Sermons on Wrong Motives:

The Passion Of Self-Gratification Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Nov 30, 2009

God’s wisdom gives peace but the churches to which James wrote were experiencing chronic hostility & sharp confrontations. They fought, coveted, quarreled & condemned others to obtain their desires. They were dominated by self-will

JAMES 4: 1-5 THE PASSION OF SELF-GRATIFICATION [Romans 7:14-25] Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy wrote of a man who was dominated by the driving desire for self-gratification. To possess land was his highest pleasure. Someone promised him that he could own all of the land he could walk around ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Six Wrong Ways To Judge Your Life

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Aug 12, 2005

How can we be sure that we don’t settle for an evaluation of our life that ultimately won’t hold up?

Ways That We Judge Wrongly: 1. “He was a good man.” - v. 3a - “judged by you or a human court [day].” - At a funeral, the preacher may give this praise to the agreement of everyone present. That does not settle the matter though, because we as humans do not have the final judgment. - Many ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:3-5

Denomination: Baptist

The Manner Of His Preaching Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jun 11, 2018

The first section of Chapter 2 [v. 1-8] records Paul’s comments about his visit to Thessalonica. His words suggest that people outside the church were charging him with unworthy motives and improper conduct.

5/28/18 Tom Lowe Lesson 5: The Manner of His Preaching (1Th 2:1-8) Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 (NIV) 1 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 2 We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Why Bother? Series

Contributed by Darryl Klassen on Feb 15, 2007

This is the first in a series on evangelism based on Bill Hybel’s book of a similar title. What is our motivation for reaching out with the gospel of Jesus?

WHY BOTHER? Who can name the five purposes of the Church? Do you know what they are? Can you name one of the five purposes of the Church? (Worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism). To be honest, I think that after the three ships most of us start scratching our heads. A ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-7

Denomination: Mennonite

Mindset For A Ministry Of Love Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Mar 3, 2023

Pride & prejudice ruled in the Church at Corinth. Church members were using the wrong standards and motivated by pride in their relationships ot church leaders. What is the proper attitude toward spiritual leaders?

Most of you are likely familiar with the novel Pride and Prejudice and the movie that resulted from it. I don't know much about it other than that has been on my TV more than any other single movie; it's my wife's favorite movie and it probably qualifies as a chick flick. I believe ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:1-7, 1 Timothy 3:2-7, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Corinthians 10:1, 2 Corinthians 10:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Bible Church

The Final Judgment: Bringing Justice To The Wrongs Of The World Series

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Feb 24, 2002

The Great White Throne judgment will be: 1. Fair 2. Full 3. Final

The past couple of weeks we have been embroiled in controversy over accusations of bad or biased judging in the Olympics. It began with the International Skating Union’s suspension of French judge, Marie-Reine Le Gougne. This Olympic pairs figure skating judge admitted she experienced “a certain ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 20:1-15

Denomination: Methodist

War Problems, Wicked Passions And Wrong Praying

Contributed by Melvin Shelton on Jul 25, 2003

You can live your life to please God or you can live your life to please yourself.

WAR PROBLEMS, WICKED PASSIONS AND WRONG PRAYING James 4: 1 -- 12 There are two ways for a person to live his life. You can live your life to please God or you can live your life to please yourself. The Bible says that Jesus pleased not Himself. He said He always did those things that pleased ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Baptism: Where We Have Been Wrong Series

Contributed by Jeremy Houck on Apr 18, 2003

This is the Second in the series and looks at 3 errors that people have with the topic of Baptism.

Today we are going to look at the second lesson in our series on Baptism; where we have been wrong. Honestly this one to me has been a little hard. I don’t think I am any different from anyone else here today. I have a feeling or a belief because I have thought about it and it just makes sense to ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:3-4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Test: You Are At The Wrong House? Who Me?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Oct 2, 2020

Let us conderside the dangers of SELF-DOUBT. Gideon focused on the mess of his day and he refused he was a mighty man of God. Self-doubt is a terrible test that can hinder miracles.

THE TEST: YOU ARE AT THE WRONG HOUSE? WHO ME? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com Did you read about the man that told his Momma, I refuse to go to church today? You can’t make me go. The last time I went someone hurt my feelings and they are mad at me and I am mad at them. ...read more

Scripture: Judges 6:12-23, 2 Corinthians 10:12, Galatians 5:7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Disciplined Christian Living Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Aug 2, 2019

Disciplined Christian living comes naturally to mature kingdom dwellers who instinctively know right from wrong and act accordingly.

Long ago the psalmist said poetically what you and I have learned as the years have gone by: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” The Apostle John put it more succinctly than anyone: “We ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-8, Matthew 6:16-18

The Book Of Mark #60

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 30, 2022

In the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, there are over 60 references to the scribes, and over 80 references to the Pharisees.

Most of these references were made by Jesus, Himself. No doubt these people were awkward for Jesus to have to deal with. Jesus had a desire for all souls to be saved from their sins. Nevertheless, Jesus did find Himself having to rebuke the Scribes and Pharisees for the way they lived their ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-40

Denomination: Baptist

Right Or Wrong? - Once Saved, Always Saved? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 8, 2002

You cannot lose your salvation, but can you walk away from it?

OPEN: While visiting the Oregon Caves National Monument, a couple had hoped to get some rock samples -until they heard the following introduction by a cave tour guide: "I hope you enjoy our trek through the caves. I must ask you not to destroy or take any of the rock formations. Actu-ally, we have ...read more

Scripture: Romans 11:1-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

I Think I Married The Wrong Person Series

Contributed by David Mcclain on Jul 22, 2018

The bond of marriage is grounded in the covenant- not in the ideal person.

OPENING SENTENCE: Some years ago there was a popular movie whose message was that somewhere in the world is a perfect soul mate made just for you in heaven- you just have to find him/her. INTRODUCTION: The movie, called “Made in Heaven” tells the story of two people who had a few chance encounters ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

You And Who Else?

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 3, 2023

The Pharisees paid lip service to God, but were actually operating under their own power, for their own agendas, not God's. That is why they didn't really want to be told that Jesus was operating under God's authority.

“Who do you think you are? What right have you to tell me what to think?” Has anyone ever said that to you? It’s not very pleasant. But it happened to me, once. Back when I was just starting seminary. I had run into an acquaintance of mine named Nora. She was pretty vulnerable and sensitive to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:23-32

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

How The Holy Spirit Helps Us Motivate People

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

1. The Holy Spirit gives us a genuine love for people that helps bring out their best efforts.

1. The Holy Spirit gives us a genuine love for people that helps bring out their best efforts. John wrote, "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us." (I John 4:16,17) Ask the Lord to help you excel in your love for people so that ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:16-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational