Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, motives refer to the inner intentions or reasons behind a person's actions. The Bible places significant emphasis on the purity and righteousness of one's motives, as God is concerned not only with outward actions but also with the heart's intentions.God's Knowledge of Motives The Bible teaches that God is omniscient and discerns the thoughts and intentions of the heart. In 1 Samuel 16:7, the Lord tells Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart." This verse underscores that God evaluates individuals based on their inner motives rather than external appearances. Similarly, in Proverbs 16:2, it is written, "All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed by the LORD." This highlights the divine ability to assess the true nature of human intentions, which may be hidden from others. Purity of Motives in Worship and Service The Bible calls for sincerity and purity of motives in worship and service to God. Jesus addresses this in the Sermon on the Mount, particularly in Matthew 6:1-4, where He warns against performing righteous acts to be seen by others. "Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:1). This teaching emphasizes that acts of worship and charity should be done with the intention of honoring God, not for human recognition. Motives in Prayer The motives behind prayer are also a significant concern in Scripture. James 4:3 states, "And when you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures." This verse indicates that prayers driven by selfish desires are not aligned with God's will and are therefore ineffective. Motives and Judgment The Bible warns that God will judge individuals based on their motives. In 1 Corinthians 4:5, Paul writes, "Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God." This passage assures believers that God will ultimately reveal and judge the true intentions behind every action. Motives and Love Love is presented as the highest motive for Christian conduct. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Paul emphasizes that without love, even the most impressive actions are meaningless. "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal" (1 Corinthians 13:1). Love, as a motive, aligns with God's nature and is essential for genuine Christian living. Self-Examination of Motives Believers are encouraged to examine their motives regularly. Psalm 139:23-24 is a prayer for divine examination: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." This prayer reflects a desire for God to purify one's motives and guide them in righteousness. In summary, the Bible places a strong emphasis on the importance of motives, teaching that God is deeply concerned with the intentions of the heart. Believers are called to align their motives with God's will, ensuring that their actions are driven by love, sincerity, and a desire to honor Him. Topical Bible Verses 2 Corinthians 9:7Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver. Topicalbible.org Greek 55. hagnos -- purely, with pure motives ... purely, with pure motives. Part of Speech: Adverb Transliteration: hagnos Phonetic Spelling: (hag-noce') Short Definition: purely, sincerely Definition: purely ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/55.htm - 6k 185. akeraios -- unmixed, pure 2596. kata -- down, against, according to 2684. kataskopeo -- to view closely, spy out 2560. kakos -- badly 1505. eilikrineia -- clearness, by impl. purity, sincerity 505. anupokritos -- unhypocritical, unfeigned 1012. boule -- counsel 1261. dialogismos -- a reasoning 97. adolos -- guileless, genuine Strong's Hebrew 7307. ruach -- breath, wind, spirit... 2), breath (31), breathless* (1), cool (1), courage (1), despondency* (1), exposed (1), grief* (1), heart (1), inspired (1), mind (3), motives (1), points (1 ... /hebrew/7307.htm - 6k Library The Motives to this Oversight Motives to this Duty Motives to Holy Mourning Motives to the Oversight of the Flock Wrong Motives. Motives Inducing to Religion to be Examined... The Motives of Judas in Betraying Jesus. Secondly, the Motives by which the Christian Religion Enforces the ... The Prooemium. --Motives for Undertaking the Refutation; Exposure ... Concerning the Motives to Sin, which are not in the Love of Evil ... Thesaurus Motives (13 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Motives (13 Occurrences). ... (WEY NAS NIV). 1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done from motives of love. (WEY). ... /m/motives.htm - 10k Motive (3 Occurrences) Judas (42 Occurrences) Iscariot (11 Occurrences) Fasting (34 Occurrences) Praise (487 Occurrences) Scribes (85 Occurrences) Fast (157 Occurrences) Sermon (1 Occurrence) Place (9195 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about motives? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of “you have not because you ask not” in James 4:2? | GotQuestions.org What are some hindrances to a potent prayer life? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Motives (13 Occurrences)1 Corinthians 4:5 1 Corinthians 16:14 2 Corinthians 1:12 2 Corinthians 2:17 2 Corinthians 5:11 Galatians 4:17 Philippians 1:17 Philippians 1:18 1 Thessalonians 2:3 1 Thessalonians 2:4 James 2:4 James 4:3 Proverbs 16:2 Subtopics Related Terms |
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