need for the church to produce people who reflect the character of Christ and highlights the key purpose of God, which is to promote and display the glory of Jesus.