Sermons on Outward Focused:

A Critique Of Pharisaic Hypocrisy

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Sep 20, 2014

To say and to do not, versus the grace of humility.

A CRITIQUE OF PHARISAIC HYPOCRISY. Matthew 23:1-12. Turning away from the Pharisees, Jesus addressed both the crowds and His own disciples (Matthew 23:1). From the outset, Jesus acknowledged the legitimacy of the Pharisees as a party within Judaism: they “sit in Moses’ seat” (Matthew 23:2). ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus Clarifies Some Scripture For Us

Contributed by Howard Gunter on Feb 17, 2019

Jesus teaches us by expounding the interpretation of Scripture by emphasizing and contrasting our outward vs inward (spiritual) obedience.

Weekend Message/Devotion February 17, 2019 Matthew 5:21-24, 27-30, 33-37 Jesus Clarifies Some Scripture For Us Jesus is actually confronting these areas of the Law and expounding the interpretation beyond that of the scribes. How and why is He doing this? The how is of great importance. The ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-24, Matthew 5:27-30, Matthew 5:33-37, 1 John 3:15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Simon: The Zealous Disciple Lesson 11 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 12, 2023

Inward obedience is reflected in outward actions.

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto man.” Colossians 3:23, KJV “Whatsoever your task is, put your whole heart and soul in it, as work done for the Lord, and not merely for men knowing your real reward will come from Him.” Colossians 3:23, Philips A. WHY JESUS CHOSE ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:23, Matthew 16:18

Denomination: Baptist

How Paul Focused Not On What He Lacked But On What He Had

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 10, 2001

Learning how to look at the part of the glass that is full rather than on the portion that is empty energizes believers

How Paul Focused Not on What He Lacked But On What He Had in Christ (Acts 27:1-26) 1. Why do you suppose that many people become depressed, discouraged or frustrated by circumstances? Maybe they are focusing more attention on what they do not have rather than on what they possess in Christ Jesus. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 27:1-26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Focusing On Sacrifice Can Twist Our Faith Into Something Ugly

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jan 6, 2014

Why focusing on sacrifice causes trouble and how focusing on compassion (as Jesus instructs us to) brings better results.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH SACRIFICE? Sacrifice is not intrinsically bad, but the problem is when we say that more sacrifice equals a better Christian. - Matthew 9:13. - There is a lot that is good to sacrifice. Like many other things, though, making it the ultimate goal of our Christian life puts us in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:11-13

Denomination: Baptist

Disciplined Living Sermon Iii: Staying Focused In A Self-Centered Society Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Jun 3, 2020

In times when anti-Christian sentiment runs high in our society, mature Christians stay focused on the Savior no matter the degree of hostile attitudes toward Christianity or the extent of threats by activists who would destroy.

STAYING FOCUSED ON THE SAVIOR IN A SELF-CENTERED SOCIETY In the aftermath of the horrific tragedy that occurred in Texas on a Sunday morning – when innocent church goers were the victims of one sin-sick crazed specimen of evil – the local sheriff called on a ...read more

Scripture: John 1:26-34, John 3:26-30

Don't Lose Sight Of Him Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Feb 1, 2015

Keep our focus right. Keep our faith strong. God is enough for you.

Israel is about to do something they have never done before – cross the Jordan and move into Canaan. • They are moving onto uncharted path. They have never been this way before (3:4), Joshua said it right. • His instruction is: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 3:1-17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

How Are You Running Part 2. Series

Contributed by Myron Leach on Sep 19, 2017

This is the second part of a 3 part series "A Winning Mindset."

How Are You Running Part 2. 1 Cor. 9:26-27 (AMP) 26 Therefore I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air [just shadow boxing]. 27 But [like a boxer] I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached [the gospel] to ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

Pursue The Prize Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Apr 6, 2016

If you want to be fully and completely like Christ, then look ahead to Christ, the goal; look around for positive examples, and look up to heaven.

A customs officer observes a truck pulling up at the border. Suspicious, he orders the driver out and searches the vehicle. He pulls off the panels, bumpers, and wheel cases but doesn’t find a single scrap of contraband. He is still suspicious, but doesn’t know where else to search, so ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-21

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Choosing What Really Matters

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on May 6, 2025

As believers—especially in this fast-paced generation—we must constantly evaluate whether we are distracted or devoted. It’s time to choose what really matters: the presence of Jesus and His Word.

CHOOSING WHAT REALLY MATTERS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Luke 10:38-42 "Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Faith To Heal Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Feb 23, 2015

The key to faith is in Jesus. His presence with the disciples is what matters. His call is to keep trusting, to keep focusing on him rather than on outward circumstances. Don’t be afraid, just believe.

If you were here last week you may remember that I asked whether you have trouble believing that God still intervenes in the world in a miraculous way. Well, a similar question arises today. Not whether you believe that God can answer your prayers, rather do you believe that he will answer your ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:21-43

Denomination: Anglican

Church 12 Pt 2 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jun 20, 2012

The Church is needed by us all and the Bible gives 12 reasons why we all need The Church. These 12 can be broken down into three focuses of God – Upward – Inward - Outward.

Open with video for Father’s Day: Series: The Church Sermon: The Church 12 pt 2 Tag line - 12 reasons why we all need The Church of Jesus Christ active in our lives. Scripture Text: Hebrews 10:23-25: 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:23-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God's Anointing Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 4, 2023

God often chooses unlikely people, seeing beyond their outward appearance and focusing on their hearts. He does this to display His power through our lives as we walk in the anointing and gifting of the Holy Spirit.

God tells this prophet, Samuel, to go to Bethlehem and anoint one of Jesse's sons as the new king. Samuel sees the oldest son, Eliab, and thinks, "This guy looks like king material." But God's like, "Nope, I don't look at the outside; I look at the heart." So, none of Jesse's seven sons present ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13, 1 Corinthians 1:27-29

Topics: Divine Anointing, Spiritual Empowerment, Holy Spirit, Sacred Oils

Five Looks

Contributed by David Radcliff on Apr 22, 2017

Looking backward, upward, inward, outward and forward.

FIVE LOOKS Isaiah 45:22 I. THE BACKWARD LOOK. 1. This is to the Seed of the Woman; Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. 2. This is to the Seed of David; Romans 1:3 ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 45:22

Denomination: Baptist

Reflective Mirrors

Contributed by John Mccormack on May 22, 2015

MAN LOOKS OUTWARD, GOD LOOKS INWARD!

REFLECTIVE MIRRORS OBSERVATION: EXODUS DESCRIBES GOD’S RESCUE OF HIS PEOPLE, THE ISRAELITES, OUT OF EGYPTIAN BONDAGE. HE MADE AN AGREEMENT WITH ISRAEL NAMED THE TEN COMMANDMENTS AT MOUNT SINAI. THESE COMMANDMENTS WERE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF GOD’S LAW. GOD DEMANDED ANIMAL SACRIFICES ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 38:8

Denomination: Baptist