The World’s Motives - 1 John 3:11-13
INTRODUCTION
It does not take long to learn that the actions of natural men are guided by self-serving motives. Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit because of the perceived benefits they would receive (Genesis 3:6). It was likewise a self-serving motive that drove Cain to kill his brother Abel (Genesis 4:3-8; 1 John 3:11-13). Even when God meted out Cain’s judgment, Cain selfishly said, "My punishment is greater than I can bear" (Genesis 4:13). This is all the world knows: self-preservation and self-promotion. This puts the world at the polar opposite of God who gave His Son so that His enemies (Romans 5:10) could have eternal life.
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
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(For smaller children) Judas became angry when Mary anointed Jesus with costly ointment. His motive for anger was supposedly that he cared for the poor, but the Bible tells us differently (John 12:1-6). Absalom had a deceitful motive for being friendly to the people of his father's kingdom (2 Samuel 15:1-6, 10).
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What are some evil deeds found within the Bible? What are the motives behind those actions? What foundational premise exists in every one of these incidents?
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Have you trusted Christ as Saviour? Do you ever find that your motives for serving Him actually match up with the worlds motives for doing wrong?
PRAYER NEEDS
- Ask God to help you consider the nature of your motives.
- Thank the Lord for the pure motives behind His works.
HYMN
At Calvary
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