Sermons on Outwardness:

Church The Body Of Christ Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Oct 20, 2012

The Council Fathers made much use of Paul's theology of the Church in writing the Dogmatic Constitution of the Church, and it points us outward to a starving world.

Monday of 29th Week in Course 2012 Vatican II Documents The occurrence of the Letter to the Ephesians in our Lectionary right at the beginning of the year of faith, in which have begun to study Lumen Gentium, is quite providential. Here in chapter 2 of the letter, St. Paul makes a subtle change ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

Denomination: Catholic

Humility Or Hypocrisy

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Oct 30, 2020

As followers of Christ Jesus, we should be more concerned about the orientation of our heart and lives than we are about outward appearances.

Humility or Hypocrisy Matthew 23: 1 - 12 Intro: A story is told of a Texas rancher who met up with a Wisconsin dairy farmer. The 2 men talked about their land & the dairy farmer told the rancher that he operated his farm on 125 acres. The Texan, not to be outdone said, “Yankee, that ain’t ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Attitude Counts

Contributed by Bruce Hadley on Mar 17, 2021

Many of us concern ourselves with the outward approach to sin, but are attitudes have not changed. Well, attitude counts tremendously in our walk with the Lord.

The other day, I was in the grocery store, and I noticed a lot of gloomy faces. I began thinking about my mother, who a year ago lost my father, her husband of over 60 years, and she seemingly has been in a funk ever since. I have tried cheering her up, but her mood stays the same. Now, I know ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 23:7, Ephesians 4:23, Nehemiah 8:10, Matthew 18:21-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

You Shall Not Covet Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 21, 2021

In the tenth commandment, God’s searchlight moves from actions to attitudes. The commandment is not against an outward act but it is aimed at a person’s intentions.

Today I want to talk to you about a problem both the rich and the poor have – the problem of coveting. Remember we have divided the Ten Commandments into two categories: The first four are commandments directly related to God Himself – You Shall No Other gods Before Me… You Shall Not Make Any ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:17, Luke 12:15, Psalm 73:25

Denomination: Baptist

James: The Quiet Disciple Lesson 3 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Sep 27, 2023

Don’t judge a person’s spirituality by their outward shy or quiet disposition. James was chosen by Jesus as one of His inner three.

A. QUIET AND OVERLOOKED 1. Why are some people quiet? a. They don’t like to talk. b. They don’t have anything to say. c. They are shy. 2. “Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before” (1 Thessalonians 4:11, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:11

Denomination: Baptist

Do You Have A Clean Conscience

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 7, 2001

To lead the people to understand that those who keep a clear conscience before God will continue to enjoy His blessings despite their outward circumstances.

Unit 11 – Hard Times Lesson 30 – Joseph, A Prisoner in Egypt – Genesis 39:21-40:23 1. Aim: To lead the people to understand that those who keep a clear conscience before God will continue to enjoy His blessings despite their outward circumstances. 2. Explanation of the Aim: When people falsely ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Self-Righteousness

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 12, 2025

Self-righteousness is the deceptive belief that one is morally superior or acceptable before God based on personal works, religious activities, or outward behaviour.

SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Luke 18:9-14 Supporting Texts: Romans 10:3, Isaiah 64:6, Philippians 3:9, Matthew 23:27-28, Proverbs 16:2 INTRODUCTION: Self-righteousness is the deceptive belief that one is morally superior or acceptable before God based on personal works, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Thoughts PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 6, 2024

This sermon explores the profound connection between our thoughts and actions, emphasizing the importance of aligning our inner thoughts with our outward deeds.

Welcome, brothers and sisters in Christ, to this blessed gathering where we come together as a family, united under the banner of our Savior's love. We are here, not by coincidence, but by divine appointment. Each one of us has been called to this place, at this time, for a purpose. And that ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 23:6-8

Topics: Thinking, Heart

Hide And Seek Series

Contributed by Tom Shepard on Sep 26, 2007

This is the second sermon in a series of five to help my congregation become more outward focused. It is based on the church outreach program titled - "Outflow".

Hide and Seek – Overflowing Outreach God wants to give us an overflowing life – an abundant life. Last week we focused in on John ten – ten where it says: “I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance.” John 10:10 (HCSB) If you recall we spoke of how the word abundance in the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:7-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Feed The Dogs Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Oct 16, 2009

Jesus is not impressed with an outward show of self-righteousness, but with an inner heart of dependence upon Him, which he found among the Gentile "dogs."

I like this thought posted by Mike Atkinson in his daily email humor list some time ago. If you can start the day without caffeine; if you can get going without pep pills; if you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains; if you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles; ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:24-37

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Come To The Celebration Series

Contributed by Tom Shepard on Sep 18, 2007

This is the first sermon in a series of five to help my congregation become more outward focused. It is based on the church outreach program titled - "Outflow".

Come To The Celebration – Overflowing Outreach We want to welcome you to our church service today. We are glad you are here! We don’t believe that you are here by accident. We believe that God has brought you here today for a purpose. Today is a special day in our church. Today is a day of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:12-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Tradition And The Tongue

Contributed by Ken Henson on Jun 27, 2012

Jesus is not interested in rules which people can point to as the outward manifestation of some arbitrary rule-driven form of righteousness. He is interested in the heart.

There are many traditions in the world. One of those traditions is to have a liturgical calendar and today, May 27 happens to be the Day of Pentecost. It is the day of the birth of the church, fifty days after the Passover. And that was the day according to Jewish tradition that Moses received ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:1-20

Denomination: *other

Peter's Vision: Breaking Down Walls Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Jan 12, 2024

Let God change the way you see people. Stop looking at outward appearances or misguided mindsets and start looking at the heart that needs Jesus.

Peter’s Vision: Breaking Down Walls Text: Acts 10:9-23 Introduction 1. Illustration: “Preacher isn't talkin' 'bout religion no more He just wants to praise the Lord People aren't as stuffy as they were before They just want to praise the Lord And it's very plain to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 10:9-23

Denomination: Methodist

Adornment Befitting A Christian

Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Jun 5, 2003

More important than attractive outward apparel is the adornment of a holy life. The incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit is very precious in the sight of God.

ADORNMENT BEFITTING A CHRISTIAN "Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wear-ing gold, or putting on fine apparel--rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." I ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:3-4

Denomination: Baptist

Lust: Just A Second Rate Playmate Series

Contributed by Michael Hollinger on Mar 18, 2007

While the passion of lust and love can feel the same, the difference is it’s ultimate direction. Love is outward-focused, lust is focused on itself

Title: Just a second rate playmate Text: 1 Cor 13:3-6 MP: While the passion of lust and love can feel the same, the difference is it’s ultimate direction. Love is outward-focused, lust is focused on itself FCF: We all want to be loved, and we have been. Outline: 1. Malcolm Muggeridge & the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Denomination: Baptist