Discerning Your Motives - Matthew 6:16-18
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INTRODUCTION
In every way possible, the Lord calls His people to be different from the world. Any Bible student can readily demonstrate that those of the world do what they do in order to promote and preserve themselves. Unfortunately, the same holds true for Christians who are not walking with the Lord as they should. Both the saved and the lost can do good things which appear spiritual such as praying, fasting, witnessing, going to church, giving financially, and reading the Bible. However, it is the motive that counts—whether fleshly or godly. It is imperative that each believer not only do what is right, but also examine himself to make sure that he is doing what is right for the right reasons. He should pray, fast, witness, give, and attend church for the glory and pleasure of God.
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
- (For children): God wants you to be able to tell if what you do for Him is for the right reason. We need to invite God and His word to examine us (Psalm 26:2Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
See All...; Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
See All...), and we need to examine ourselves for this very reason (Lamentations 3:40Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.
See All...; 2 Corinthians 13:5Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
See All...a). - (For everyone): Do you pray? If so, why? Do you read your Bible? If so, why? Do you attend church? If so, why? Do you give financially to the work of God? If so, why? However, if you do not do these things, why not?
- Why is it crucial that you not only examine your works, but also the motives behind your works?
PRAYER NEEDS
- Ask God to show you the true nature of your motives.
- Ask the Lord to give you a willing heart to fix your motives.
HYMN
SEARCH ME, O GOD
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