14 Bible Verses about Motives, Examples Of

Some indeed are preaching Christ out of envy and contentiousness, but others from good-will. but the former preach Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely, because they think they are adding bitterness to my bonds. These latter out of their love, because they know that I am set here for the defense of the gospel;read more.
What of it? In any case, whether in pretence or in honest truth, Christ is still preached, and in that I am rejoicing, yes, and will rejoice.

The birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. After his mother, Mary, had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. But Joseph her husband, because he was just a man and unwilling to disgrace her, was minded to put her away secretly. And while he was having this in mind, behold! an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying.

Thereupon Herod sent secretly for the Magi, and found out from them the time when the star appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and make careful inquiry about the child, and as soon as you have found him bring me word, that I, too, may go and worship him." The Magi listened to the king, and went on their way, and lo! the star which they had seen in the east led them until it came and stood over the place where the young child was.read more.
And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with great gladness. When they had entered the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother, and opening their treasure-chests they gave him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. But because they were forbidden by God in a dream to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route. When they were gone an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying; "Rise! Take the young child and his mother and flee into Egypt, and there remain until I bring you word; for Herod intends to make a search for the child, in order to put him to death."

Then said Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, who was about to betray him, "Why was not this perfume sold for fifty dollars, and the proceeds given to the poor?" This he said not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and, carrying the purse,

For there are many individuals who are unruly, empty talkers and deceivers, particularly those of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped; for they upset whole households and, for filthy lucre's sake, teach what they ought not to teach.

"and he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I do always the things that please him."

Jesus said to them. "My food is to do the will of Him who sent me, and to accomplish his work.

"For I am come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me.

It is for this reason that the Christ, on coming into the world, declared. Sacrifice and offerings thou dost not desire, But a body didst thou prepare for me; In whole burnt offerings and sin offerings Thou hast taken no pleasure. Then I said, "I am come??n the roll of the book it is written of me??o do thy will, O God."

For my preaching was not grounded on a delusion, or on impure motives, on in deceit. But as my fitness to be entrusted with the gospel has been tested and approved by God, I so speak, not to please men, but to please God, who is testing my motives. For as you well know, I never resorted to flattery, nor to any pretext for enriching myself. God is my witness!read more.
Now was I seeking glory from men, either yourselves or others, although I might have exercised authority as Christ's apostle.

I am; for I am not like most, trafficking in the word of God, but rather from a sincere heart, like a man of God, I speak in Christ, in the very presence of God.

And for this reason I also make it home with the Lord. For we must all be made manifest, in our true characters, before the Judgment-seat of Christ; so that each one may receive according to that which he has done in his body, whether good or evil. So, because I know the fear of God, I "persuade men." What I am is manifest to God, and I hope manifest also to your conscience.read more.
I am not "commending myself to you again," but I am giving you an occasion of boasting on my behalf, so that you may have an answer ready for those who boast in externals, and not in the heart.

Notwithstanding, you have acted nobly in making yourselves comrades in my trouble. And you very well know, Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I had left Macedonia, no church but yourselves had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving. For even while I was still in Thessalonica, you sent once and again for my needs.read more.
It is not your gifts I am eager for, but I am eager for the abundant profit that accrues to your divine account. But I give you a receipt in full for all things abound. I am amply supplied with what you sent by Epaphroditus??n odor of sweet fragrance, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.

But now, if life in the flesh, if this be the fruit of my toil??hat to choose I do not know, but am in a quandary between the two. I am perplexed. I have a strong desire to break camp and to be with Christ, which is far better; but for your sakes it is more necessary that I should still live on in the body.read more.
And because I am convinced of this, I know that I shall live, and go on working side by side with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that you may find me fresh cause of exultation in Christ Jesus, because of my presence among you once more.