Sermons on Detrimental Behaviors:

Surprise Endings: When? Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Apr 6, 2019

We might think Christ will judge us based on our correct doctrine, faithful church attendance, or moral behavior. But in our text Jesus offers a different standard: our response to the needy people of this world - the least of these.

Surprise Endings: WHEN? Matthew 25:31-46 Introduction We are at the end of our four-part sermon series called Surprise Endings. This parable is different in some ways. It does not begin with “the Kingdom of heaven is like” - leading some to believe it is not specifically a parable. It is the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Intrusive ,toxic And Negative Thoughts Come From Enemy Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Jul 2, 2025

One of the enemy's most effective strategies is to plant intrusive and negative thoughts in our minds.

As Christians, we are engaged in a spiritual battle that is not always visible to the naked eye. One of the enemy's most effective strategies is to plant intrusive and negative thoughts in our minds. These thoughts can be debilitating, causing us to doubt our faith, our worth, and our ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

Betrayed But Not Bitter Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 12, 2004

The three stages of betrayal are examined by discussing Judas’ behavior. It is not only important that we guard our hearts so that we do not become betrayers; but it is also important to respond correctly when we are betrayed. Jesus provides an example fo

Betrayed But Not Bitter Fortifying the Foundations # 31 John 13:18-38[1] 3-28-04 Intro Our text this morning in John 13 deals with the issue of betrayal. With a kiss, Judas betrayed Jesus. The thing that makes betrayal so painful is that by its very nature it comes from someone you trust. In ...read more

Scripture: John 13:8-38, Hebrews 4:15

Denomination: Charismatic

What Are Some Temperamental Tendencies We Need To Guard Against?

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

We need to learn to be more controlled by the Spirit. Actively guard against specific temptations that may prove harmful – based on your individual faulty tendencies. Let us examine certain behavioral patterns that should be avoided by the four different

"To the weak I became weak, to the strong I became strong. I have become all things to all men so that by all means I might save some." (I Cor. 9:19-21) 1. Have you ever heard of the expression, "One man’s meat is another man’s poison?" What may be fuel for one person may turn out to be dangerous ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:5-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Servants Of Jesus Not Self" 1 Cor. 4 Pt 4 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jun 10, 2008

Scripture makes it clear that we as followers of Jesus need to be servants and not self-centered – we are to serve each other in the Body and root out any self-seeking behavior so as to please God. We are all called to be servant-leaders!

“Servant of Jesus not self” Opening Illustration: Today’s clip comes from the movie “Bella” it addresses the subject of selfishness – In the clip one brother challenges the other brother about how selfish he is – his leadership in running his restaurant is all self-centered – he is selfish and he ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:1-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Be Reconciled"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Sep 2, 2010

Jesus has provided us with a blueprint—with a new way of being fully, genuinely, and gloriously human. It’s a way that goes down deep into the roots of our personalities and produces a different kind of behavior altogether.

Ephesians 2:1-10 Matthew 5:21-26 “Be Reconciled” By: Ken Sauer, Pastor Of East Ridge United Methodist Church, Chattanooga, TN I hate it when I make a mistake. I just hate it when I do something that makes someone angry at me. It’s like a heavy load on my back. And ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-26

Denomination: United Methodist

Do Your Ears Itch?

Contributed by Austin Mansfield on Oct 28, 2007

It seems like so many people have been revamping God’s Word lately, to make it less offensive, or more inclusive, or less intrusive into our personal behavior. Many of these people are clergy, which is even more disheartening.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Amen. (Psalm 19:14) Do your ears itch? It seems like so many people have been revamping the Word of God lately, to ...read more

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Gideon - Part 1 Series

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Oct 8, 2014

Starting into a sermon series on Gideon found in Judges 6-8. What was it that led to Israel being in the spiritual condition where God would hand them over to foreigners? In spite of their behavior God is still faithful! Thank you, Jesus!

Gideon - Judges 6-8 Quiz - where does Gideon fall in history? (Put an insert in the bulletin with the following people/events out of order. With a whiteboard have the congregation help with putting them in order.) First we’ll put these in chronological order: Adam Abraham, Isaac and ...read more

Scripture: Judges 6:1-12

Denomination: Nazarene

The Destruction Of Spiritual Fortresses Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Mar 23, 2015

God wants us to know Him and wants us to tear down anything that keeps us & others from knowing Him. Old patterns of thinking & behavior keep us bound from thinking about & doing the ministry of God.

2 CORINTHIANS 10: 1-6 [GAINING PERSPECTIVE Series] THE DESTRUCTION OF SPIRITUAL FORTRESSES [Ephesians 6:10-18] Paul now turns to the third part of the letter in chapters 10 to 13. In this section he will vigorously defend himself against the accusations of the stubborn legalistic Judaizers. Sold ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Number One Distinguishing Mark Of A Leader

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Mar 20, 2017

The #1 distinguishing mark of a leader. Leaders understand the value of vision. “We are not just going to stumble into success. Luck has nothing to do with it. Success happens when you walk in right behavior and right thinking.” P.H.

Number One Distinguishing Mark Of A Leader Nehemiah 2:17-18NKJB Nehemiah 2:17-18NKJB Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.” ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:17-18

Denomination: Pentecostal

When It's Okay To Be A Dumb Donkey! Series

Contributed by John Brooks on Oct 21, 2018

#5 out of 2 Peter. In 2 Peter 2:1-22, Peter describes the false teachers who were leading the believers astray. He uses 4 Old Testament examples to validate New Testament beliefs and behaviors.

WHEN IT’S OKAY BE A DUMB DONKEY! “But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed, suffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong. They count it a pleasure ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:1-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Gift Of Exhortation Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 3, 2021

Every Christian needs to be exposed to exhortation. The word covers a lot of territory. It includes comfort, consolation, counsel, and such words as entreat, beg, implore, and persuade. It covers about anything you can think of that motivates people to act, or to change their behavior.

Several years ago I went to hear J. Allen Peterson one of the nation's most dynamic leaders in ministering to families. He told this true but tragic story. One of the finest couples laboring in the field of marriage enrichment, who had written 5 books that were very helpful, and who had ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:8

"the Tares, The Wheat & The Harvest."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Mar 24, 2023

This message discusses the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares, found in Matthew 13:24. It focuses on the coexistence of good and evil in the world. This message holds a deep spiritual meaning and provides insights into the nature of God’s kingdom, human behavior, and changing times.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Matthew 13:24-25) (24) "Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:" (25) "But while men slept, his ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-25, Matthew 13:26-28, Matthew 13:29-30, Matthew 13:36-38, Matthew 13:39-40, Matthew 13:41-43, Romans 8:35-37, Romans 8:28, Romans 5:17-21, John 12:24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Break Free From The Past

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Nov 29, 2022

Paul explains true Christian behavior. The old nature is dead. We are to accept Jesus as our Savior and put on the new nature. When we let Christ in our hearts, He changes us into what we should be.

Look Up: In verses 1-4: “For ye are dead.” Simply put, we died. We should have little desire for this world and what it has to offer. Our old nature has been removed. We that have been born again are dead to sin; its dominion has been broken. Our real home is in Heaven with Jesus. -- John ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The King Teaches His People (Matthew 5:13-48)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Nov 25, 2024

The Lord Jesus Christ began His "sermon on the mount" by addressing the blessings His people possess. He continues His teachings, covering topics such as influence, the Law, behavior, and how to love one's enemies.

Matthew 5:13-16: Jesus compared all true believers to salt, which was used as not only a flavoring but as a preservative against spoilage. Our lives and words are to be used by the LORD to preserve morality and godliness in an increasingly decaying society. Like salt, our lives can be catalysts ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-48, Luke 6:20-49, Exodus 20:13, Proverbs 6:16-19, Deuteronomy 24:1  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist