Qualities of a pure heart 3 Honesty A

Qualities of a pure heart - 3

Honesty A quality of integrity, but worthy of some more consideration v Honesty, “Fairness or straightforwardness of conduct, adherence to the facts”. v One who is absolutely truthful and can be fully trusted. v

Honesty v We must be truthful Eph. 4: 25, Rev. 21: 8

Honesty Examining and applying God’s word! v 2 Tim. 2: 15, “rightly dividing the word of truth” v Cf. 2 Pet. 3: 16 v IF we want to please God we must be brutally honest in our studies!

Honesty Dealing with others v Matt. 5: 13 -16, our example v 2 Cor. 8: 21, “Honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but in the sight of men. ” v See Matt. 5: 37

Honesty Making judgments v Matt. 7: 1 -5, be careful in judging. v BUT, see vs. 6, John 7: 24 v Addressing prejudice, ignorant conclusions, assuming the worst, etc.

Honesty Don’t lie to yourself! v A big problem to consider! v An increasingly popular tactic – redefining terms, etc. cf. Matt. 15: 3 -6

Self-Control Describes one who has mastered his desires and actions. v Rather than being ruled by his emotions and desires, he controls them. v Self-discipline, temperance, moderation, sobriety, etc. v

Self-Control Needed in all that we do! v Every sin involves our level of self-control. Broken homes, relationships, neglected responsibilities, mediocrity. v Personal disasters – addictions, poor health, tongue control, disorderliness, etc. v

Self-Control Also vital to a pure heart! v It will determine our spiritual growth, how we use our time, how we handle conflict, etc. . v No self-control – poor Bible study and prayer habits, poor attendance and tardiness, problems with brethren, attitude toward worship, etc. v

Self-Control James 3: 2, start with the tongue! Master that and you can master all. v 2 Pet. 1: 6 – after “knowledge” in our pattern of growth v Galatians 5: 23 – a “fruit of the Spirit” v

Self-Control A quality of leaders in the church v 1 Tim. 3: 2 - Elders 1 Tim. 3: 8 -13 – Deacons; 1 Tim. 4: 12 -16 – preachers, 1 Tim. 3: 11 – wives of leaders v

Self-Control Titus 2: 1 -10 – A quality for all ages and groups v 1 Cor. 9: 25 -27 – both athletes and Paul! v Acts 24: 25 – Paul before Felix v

Self-Control Proverbs 25: 28, “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls. ” v Proverbs 16: 32, “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. ” v

Self-Control We MUST control our lives. Too many today fail to take responsibility! v Don’t let someone else determine your eternal destiny! Rom. 10: 12, 14 v Can you turn to your brethren for help? Jas. 5: 16, 1 Thess. 5: 14 v

Self-Control HOW does one learn selfcontrol? v It is a determined mindset! You have to make up your mind! v Take an honest spiritual inventory of your life 2 Cor. 13: 5 v

Self-Control Realize the consequences of your decisions. Both good and bad! Luke 9: 23 v Purify your heart – James 4: 8 v

Self-Control Make yourself do what you need to do! Cf. 1 Cor. 9: 25 -27 v Deal with your distractions – don’t worry Matt. 6: 25 -33 v

Self-Control Pray for wisdom and strength Jas. 1: 5 -7, 1 Pet. 5: 6 -7 v Know what your ultimate goal is – Heb. 12: 1 -2, Phil. 3: 12 -14 v

Are you controlling what develops your heart?