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Lesson 3: The Motivation Test
John 3:25 John’s followers got into an argument with a Jewish man about a ceremony of washing.
John 3:26 They went to John and said, “Rabbi, you spoke about a man when you were with him east of the Jordan. He is now baptizing people, and everyone is going to him.“
John 3:27 John replied: No one can do anything unless God in heaven allows it.
John 3:28 You surely remember how I told you that I am not the Messiah. I am only the one sent ahead of him.
John 3:29 At a wedding the groom is the one who gets married. The best man is glad just to be there and to hear the groom’s voice. That’s why I am so glad.
John 3:30 Jesus must become more important, while I become less important.
Why do we fast, pray and sacrifice?
ARE WE SEEKING THE GLORY OF MEN HERE, ARE WE FASTING TO BE SEEN? ARE WE LIKEN UNTO THE PHARISEE?
· The Motivation Test occurs when God exposes the Christian to inner and outer forces that INFLUENCE our decision-making process.
· The Motivation Test will reveal the inner intentions, thoughts, values, and priorities that cause the type of DECISIONS we make.
· In the Motivation Test we discover whether we do something for OUR GOOD or for the GLORY OF GOD.
· The Motivation Test exposes the UNRIGHTEOUS drives that are hidden deep within our heart.
Lucifer fell because he wanted the throne of God and to be WORSHIPPED.
Korah wanted to be LEADER of the people of Israel.
Balaam wanted the RICHES of Balak
Demas loved the THINGS of this world.
Pharisees loved the praises of MEN more than the praises of God.
WE CAN DO THE RIGHT THING FOR THE WRONG REASONS.
· Paul said there were those who preached the gospel out of ENVY and RIVALRY. He goes on to say they are preaching out of selfish AMBITION. Their aim was to stir up trouble for the Apostle Paul.
· Can you imagine out of ENVY and RIVALRY they are preaching a message of peace and love?
· Why do WRONG MOTIVES occur?
A person put their own needs first…rather than the purposes of GOD.
A person put their own needs first…rather than the needs of other PEOPLE.
· They desire to be the center of ATTENTION—even at the expense of those around them.
· They have SELF-AMBITION of acquiring influence, power, or wealth.
· They have dreams becoming known or seen and admired by many.
Problems with IMPROPER MOTIVATIONS
· We MANIPULATE PEOPLE for our own advantages
· We MISTREAT PEOPLE for our own advantages
· We STEAL glory that belongs to GOD
· c. We STEAL glory that belongs to OTHERS.
· d. We ARE SELFISH in our heart and SELF-PROMOTING in our spirit
· We LIMIT our willingness to SERVE or SACRIFICE to those areas wherein it will provide us AN ADVANTAGE.
Ø PEOPLE are willing to give as long as God repays THEM for their giving.
Ø PEOPLE are willing to serve as long as people NOTICE and give ample praise.
Ø PEOPLE are willing to sacrifice as long as they find an ADVANTAGE in the sacrifice.
Ø PEOPLE are willing to worship as long as they find FULFILLMENT and BLESSING in the act.
§ Improper motives causes us to COMPROMISE values that were meant to guide us.
§ Improper motives cause us to be SEPARATED from God’s presence.
§ Improper motives cause us to be separated from God’s FAVOR.
§ Improper motives cause us to be LESS than what we could have been with God’s favor.
§ Improper motives cause us to be doomed to TEMPORARY successes that will not be seen in eternity.
§ Improper motives can cause us to be DOOMED eternally after judgment.
The advantages of a proper motivation.
§ God is glorified by our ACTIONS.
§ God’s PURPOSES are fulfilled in the earth
§ People are blessed by our ACTIONS
§ Our heart and spirit is PURE and UNTAINTED.
§ Our blessed FUTURE in God is assured.
Acceptable motives
§ I am motivated by the DESIRE TO BE PURE IN HEART
§ I am motivated by the DESIRE TO BE OBEDIENT
§ I am motivated by the DUTY OF BEING A SERVANT
§ I am motivated by the DESIRE TO GLORIFY GOD
John was glad just to hear the VOICE of the Bridegroom.
John spent his life pointing others to CHRIST
John was willing to LOSE so that Christ may gain.
John died ALONE under the mistreatment of jealousy.
John is called the greatest PROPHET by Christ
God gives us the Motivation Test to:
§ Reveal our hearts and expose improper motives
