14 Bible Verses about Motives, Examples Of

Some indeed through envy and strife, and some through good will, are preaching Christ: the latter from divine love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel: the former from self-seeking are proclaiming Christ insincerely, thinking that they will add affliction to my bonds.read more.
For what is it? moreover that in every place, whether in pretext or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and I rejoice in this, yes, and I will rejoice.

The birth of Jesus Christ was thus: His mother Mary, having been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, was found having gestation from the Holy Ghost. And Joseph her husband, being righteous and not wishing to expose her publicly, determined to send her away secretly. And he meditating on these things, behold an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying; Joseph, son of David, do not fear to receive Mary thy wife; for that which is begotten in her is of the Holy Spirit;

Then Herod secretly calling the wise men, inquired with them the time of the appearing of the star, and sending them to Bethlehem he said; Having gone search diligently for the young child; and when you may find Him, notify me, in order that I, having gone, may worship Him also. And hearing the king they departed, and, behold, the star which they saw in the east went before them, until having come, it stood above where the young child was.read more.
And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And having come into the house they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and having fallen down they worshiped Him, and opening their treasures they offered Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed into their own country by another way. And they having gone away, behold, the angel of the Lord appears in a dream to Joseph, saying; Having arisen, take the young child and His mother, and fly into Egypt; and be thou there until I may speak to thee; for Herod is about to seek the young child in order to destroy Him.

Then Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, the one about to betray Him, says: Why was not this myrrh sold for three hundred denaria, and given to the poor? And He spoke this, not because there was a care to him for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the purse, and was carrying those things cast in.

For many are incorrigible, speaking vain things and egotistical, especially those from the circumcision, whose mouths it is necessary to stop; who overturn whole families, teaching those things which it does not behoove, for the sake of disgraceful gain.

Truly the One having sent me is with me; He has not left me alone; because I always do those things which are pleasing to Him.

Jesus says to them, My food is that I may do the will of Him that sent me, and finish His work.

Because I have come down from heaven, not that I may do my own will, but the will of Him that sent me.

Therefore, coming into the world, he says; Sacrifice an offering thou willest not, but thou hast perfected for me a body: whole burnt offerings and offerings for sins thou wast not pleased with: then I said, Lo, I come in the volume of the Book it has been written of me to do thy will, O God.

For our exhortation was not from delusion, nor from impurity, nor in guile: but as we were approved of God that the gospel should be intrusted unto us, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God who is proving our hearts, For at that time we were not in word of flattery, as you know, nor in a pretext of covetousness, God is our witness;read more.
nor seeking glory from men, nor from you, nor from others, being able to be burdensome, as the apostles of Christ;

For we are not as many, corrupting the word of God: but as of purity, but as from God, we speak in Christ, in the presence of God.

Therefore we are truly ambitious, whether being present or absent, to be well pleasing unto him. For it behooves us all to appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, in order that each one may receive according to those things which he has done through the body, whether good or evil. Therefore knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men; but we have been made manifest unto God; and I hope that we have indeed been made manifest in your consciences.read more.
We are not commending ourselves to you, but giving you occasion of boasting in our behalf, in order that you may have response to those who glory in appearance, and not in heart.

Moreover you did beautifully, communicating with my tribulation. And you indeed know, O Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I came out from Macedonia, no church communicated with me in the word of giving and receiving, except you alone; because also in Thessalonica both once and twice you sent to my need.read more.
Not that I seek a gift; but I seek fruit abounding to your credit. But I have all things, and I abound: I am full, having received from Epaphroditus those things from you, an odor of a sweet savor, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.

But if to live in the flesh, this shall be to me the fruit of the work, indeed I know not what I shall ask. But I am in a strait between two, having a desire to depart and to be with Christ; for this is far better: but to remain in the flesh is safer on account of you.read more.
And having confidence in this, I know that I shall abide with you all, unto your promotion and the joy of your faith; in order that your rejoicing in Christ Jesus may abound in me through my coming again unto you.