Sermons on Outward Piety:

Quest For Perfection, Part 2 Series

Contributed by Jim Drake on Apr 9, 2007

Not only does God require outward perfection in the things that we do. He requires inward perfection in who we are in our inmost being. He knows we can’t fulfill His requirement, so He promises Good News.

1. Perfect according to motivation a. Motivation for good deeds (6:1-4) b. Motivation for prayer (6:5-15) c. Motivation for fasting (6:16-18) 2. Perfect according to mindset a. Mindset toward material wealth (6:19-24) b. Mindset toward physical needs (6:25-34) c. Mindset toward sin in ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Create In Me A Clean Heart

Contributed by Mark Baker on Apr 27, 2007

The born again man, or spirit man is spotless in the eyes of God, but our outward man has to be renewed, and reprogrammed to think and act like the Word of God says to think and act.God looks at our heart and sees things that no one else sees...

Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. How does God do this? Is it automatic? The born again man, or spirit man is spotless in the eyes of God, but our outward man has to be renewed, and reprogrammed to think and act like the Word of God says ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:10

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Where Are The Blessings On Those Who Are Poor Or Weak?

Contributed by Gordon Mcculloch on Jan 18, 2014

The ‘blessed ones’ are the so called experts to whom many people go to for advice; seeking fame, riches and beauty as outward signs of God blessing them; but secretly they want others to kowtow to their success. Jesus could sort them out.

Summary: The ‘blessed ones’ are the so called experts to whom many people go to for advice; seeking fame, riches and beauty as outward signs of God blessing them; but secretly they want others to kowtow to their success. Jesus could sort them out. Micah 6:1-8 1 Corinthians ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

Denomination: Episcopal

Having The Mind Of Christ.

Contributed by Derrick Thompson, Sr. on Oct 25, 2013

Having the mind of Christ is to love what He loved, and hate what He hated. Everyday we are called upon to imitate our Lord, reproducing His image, being more and more like Him, not only in the outward, but also in the inner life.

First Church of God in Harvey Sunday Morning November 25th, 2012 Let us pray Welcome...... "O Give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever." (Psalm 118: 1) “Oh, thank the Lord, for he is so good! His lovingkindness is forever.” Last Sunday we ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Church Of God

Blameless Living Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Apr 16, 2021

Peter called his readers to fortify their testimonies with two crucial aspects of righteous living: 1) a personal, godly discipline that is inward and private 1 Peter 2 :11), and a 2) personal, godly deportment that is outward and public 1 Peter 2 :12).

1 Peter 2:11-12 [11] Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. [12] Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:11-12

Denomination: Other

Meeting At High Noon

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Apr 6, 2018

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40 Theme: Meeting at High Noon Subject: We see how the Holy Spirit is orchestrating the outward movements of the Early Church. We see how the Holy Spirit is bring into reality the New Age of Salvation for everyone.

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40 (Call to Worship - Psalm 23) Theme: Meeting at High Noon Subject: We see how the Holy Spirit is orchestrating the outward movements of the Early Church. We see how the Holy Spirit is bring into reality the New Age of Salvation for everyone. I. The Holy Spirit Must be ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40

Denomination: Nazarene

Acquired Thru Faith-5(:2a)

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Mar 12, 2024

5 of 10. The apostle Peter informs those who are faithful in Christ, that they are amply supplied for godly living. God’s people are amply supplied for godly living thru their faith. But, ?What does Christian faith acquire for God’s people? A provision of God, acquired thru faith in Jesus, is...

ACQUIRED Thru FAITH-V—2Peter 1:2a(:1-4) Attention: The FAITH of God’s people taps into the vast resources that are only available to them by God’s hand. Personal SAVING faith, that is centered in Jesus Christ as Savior & Lord, gains/acquires everything that is essential for living ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:2, 2 Peter 1:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

The Secret Self Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Dec 17, 2002

How do you get in good standing with God? Sometimes we mistake the outward signs of rightness for inward reality. In fact, the Lord urges us to examine the "secret self" and lay it bare to God and let His Son cleanse it. Are you willing?

Note: To hear an audio version of this message, go to www.LivingWatersWeb.com 2:1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Paul makes an abrupt ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:1-29

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Touching Your Family And Friends Series

Contributed by Tom Shepard on Oct 2, 2007

This is the third sermon in a series of five to help my congregation become more outward focused. It is based on the church outreach program titled - "Outflow". 1. Things you can’t do. 2. Things you can do. 3. Leave results to God.

Touching Your Family And Friends – Overflowing Outreach God wants to give us an overflowing life – an abundant life. For the last two weeks we have talked about how God wants to fill you to overflowing. In John ten – ten it says: “I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance.” ...read more

Scripture: John 10:10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Need Of The Whole World Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jun 15, 2018

Paul has shown that the heathen are lost, because even though they had the witness of both nature and conscience, they suppressed the truth God gave to them. He has shown also that the moral man is lost, because even though he put on an outward show . . .

The Need of the Whole World. Romans 3:9–20 Paul has shown that the heathen are lost, because even though they had the witness of both nature and conscience, they suppressed the truth God gave to them. He has shown also that the moral man is lost, because even though he put on an outward show of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:9-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Lord's Supper

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Oct 5, 2008

Remember as we come to the Lord’s table today we look back to remember what Jesus has done, we look inside to see what we need to do, we look outward to what we can do for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Intro: We as Baptists love to eat, we love food for baptisms, ordinations, festivals, and revivals. You name function and we love to bring food. One of the most important meals that we take part in is not about food, but about faith. It is a clear representation of what close fellowship and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-34

Denomination: Baptist

Holiness

Contributed by Chris Smith on Jul 20, 2017

It’s been debated, twisted, misunderstood, rejected and frowned upon. Man has diluted and distorted its true meaning by creating man made doctrines that place emphasis on a person’s outward appearance more than their inward being. So what is Holiness?

Holiness Colossians 3:1-17 What is Holiness? It’s been debated, twisted, misunderstood, rejected and frowned upon. Man has diluted and distorted its true meaning by creating man made doctrines that place emphasis on a person’s outward appearance more than their inward being. If you have a ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Overcome By Paying Attention To Your Heart Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Oct 22, 2021

The iconic statement is our consideration this morning: “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

Pay Attention To Your Heart 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Introduction A few years ago Forbes Magazine published an article by Ty Kiisel about how appearances impact our work lives. In the studies he looked at he noted that people who are tall are generally paid more. More, those who are blonde, who work ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God See's Different

Contributed by Jung Lee on Jan 15, 2024

In 1 Samuel 16, the Bible tells us, 'People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.' This simple line is so powerful. It reminds us that what truly matters is not how we look on the outside but what's in our hearts.

Today, I want us to think about the world around us. It's very different from the world we read about in the Bible. In our time, influenced by media and the internet, there's a big focus on looking good and staying healthy. Social media, TV, and other media often set high standards for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Rapture Ready--Living With Authentic Faith Matthew 23 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Sep 14, 2025

To be rapture ready, we must move from empty religion to authentic relationship with CHRIST. JESUS condemns hypocrisy and calls us to authentic faith expressed in humility, obedience, and servant leadership. Outward show can’t replace inward surrender. Be watchful. Be faithful. Be ready.

2025.09.14 Sermon. RAPTURE READY_LIVING WITH AUTHENTIC FAITH_WOE TO HYPOCRISY, YES TO HUMILITY Matthew 23 William Akehurst, HSWC Scripture Readings Matthew 23:1-39, 2 Timothy 3:5, James 1:22, Philippians 2:3, Luke 12:1, John 10:9, 1 Timothy 6:5, Micah 6:8, Matthew 15:8, 1 Samuel 16:7, Matthew ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-39, 2 Timothy 3:5, James 1:22, Philippians 2:3, Luke 12:1, John 10:9, 1 Timothy 6:5, Micah 6:8, Matthew 15:8, 1 Samuel 16:7, Matthew 5:20, Matthew 7:21-23, Revelation 3:1-3, 2 Peter 3:9, John 14:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, Matthew 24:44, Matthew 23:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:6, Matthew 23:39  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational