Sermons on Harmful Motives:

Praying In Frustration

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 11, 2010

Like Samuel, we are often frustrated in our intentions. But turning to prayer, as he did, will help us remove the blame from ourselves, will help us understand the motives of others, and will help us accept reality and move on toward something better.

Takoma Park Baptist Church, Washington, DC September 14, 1986 Some weeks ago I told you that one of my principal projects in starting my service as your pastor would have to be spending time trying to learn my way around the city of Takoma Park. DC I can handle and Silver Spring is a breeze, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 8:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

Do You Have An Attitude

Contributed by Mark Baker on Nov 19, 2006

God knows us totally and completely, nothing is hidden from Him. God looks at our heart and sees things that no one else sees. He knows what you are thinking and what motivates you, and these things do matter to Him...

Psalms 139:1 O LORD, You have searched me and known me. 2. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. 3. You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. 4. For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-7

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The "Rapid Growth" Towards Christ-Likeness!

Contributed by Herbert Armstrong Bosantog on Nov 5, 2012

I learned that DISCIPLESHIP is not MANDATORY! DISCIPLESHIP should not be MOTIVATED by FEAR. Let me ILLUSTRATE my LIFE, when I was in the ENGINEERING, I was DOMINATED by FEAR! I wasn’t STUDYING to LEARN, rather I was STUDYING because of FEAR of FAILING,

INTRODUCTION: It’s about 2 yrs. have passed when I DENIED myself, CARRIED my OWN CROSS and FOLLOWED Jesus CHRIST! I encountered a lot of TRIALS that TESTED my FAITH, endurance, patience, self-control, humility & forgiveness. I learned to FOCUS in PURSUING my CALLING and not to ENTERTAIN ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:25-34

Denomination: *other

Always Thank God The Father For Everything

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on May 10, 2013

I. EXORDIUM: What's your motivation to thank GOD? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To show that our prayers and communication with GOD should consist majority of thanksgivings IV. TEXT: Ephesians 5:19-20 (Amplified Bi

I. EXORDIUM: What's your motivation to thank GOD? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To show that our prayers and communication with GOD should consist majority of thanksgivings IV. TEXT: Ephesians 5:19-20 (Amplified Bible) Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:19-20

Denomination: Pentecostal

Moved With Fear

Contributed by John Gaston on Mar 7, 2013

The colossal structure of Noah's Ark stands on par with the pyramids among ancient wonders. What kept Noah motivated to continue working on the ark for up to 120 years? It was his faith, his fear of the Lord, and his commitment to his loving God.

MOVED WITH FEAR Heb. 11:7 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: We’re talking about Noah & the Ark tonight. 1. What animal could Noah not trust? The cheetah. 2. What kind of lights did Noah have on the ark? Flood lights. 3. Why couldn't they play cards on the ark? Noah was sitting on the deck. ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Satan Wages A War In Heaven Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Sep 26, 2023

This message seeks to uncover more of Satan’s motive and his reactions to God's holiness. It is important to know God's word, and the end times events, so we are united in the truth vs. man-made assumptions.

Alpha and Omega, Part 37, Revelation Part 14 Satan Wages a War in Heaven Revelation 12:7-17 Introduction - Been studying Revelation together, to understand God’s plan for creation -- This is the continuation of our Alpha and Omega series since January -- REM: Redemption of sin has been ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 12:7-17, Romans 11:25-26, 1 John 4:4, Hebrews 1:14, Daniel 10:21, Genesis 3:14-15, Zechariah 3:1, Isaiah 40:31  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Give All You Can Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Aug 31, 2019

Excel in Giving is the main theme of this passage in 2 Corinthians 8:1-15. Paul urges his readers to excel in faith, utterance, knowledge and also in giving to God and others. Its very motivational and inspiring to practice it in our life journey.

Excel in Giving, 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 Introduction Paul wrote four letters to the churches at Corinth: (1) A letter referred in 1st Corinthians 5:9, (2) the First letter to Corinthians, (3) “severe” letter referred in 2 Corinthians 2:3-4, (4) Second letter. One of the purposes was “To teach ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Denomination: Methodist

Praising God For His Wonders - Sermon I: Praising God For His Wonders Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Oct 11, 2019

The very thought of having been created by the one and only Lord God of all wonders motivates Christians to spend more time praising Him for His great love, His great faithfulness, His great mercies toward all people.

PRAISING GOD FOR HIS WONDERS Watching the US Tennis Open while thinking about Wonders of God gave me an idea. Squeeze the tennis ball with one hand as best you can. The pressure exerted on the ball is about the same ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 89:1-8

"Artificial Righteousness”: Glorifying In The Flesh.

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Mar 16, 2019

Paul points to three factors that tend to motivate human works of attempted righteousness. They are often reflect: 1) Religious Pride (Galatians 6:12a), by 2) Cowardice (Galatians 6:12b), and 3) Hypocrisy (Galatians 6:13).

This month, heavily armed assailants again attacked an Ebola treatment centre in the heart of eastern Congo’s deadly outbreak. Some community members wary of outsiders after years of deadly rebel attacks have shown hostility to health workers in a region that is facing its first Ebola outbreak. ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:11-13

Denomination: Other

"Artificial Righteousness”: Glorifying In The Flesh.

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Mar 16, 2019

Paul points to three factors that tend to motivate human works of attempted righteousness. They are often reflect: 1) Religious Pride (Galatians 6:12a), by 2) Cowardice (Galatians 6:12b), and 3) Hypocrisy (Galatians 6:13).

This month, heavily armed assailants again attacked an Ebola treatment centre in the heart of eastern Congo’s deadly outbreak. Some community members wary of outsiders after years of deadly rebel attacks have shown hostility to health workers in a region that is facing its first Ebola outbreak. ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:11-13

Denomination: Other

Overcoming The Temptation Of Desperation

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on May 12, 2020

The midst of desperation, Satan entices men with evil desires, wrong motives, & doubt. This lesson teaches us that if we steadfastly resist his temptations by refusing to conform to them, and instead follow the directions of Scripture, the tempter will flee from us.

Introduction: Overcoming the Temptation of Desperation is important because desperation will cause men to act out of character. The desperation of the pandemic and the fear it brings has caused many to hoard up supplies, buy additional guns and ammo, purchase additional alcohol and others ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Luke 12:28-32

Denomination: Methodist

Lesson 52: Gourmet Preaching Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 14, 2018

Preaching lessons from the best sermon ever given, the Sermon on the Mount.

Lesson Goal In this lesson I hope to teach some features of a rich sermon gleaned from the greatest sermon of all time, the Sermon on the Mount for a sermon filled with splendid content. Lesson Intro Have you ever sat through one of those sermons where you wished you could remember every line, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Hezekiah: Shining Brightly During Dark Times Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Mar 21, 2022

Having a heart for God does not mean we are flawless, but that heart is demonstrated by our actions and routines.

Hezekiah: Shining Brightly During Dark Times (2 Chronicles 29:1-32:33) 1. People can surprise us. My friend called me in hysterics.“I just saw a mouse in my kitchen!”she yelled.“I’m so grossed out! It’s so disgusting!” “What are you going to do?”I asked. “I’m not sure. But you can bet I’ll never ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Building A Dream Team Series

Contributed by Rick Duncan on Sep 24, 2002

When rebuilding something that’s broken in your life or ministry, you’ll need help from others. This message pulls out principles from Nehemiah’s life that can help us learn to build a team and motivate others.

I’ve asked you in recent weeks to think about what’s broken in your sphere of influence. It could be a relationship with a spouse, a parent, a child, a friend. It could be that something is broken in your career or ministry. Identifying the broken places helps us see what job God wants us to do ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:9-20

Denomination: Baptist

Ministry Essentials Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Sep 22, 2005

Have you ever been confused or disillusioned about your calling? Expository sermon explores Jesus interation concerning Peter’s calling: (1)Motive (2)Assignment (3)Focus. Used clip from the movie "The Rookie" as illustration.

Ministry Essentials Fortifying the Foundation # 47 John 21:15-25[1] 10-03-04 Intro Have you ever been confused or disillusioned about your calling? Early in your experience, God spoke to you and called you to serve Him in a particular way. You knew it. You knew it was from God. You knew ...read more

Scripture: John 21:15-25

Denomination: Charismatic