Qualities of a pure heart - 3

Honesty A quality of integrity, but worthy

of some more consideration Honesty, “Fairness or

straightforwardness of conduct, adherence to the facts”.

One who is absolutely truthful and can be fully trusted.

HonestyWe must be truthfulEph. 4:25, Rev. 21:8

HonestyExamining and applying God’s

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

HonestyDealing with others

Matt. 5:13-16, our example2 Cor. 8:21, “Honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but in the sight of men.”See Matt. 5:37

HonestyMaking judgments

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

Honesty

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

Self-Control Describes one who has mastered

his desires and actions. Rather than being ruled by his

emotions and desires, he controls them.

Self-discipline, temperance, moderation, sobriety, etc.

Self-Control Needed in all that we do! Every sin involves our level of

self-control. Broken homes, relationships, neglected responsibilities, mediocrity.

Personal disasters – addictions, poor health, tongue control, disorderliness, etc.

Self-Control Also vital to a pure heart! It will determine our spiritual

growth, how we use our time, how we handle conflict, etc..

No self-control – poor Bible study and prayer habits, poor attendance and tardiness, problems with brethren, attitude toward worship, etc.

Self-Control James 3:2, start with the

tongue! Master that and you can master all.

2 Pet. 1:6 – after “knowledge” in our pattern of growth

Galatians 5:23 – a “fruit of the Spirit”

Self-ControlA quality of leaders in the

church 1 Tim. 3:2 - Elders1 Tim. 3:8-13 – Deacons; 1 Tim. 4:12-16 – preachers, 1 Tim. 3:11 – wives of leaders

Self-ControlTitus 2:1-10 – A quality for

all ages and groups 1 Cor. 9:25-27 – both

athletes and Paul!Acts 24:25 – Paul before

Felix

Self-ControlProverbs 25:28, “Whoever

has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.”

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.”

Self-Control We MUST control our lives.

Too many today fail to take responsibility!

Don’t let someone else determine your eternal destiny! Rom. 10:12, 14

Can you turn to your brethren for help? Jas. 5:16, 1 Thess. 5:14

Self-Control HOW does one learn self-

control? It is a determined mindset! You

have to make up your mind! Take an honest spiritual inventory

of your life 2 Cor. 13:5

Self-Control Realize the consequences of

your decisions. Both good and bad! Luke 9:23

Purify your heart – James 4:8

Self-Control Make yourself do what you

need to do! Cf. 1 Cor. 9:25-27

Deal with your distractions – don’t worry Matt. 6:25-33

Self-Control Pray for wisdom and strength Jas. 1:5-7, 1 Pet. 5:6-7

Know what your ultimate goal is – Heb. 12:1-2, Phil. 3:12-14

Are you controlling what develops your

heart?