Christ-Like Attitudes

It is Scriptural to follow in Jesus Christ’s footsteps:
1 Jn 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

God’s desire is that we be conformed to Jesus Christ’s image:
Ro 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

We will be looking at the attitudes exemplified by Jesus that God wants to develop in our lives:

1) Servant-hood
Mt 20:26-28, But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Luke 22:27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

Jn 13:14-15, If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
1) Jesus Did Not Only Serve When It Was Convenient
2) Jesus Did Not Only Serve Those That Agreed With Him
vs. 5, He even washed Judas’ feet (the one that would betray Him)
vs. 6-9, He washed Peter’s feet (the one who would deny Him)
vs. 8, He washed the reluctant (“thou shalt never”)
3) Jesus Did Not Care About Appearances

Php 2:3-8, Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Mt 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
Ga 5:13, For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Ga 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
I Jn 3:17-18, But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

2) Meekness
– an inwrought grace, a temper of spirit in which we accept God’s dealings with us as good, therefore without disputing or resisting
– opposite of self-interest and self-assertiveness

Mt 11:28-30, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
2 Co 10:1, Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

Ga 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law
Ep 4:1-2, I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness
Col 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Ti 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

Should govern how we approach fallen Christians:
Ga 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Should govern how we interact with the lost:
II Ti 2:24-25, And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Should govern how we accept the Word:
Jas 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

Should govern how we share our wisdom:
Jas 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

3) Gentleness/Tenderness
God and Christ are our example of gentleness and tenderness:
2Co 10:1, Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
Isa 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Jas 5:11, Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
Jas 3:17, God’s Wisdom: But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Gentleness is one of the fruit of the Spirit:
Ga 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Gentleness should affect our interaction with all people:
2Ti 2:24, And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
Pr 19:11, The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

Gentleness should also affect our speech:
Pr 15:1, A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Gentleness is the opposite of speaking evil and brawling (picking a fight):
Ti 3:1-2, Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

The Tenderhearted should be forgiving and kind:
Eph 4:32, And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Gentleness is synonymous with kindness:
Col 3:12, Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness (same Greek word as gentle), humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Gentleness is synonymous with moderation:
Php 4:5 Let your moderation (same Greek word as gentle) be known unto all men.

4) humility/lowliness
Jesus Christ is our example:
Mt 11:29, Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Php 2:3-8, Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves…he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Pride began with Satan and is part of the world:
Is 14:12-14, began with Satan
I Jn 2:16, the “pride of life” part of the world’s sins

God hates pride:
Pr 6:16-17, These six things doth the LORD hate…A proud look
Pr 16:5, Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
Pr 21:4, a proud heart…is sin

Pride will lead to trouble:
Pr 13:10, Only by pride cometh contention
Pr 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Pr 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
Pr 28:25, He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife
Pr 29:23 A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
Mt 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
I Co 10:12, Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

We’re commanded to be humble:
Eph 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Col 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Humility brings honour and blessings from the LORD:
Pr 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Pr 16:19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Pr 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
Pr 22:4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
Pr 29:23 A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
Mt 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Mt 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
1Pe 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

5) Forgiveness
The example of Jesus
Lk 23:34, Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.
Co 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
– complete, forever, unlimited, doesn’t bring up again

Mt 18:21-35, parable given to show the forgiveness of Christ we are to emulate
Mt 18:21-22, Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Lk 17:3-4, Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
– separate from feelings
Mt 6:14-15; Mk 11:25-26, if we won’t forgive, neither will He

Replace with a new relationship:
Ro 12:19-20, Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Mt 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you
I Pe 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

6) Forbearance
God as our example (this word means toleration):
See Jonah 4:11
Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Romans 10:21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

Jesus as our example:
See He 12:2-3

We’re to be forbearing of each other:
1Co 13:7 Beareth all things,
Eph 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Col 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
See Mt 5:39-41

We are to forbear suffering
1 Corinthians 4:12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it (same word as forbearance)
1 Co 9:12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
Hebrews 11:27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
1 Peter 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

We are to forbear (endure) tribulations and persecutions
1 Corinthians 6:7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?
2 Thessalonians 1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure (same word as forbearance)
2 Timothy 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
James 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
See I Pe 2:19-23

7) unselfishness
2Co 8:9, For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
Ro 15:1-3, We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
Mt 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Paul: Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

We’re Not To Please Ourselves First, But Put God First:
Mt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Luke 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
2 Corinthians 8:5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

We’re To Be Content With What We Have:
I Ti 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
He 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

We’re Not To Please Ourselves First, But Put Others First:
2 Timothy 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves

Ro 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
1Co 10:24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.
1Co 10:33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
1Co 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Ep 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Php 2:3-4, Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
1Ti 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
1Jo 3:17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

8) Compassion/Mercy
Compassion of Jesus:
Mt 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
Mt 14:14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.
Mt 15:32 Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.
Mt 20:34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
Mk 1:41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.
Lk 7:13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
Jn 11:33, 35 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, …Jesus wept.

God’s compassion/mercy is our example:
Lu 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Mt 18:23-33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
Luke 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

Compassion leads us to be pitiful and courteous:
1Pe 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

Compassion leads us to meet needs:
Pr 19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
Lk 10:33-34 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him. And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
1Jo 3:17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

Compassion helps us to relate to others’ problems:
Ro 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Heb 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

Compassion leads us to witness (meet the greatest need):
Jude 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

9) Submission
Subjection of Christ:
Matthew 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
Jn 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Hebrews 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

Rebellion is as witchcraft and vexes the holy Spirit:
1Sa 15:22-23, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.”
Isa 63:10, “But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.

We Are To Submit To God and His Word:
Heb 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
Jas 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Jas 4:7, Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

We Are To Submit To Our God-Given Authority:
Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Ephesians 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
1 Timothy 3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
1 Pe 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

10)kindness
The kindness of Christ – everywhere He went He displayed it
Mt 4:23-24, And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
Ac 10:38, How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

God is our example of kindness:
– Ps 117:2, For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth – – –
Ps 119:76, Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
– Isaiah 54:8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.
– Isaiah 54:10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.
– Lu 6:35, But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
– Eph 2:7, That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
– Ti 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

We’re to be kind:
Proverbs 19:22 The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.
1Co 13:4, Charity suffereth long, and is kind
Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Co 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
II Pe 1:5-7, And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness

Kindness extends even to enemies:
– Lu 6:35, But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

11) prayerfulness
Jesus Christ was a man of prayer:
Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
Mark 6:46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
Lu 6:12, And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Jn 17:1-26

We’re commanded to pray:
Lk 18:1, always
I Thes 5:17, without ceasing
I Tim 2:8, everywhere

God wants to answer our prayers:
– Ps 65:2, He hears them
– Pr 15:8, delights in them
– Ps 81:10, tells us to open mouth wide

Elements of Prayer:
1. Communion – Godward Mt 6:9-10 (It is a relationship)
Praise Act 16:25
Adoration/Worship (recognizing God’s power)
Thanksgiving Phil 4:6; Col 4:2
Confession I Jn 1:9

2. Intercession – Outward (for others) Mt 6:12; Jas 5:16; I Tim 2:1
Christians Eph 6:18
Unsaved (known and the world) Mt 9:37-38

3. Petition – Inward Mt 6:11 (based upon promises)
Material, be specific, Jas 4:2
Spiritual Jas 1:5

Example Prayers
– Jesus Jn 17:1-26
– David II Sam 7:18-29
– Hezekiah II King 19:14-19
– Nehemiah 1:4-11
– Moses Ex 32:7-14

How We’re to pray:
Humbly II Chr 7:14
Reverently Ps 51:17 In the fear of God Ps 145:19
Specifically Jas 4:2 Without repetitions Mt 6:7
Privately Mt 6:6
Obediently I Jn 3:22; Prov 15:8, 29; I Pet 3:12;
Jas 5:16 Delighting in Him Ps 37:4
In faith Mt 21:22; Heb 11:6; Jas 1:6-7; Mt 7:7-11;
Mk 11:23-24; 9:23; I Tim 2:8 (claiming promises)
Honestly Ps 145:18
In Jesus’ name Jn 14:13-14; 15:16; 16:23-26
According to His will I Jn 5:14
Abiding in Him Jn 15:7 In the Spirit Eph 6:18

What Prayer Can Do For Us:
Keep us cleansed of sin I Jn 1:9; Ps 66:18
Give deliverance from temptation Mt 6:13; 26:41
Strengthen our faith Mt 7:7; Heb 11:6
Make us more like Christ Jn 15:7 Give power
Make God more Lord of our lives by consulting him about decisions Jas 1:5; Rom 12:1-2
Avoid worry Phil 4:6-7; Mt 11:28
Give grace to help in time of need Heb 4:16
Give joy Ps 16:11

Hindrances to Answered Prayer:
1. Unconfessed Sin Ps 66:18; Prov 28:13; I Jn 1:9
2. Unforgiveness/Unrighted wrongs Mt 5:23-24; Mk 11:25
3. Covetousness/Selfishness (idols) Mal 3:9; Jas 4:3; I Jn 5:14
4. Rebellion to the Word (sin) Prov 15:8; Is 59:1-2; I Jn 3:22
5. Indifference to the Bible Prov 28:9
6. Wrong Husband/Wife relationship I Pet 3:7
7. Unbelieving Jas 1:6-7; Heb 11:6; Mt 21:22
8. Don’t Ask Jas 4:2

Prayerlessness is a sin:
– I Sa 12:23, “God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray”
1) it is disobedience, I Th 5:17; Lu 18:1
2) proves our laziness, Mt 26:40-41
– Neglect corporate prayer (prayer meeting, most important service)
– Ac 1:14; 12:5,12
3) neglect of prayer leads to sin, Mt 26:41
4) shows a lack of enjoyment of the Lord, Mt 15:8
5) proves our unbelief, Mt 7:7; He 11:6 (diligently)
We reap what we sow – little prayer, few answers and blessings

Suggestions:
1) confess your prayerlessness as a sin to God
2) give God some time every morning
3) attend the church prayer meeting service to pray one for another
4) pray about each thing as it comes up, don’t save it
5) pray through every burden until it is resolved, don’t stop

12) love
The Love of Jesus:
Jn 11:5, Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
Jn 11:35-36, Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!
Jn 13:1, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
Jn 15:9, As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
Ro 8:35, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Ga 2:20, I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Eph 5:2, And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Ep 5:25, Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it
Re 1:5, Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

Jesus’ new commandment (love one another as He loved):
John 13:34-35, A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Jn 15:12-13, This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

God is the source of true love:
Ga 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love
I John 4:7-11, Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

Love is an evidence of salvation:
1 John 3:14, We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
1 John 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
1 John 5:1, Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

Love is the fulfilment of the law:
Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies

Love never fails:
Proverbs 17:17, A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
I Co 13:4-7, Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
1Co 13:8, Charity never faileth

Love is to be without deceit or fear:
Romans 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation
1 Timothy 1:5, Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Love is action and motivates sacrifice
Jn 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Romans 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
2 Th 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace
1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

We love God through action:
John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Jn 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
John 14:24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.
I Jn 5:3, For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
II Jn 5-6, And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. 6, And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

If We Obey God, We Love God

If We Treat Others Biblically, We Love Others

13) commitment/zeal
Commitment of Jesus Christ:
Lk 2:49, And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
Lk 4:43, And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
Lk 9:51, And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem
Lk 12:50, But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
Jn 2:14-17, drove out moneychangers from temple
Jn 4:34, Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
Jn 9:4, I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

Commitment of Paul:
Ac 9:6, And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?
Acts 20:24
Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
Php 3:7-8, what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss

We’re to be fervent and stedfast:
Ro 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
I Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
2Co 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
Co 2:5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
Ti 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Jude 3

We’re to do our best for Him:
Ecc 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
Lu 17:10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
Co 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

We’re to forsake all for Him:
Lu 14:33, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
II Co 8:3, 5, For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

14) Concern for the lost
Jesus:
Mt 4:19, follow me and I will make you fishers of men
Mt 9:36-38
Lk 15:4-6
Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
John 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

Paul:
Acts 17:16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.
Acts 20:26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
Ro 1:14-15, I am a debtor
1Co 9:19-22
1Co 10:33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

We must have concern for the lost:”The measure of Christ’s importance to us is the extent to which we will go to make Him known to others”
– things important to us we are always willing to talk about
– are the lost important enough to pray for, to pray for our missionaries?

Mt 28:19-20, go ye therefore
Mk 16:15, go ye into all the world
Lu 14:23, go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in
Jn 4:35, look on the fields, they are white already
Jn 20:21, even so send I you
Ro 10:14, how shall they hear without a preacher?
II Co 5:11, We persuade men, knowing the terror of the Lord.
I Co 9:14, 16
II Ti 2:24-26, Preach to recover them from Satan
II Pe 3:9, Lord willing that all should be saved

Not witnessing is not believing in Hell
Lu 16:28, the rich man was a soul winner after seeing hell, we need to see hell
Re 20:15, whosoever not found in book of life cast into lake of fire

Getting concerned for the lost will make us better Christians
– will make us pray more for power/boldness, Je 1:8; Ac 4:29; II Ti 1:7-8
– will make us pray for the lost, Mt 9:38
– will make us know the Bible as our knowledge is tested, Pr 11:30; Mt 28:19-20; II Co 5:20
– will motivate us to separate from sin (our testimony must back up preaching),
– Ps 51:12-13; I Co 9:19-22; Php 2:14-16; I Pe 3:15
– will give us a tender heart as we meet lost people where they are, Ps 126:5-6; II Ti 2:24-26
– will keep us in contact with the Holy Ghost as we rely on Him for witnessing, Ac 1:8
– will keep our focus outward, rather than inward, Jn 4:35; Ro 1:14-15