Sermons on The Outward Appearance:

The Unfading Beauty Of A Gentle And Quiet Spirit. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on May 2, 2024

In a world that often prioritizes external beauty and outward appearances, it’s easy to forget what truly matters to God.

In a world that often prioritizes external beauty and outward appearances, it’s easy to forget what truly matters to God. But as 1 Peter 3:4 reminds us, it’s the inner beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit that is precious to God. We’ll explore what the Bible says about this unfading beauty and how ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:4, Ephesians 5:22, John 14:15, 1 Peter 3:4

Sheep Or Goats

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Nov 22, 2014

We judge people by their outward appearance. God judges us by what we have done for "the least of these.l"

Sheep or Goat – Matthew 25:31-46 Intro: Raise your hand if you would: Like to loose 20 pounds. Like to be taller? Like to be seen as a prize Persian when you are really an old alley cat. Perhaps you know someone who thinks they are a prize poodle when they are really just a mangy ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

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

"Watch Them Dawgs" Series

Contributed by Ken Harris on Jan 29, 2006

The purpose of this sermon is to motivate the hearers to WATCH-OUT and AVOID churches and religious leaders who are only concern about their outward appearance.

1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV) 29 January 2006 U.S. Army Chaplain (MAJ) Ken Harris CP Walker Multicultural Gospel Service Taegu, South Korea BIG IDEA: Churches and religious leaders who are only concern about how believers “outwardly look” should be avoided. REFERENCES: 1 Sam 13:14 – KJV (But now thy ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:2

Denomination: Pentecostal

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

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

When C Is Not Average PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 30, 2025

God sees and values our hearts over outward appearances, choosing and loving the overlooked and ordinary to accomplish extraordinary purposes through His grace.

Maybe you walked in today carrying the sting of being overlooked. You’ve watched others get the nod, the promotion, the platform, while you’ve kept the sheep, cleaned the messes, showed up in quiet faithfulness where no one was clapping. If that’s you, take heart. Our God loves to surprise us. He ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Topics: God's Choice, Divine Selection

Overcoming False Humility And False Change Of Heart Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Dec 10, 2024

In this sermon, we will explore the biblical teachings on this topic, examining the characteristics of false humility and false change of heart, and providing guidance on how to overcome these counterfeit spiritual experiences.

As believers, we are often encouraged to cultivate humility and to seek a change of heart. However, the Bible warns us about the dangers of false humility and false change of heart. In this sermon, we will explore the biblical teachings on this topic, examining the characteristics of false humility ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:5

Our Approaches To Truth And Sin

Contributed by Dr. Madana Kumar, Phd on May 29, 2008

People should not be judged by their outward appearances. It is our approaches to sin and truth that make a difference in how we impact others. John teaches us some things in this

Our approach to Sin 1 John 1: 5-10 5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:5-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Appearances Can Be Deceiving Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jun 7, 2009

God doesn’t judge from ouward appearance... but too often we do. What can we do to avoid that tendency?

OPEN: How many of you have ever watched “American Idol”? (Nearly ½ the congregation raised their hands). Ok, how many of you have ever seen “Britain’s Got Talent.”? (A few hand went up) That’s understandable since “Britain’s Got Talent” is aired in Britain. It’s the English cousin of our “American ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Do Not Judge By Appearance

Contributed by James Dina on May 29, 2021

Learn to judge men, by the things that are not seen in their nature but seen in their fruits (Matthew 7:20), and also by their graces and spiritual glory. Judge them by their patience, meekness, holiness and uprightness.

DO NOT JUDGE BY APPEARANCE "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." (John 7:24) A change in our outward condition causes many people to change their opinions concerning us. While Job did swim in the full streams of riches and honor, many respected him; but ...read more

Scripture: John 7:24

Denomination: Pentecostal

Trusting In The Lord Series

Contributed by Rich Anderson on Feb 16, 2011

Trust in the Lord. Inward trust and faith, outward obedience. If we truly put our trust in the Lord, giving up relying on our own intellect, than our outward appearance should reflect this faith and trust.

In Proverbs chapter 3, verses 1-10, Solomon teaches us about wisdom. My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-10

Denomination: Christian Church

Upward And Outward

Contributed by Daryl Bahn on Oct 5, 2001

The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C; The people of the world live lives that are DOWNWARD and INWARD. As God’s people, redeemed by Jesus’ blood and righteousness, we can live our lives UPWARD and OUTWARD.

Imagine a ship at sea. The clouds are dark, the wind is strong, and the waves are rough. Is the ship in danger? It all depends on direction—which way it is headed. If it is going toward the harbor, it’s safe. If it is pointed toward the rocks, it’s in trouble! Life is like that. Two identical ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran

The Danger Of Hypocrisy

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jan 29, 2025

Hypocrisy is the act of pretending to be something one is not, especially in matters of faith and morality. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, exposing their focus on outward appearances while neglecting inner purity.

Title: THE DANGER OF HYPOCRISY By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Matthew 23:25-28 Supporting Texts: Luke 12:1-2, 1 Samuel 16:7, Proverbs 26:24-26, Galatians 6:7-8, James 1:22-24 INTRODUCTION: Hypocrisy is the act of pretending to be something one is not, especially in matters of faith and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:25-28, Luke 12:1-2, 1 Samuel 16:7, Proverbs 26:24-26, Galatians 6:7-8, James 1:22-24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Appearances Can Be Deceiving

Contributed by Timm Meyer on Sep 11, 2007

Pentecost 12(A) - Appearances can be and often are deceiving. Our Almighty God comes as a gentle Savior and his believers go out with this power of the Lord.

APPEARANCES CAN BE DECEIVING (Outline) August 19, 2007 - PENTECOST 12 - 1 Kings 19:9b-18 * * * * * * * * * INTRO: Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? That is the question that haunts every living being. Thankfully, you and I are not able to look ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:9-18

Denomination: Lutheran