Sermons on Inner Motives:

The Backsliders Favorite Verse

Contributed by Jerry Depoy on Sep 8, 2003

Matthew 7:1 is probably the most quoted verse and least understood verses of the Bible. In this message we will learn three wrong motives for judging others, and three right motives.

Mat 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Categories Of Gifts Series

Contributed by Bruce Willis on Mar 30, 2007

This is the introductory sermon in a series of ten on Motivational Spiritual Gifts which communicates the three categories of spiritual gifts in order to lay the foundation for communicating the characteristics of the 7 Motivational Spiritual Gifts.

In some respects the church today is like a football game. Bud Wilkinson, football coach of the Oklahoma Sooners before he joined the President’s Physical Fitness Program and later became a commentator for ABC, was asked, “What contribution does professional sports make to the physical fitness of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

Denomination: Baptist

It's All About Choice Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on May 14, 2007

Our motive for service proves our choice of master. Paul reminds us that if our motive of service proves Christ to be our Master, then the results should be a life of bearing fruit.

INTRODUCTION In our study last wee, taken from the 1st chapter of Philippians a verse 15, we found that “others” (15) were sharing “Christ”. Some of these were brothers whom Paul had earlier influenced and they had become more courageous and fearless in their spread of the gospel. **WOULDN’T IT ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:15-26

Denomination: Baptist

Simon Peter's Dirty Feet Series

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Jul 5, 2005

5th of 7 messages on the transformation of Simon into Peter. This message focuses on the inner change in character from pride to being a servant.

From Ordinary to Extraordinary The transformation began in Amazement… at what Jesus taught and gave to people – both healing and forgiveness Amazement led to simple obedience… even when Simon didn’t think it would make a difference Doubt became faith… that moved Simon to get out of the boat ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Enemy Resides Within Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Mar 30, 2009

Your own worst enemy is your inner person, the invisible center of your being, what we often call the heart.

The Enemy Resides Within (Jeremiah 17:5-18) 1. As my husband, the county highway commissioner, was driving to the hospital for treatment of his painful leg, he decided to use the valet parking service so he wouldn’t have to walk far. Staring at his official-looking vehicle, one of the valets asked ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5-18

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Exchanged Life

Contributed by Bruce Howell on Dec 13, 2007

Like the Wise Men of old, we come to the Savior and present ourselves to Christ and leave with inner treasures that will last throughout eternity.

THE EXCHANGED LIFE Matthew 2:1-12 ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE GENERALLY ASSOCIATE WITH THE CHRISTMAS SEASON is the exchanging of gifts. When I was a boy we celebrated Christmas twice---once with my immediate family of six and the other at my paternal grandparent’s home. The exchanging of gifts ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Wesleyan

An Incomplete Job

Contributed by Tim Patrick on Oct 16, 2006

This sermon encourages listeners to move beyond shallow religious ritualism and to allow God to touch the inner man and deal with the sin in the heart.

Introduction: (To introduce this sermon I played a short video clip showing a man washing his truck. The truck is parked in front of a house in the driveway. As you watch the video the man is meticulous in his washing. He covers every inch of the truck. He polishes the chrome. He washes every wheel ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 7:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

The Tabernacle Part 7 The Coverings Series

Contributed by Dr. Steve Newton on Oct 3, 2017

The outer covering was unattractive in appearance. It speaks of Jesus without form or comeliness...but oh the inner coverings reveal the beauty of Christ.

THE COVERINGS (Ex. 26:1-14; 36:8-19) The boards, studied in the last lesson, consti¬tuted the walls of the tabernacle. Over these boards, which stood fifteen feet high, four coverings were placed to form the roof of this peculiar building. We shall study these from the outside inward. 1. Why ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 26:1-14, Exodus 36:8-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Whitewashed Tomb Christians Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on May 10, 2025

This metaphor reveals the contrast between outward appearances and inner reality, exposing the hypocrisy that plagues many who claim to follow God.

In Matthew 23:27-28, Jesus unleashes a scathing critique on the Pharisees, calling them "whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness." This metaphor reveals the contrast between outward appearances and inner reality, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:25-28, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Value Guilt Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Aug 26, 2023

Inner peace is the result of true repentance in response to “value guilt.” We know that this sinful woman encountered Jesus Christ and she had peace.

JUST JESUS: CHAPTER BY CHAPTER THRU LUKE Value Guilt Luke 7:36-50 #JustJesus INTRODUCTION… Baby in the Bouncy Seat (p) When Abigail was about six months old, I worked overnight from 10:00pm to 8:00am at a children’s home. Kelly worked as a teacher during the day and took care of Abigail during ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Live By The Spirit Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Sep 3, 2009

Success or victory in living the Christian life is to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance & receive His empowering. This leads to an inner & outer transformation of life that a code of ethics cannot even touch. Paul’s understanding & deep conviction is to

GALATIANS 5:16-18 LIVE BY THE SPIRIT [Romans 7:14- 8:4] What principle should one follow to live the Christian life? If a group of average church members were asked that question what answers would they give? Some would likely emphasis Bible reading and prayer. Some would stress faithful ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:16-18, Romans 8:1-17, Colossians 3:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Sweet Solitude

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Aug 11, 2015

Nowadays it is getting harder and harder to discern the truth as more and more people are set on re-defining it for us. This twisting of the truth can be all straightened out when we seek the Holy Spirit in our lives and spend time alone with Him.

Message: Last week before I headed out to Sunday morning service I caught a bit of Dr. Charles Stanley’s message on Solitude and I thought what a great subject. So this morning I’m going to give you my take on the same subject but I thank Dr. Stanley for the inspiration. God created a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:36-38

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

God Is In Control

Contributed by Charlie Roberts on Feb 20, 2020

God wants our hearts to be at rest and established by His grace toward us! That’s where and when we find inner peace! It’s not about what you can do, it never has been about what you can do...

Illustration by Alan Tison Children have a way of controlling our life do they not – I heard about a young boy who received a harmonica for Christmas from his uncle. After the first of the year he saw his uncle for the first time since receiving the harmonica. With a large smile he said, “Thanks ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:1, John 14:27, Hebrews 13:9, John 14:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Answering The Call-Hineni, Here Am I

Contributed by William Akehurst on Feb 12, 2023

As followers of CHRIST, we have been given HIS SPIRIT within. We are not only to listen to hear that "still small voice", but we are also to respond. Hineni, Here am I, Ready at Your Service, All in.

2023.02.12.Sermon Notes_ Answering the Call-HINENI “hee neh nee” “Here am I” William Akehurst, HSWC Are you listening? Are you responding? ‘Hineni’ (hee-neh-nee) “Here am I” “Ready and At your service” our response in obedience “Hineni” is the response of a servant BIG IDEA: As followers of ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:8, Genesis 3:8-10, Genesis 22:1-11, Exodus 3:1-4, Exodus 3:4, Genesis 22:1, 1 Samuel 3:1-14, Isaiah 52:6, Isaiah 65:1, Galatians 4:6, 1 Kings 19:11-13, John 10:27  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Illusion

Contributed by Eric Hanson on Apr 3, 2009

The adoration of the Palm Sunday crowd turned out to be an illusion. How about us?

THE ILLUSION Pastor Eric J. Hanson April 5th, 2009 (Read Mark 11: 1-10) Whenever we approach the matter of preaching about Palm Sunday, there is a certain sadness involved. This is because we have already read and heard how the story ends. You and I know that the cheering crowds of Sunday turned ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational