Sermons on Avoiding Worldly Pursuits:

True Wisdom

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Mar 26, 2012

In today's passage James highlights the difference between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom.

TRUE WISDOM James 3:13-18 INTRODUCTION: Four people who were the only people on board one of those small planes. There was the pilot, a pastor, a Boy Scout, and the smartest man in the world. All of a sudden, the pilot came back to the cabin and informed everybody that the plane was going down. ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Deception Of Our Perception

Contributed by Richard Cook on Aug 20, 2009

Sermon about denying our perception of sin and worldliness and start percieving things as God would percieve them

II Tim 3: 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. 10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:8-17

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Blurred Lines Between The Church And The World Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Jun 30, 2025

How can we, as Christians, maintain our distinctiveness in a society that often opposes our values?

As followers of Christ, we are called to be a peculiar people, set apart from the world. However, it's increasingly evident that many within the Church have adopted the values, behaviors, and lifestyles of the world. This phenomenon raises important questions: What does it mean to be "in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19

How To Grow In Faith To Avoid The Mistake Of Over Reacting - Rom. 4:20,21

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

How to Grow in Faith To Avoid the Mistake of Over Reacting - Rom. 4:20,21

How to Grow in Faith To Avoid the Mistake of Over Reacting - Rom. 4:20,21 Everybody has desires for good things, but some people have more faith to work towards fulfilling their desires. Actually, if we want to grow in faith, we first need to grow in love. The more we love, the more we trust. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:20-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Striving To Succeed In 2019

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Dec 28, 2015

This lesson deals with Paul’s self-confession and desire to succeed in his “pursuit of Christ” and "the prize of the high calling of God." He provides a plan for all who are “striving to succeed,” in their pursuit of Christ. It begs our attention.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. Release the Past 2. Reach for the Present 3. Race toward the Prize Remarks. 1. This lesson deals with believers striving to succeed – in their pursuit of Christ, and their desire to be well pleasing to God. The motto of the Lexus motorcar is the “Pursuit of Perfection.” ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Two Treasures And Two Visions Series

Contributed by Ron Tuit on Mar 27, 2013

Matthew reveals the Kingship of Jesus throughout His Gospel; This message covers the "parables" of the two treasures and two visions: Is your life Kingdom focused?

Godly Ambitions and Goals: Two Treasures and Two Visions Matthew 6:19-24 Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount provides for us a beautiful picture of the Kingdom of God and those who have been called to become citizens of this ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-24

Denomination: Baptist

Mother's Day 2020

Contributed by Ken Mckinley on May 4, 2020

With this sermon we want to encourage all mother's to stand firm in their God given roles and to gain continued strength by looking to Jesus - the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Mother’s Day 2020 Text: Luke 10:38-42, Philippians 3:17-4:1 Good morning. Today is Mother’s Day, and it’s one of those holidays that I’ve truly come to appreciate more and more as I’ve grown older. I appreciate it, because of my own desire to honor my mother, and my mother-in-law… and to honor ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Denomination: Independent/Bible

About Tomorrow

Contributed by Paul Redwine on Jan 2, 2004

When we pursue the future without striving to do God’s will, we practice arrogance. This sermon discusses three areas of selfish pursuit.

About Tomorrow, James 4:13-17 Paul Redwine, Northside Christian Church, Sunday, August 24, 2003 Introduction We often put too much emphasis on the future, thinking that our plans are the best for us, without even considering the Lord’s will. This is arrogant. [TEXT] James 4:13-17 [CT] When we ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-17, Luke 12:16-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Riches In Heaven PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2023

Challenge believers to prioritize eternal riches over worldly possessions and to understand the cost of truly following Jesus.

Good morning, Church! I hope you all are filled with the Spirit today. We will be delving into a powerful passage from the book of Matthew today, a passage that challenges us to reflect on our lives and the choices we make in our pursuit of God's Kingdom. It's about recognizing the cost of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:16-22

Topics: Sell, Possessions

Inventing Difficulties

Contributed by Mike Bryant on Jan 10, 2024

How worry harms us spiritually and how we can avoid it.

I. In Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck and Tom Sawyer set out together to rescue the captive slave, Jim. A. However, their grand plans soon led to disappointment. As they scouted the situation, they found that the rescue would pose no difficulties at all. Vainly, they tried to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42, Luke 21:34-35, Matthew 6:25-34, 2 Peter 3:10-14, Philippians 4:6-7, 2 Peter 2:15, Philippians 2:19-21, Philippians 3:13-14, 1 Peter 5:6-7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Don't Be A Nimrod! Series

Contributed by Johnny A. Palmer Jr. on Dec 9, 2011

I think we would be wise to avoid being a nimrod.

Intro: 1. Dictionary of American Slang, lists: nimrod. a. a simpleton; a nerd. EX: Johnny is a total nimrod. He does such dumb things! *What stupid nimrod left the lid off the cottage cheese? 2. I think we would be wise to avoid being a nimrod! 3. Don't be a Nimrod! ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

‘jacob's Heartache'

Contributed by Evie Megginson on Jul 12, 2001

In this sermon on the family, we see Jacob’s problem, Jacob’s pursuit, and Jacob’s peace.

‘JACOB’S HEARTACHE’ Genesis 35:1-7, 14 There’s an Ozark story about a hound sitting in a country store and howling as hounds do. In comes a stranger who says to the storekeeper, "What’s the matter with the dog?" "He’s sitting on a cocklebur." "Why doesn’t he get off?" "He’d rather holler." (He ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 35:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Death By Despair

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 25, 2020

Christians are to preach Christ's peace and the hope He brings to a hopeless, despairing world.

“Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:35-38

Denomination: Baptist

The Meaninglessness And Mundanity Of Life - Week 4 PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Feb 28, 2024

This sermon explores the emptiness of earthly pursuits and the importance of finding joy and meaning in God, as illustrated in Ecclesiastes 9:1-18.

Good morning, beloved family in Christ. It's a beautiful day to gather together in the name of our Lord, to share in His Word and to find comfort, guidance, and edification in His eternal truth. Today, we find ourselves turning to the pages of Ecclesiastes, a book often misunderstood, yet rich with ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:1-18

Topics: Life And Death, Meaningless, God

Healthy And Thriving

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Jun 9, 2003

The Scriptures show us examples to emulate and also examples to avoid. Today, we look at an example to avoid in order to be a healthy, thriving church.

INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: There has been an incredible emphasis in recent years on church health. Many believe that if a local church is healthy and functioning the way it should, natural growth will be the result. The removal of growth-restricting diseases that often plague the body of ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:9-11