14 Bible Verses about Motives, Examples Of

Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from good will. They who are of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel; but they who are of a factious spirit preach Christ with no pure intent, thinking to stir up affliction to my bonds.read more.
What then? Notwithstanding, in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is preached; and therein do I rejoice, yea, and shall rejoice.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was in this manner. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being righteous, and not willing to expose her to shame, purposed to put her away privately. But while he thought on these things, lo! an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, fear not to take to thee Mary thy wife; for that which is conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit.

Then Herod, having privately called the magians ascertained from them exactly the time when the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search carefully for the child; and when ye have found him, bring me word, that I also may go and do him homage. When they had heard the king, they departed. And lo! the star, which they had seen in the East, went before them, till it came and stood over where the child was.read more.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy; and when they had come into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and did homage to him; and opening their treasures, they presented him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country another way. And when they had gone, lo! an angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and remain there until I speak to thee; for Herod will seek the child, to destroy him.

But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, he who was about to betray him, saith, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred denaries, and given to the poor? And this he said, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and kept the purse, and bore what was put therein.

For there are many unruly vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision; whose mouths must be stopped, since they overturn whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of base gain.

And he that sent me is with me; he hath not left me alone, for I always do the things that please him.

Jesus saith to them, My food is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him that sent me.

Wherefore, when he cometh into the world, he saith: "Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body didst thou prepare for me; in whole burntofferings and sacrifices for sin thou hadst no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I have comein the volume of the book it is written of meto do thy will, O God."

For our teaching is not from error, nor from impurity, nor in guile; but as we have been regarded by God as worthy to be intrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God, who trieth our hearts. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness, God is witness;read more.
nor from men sought we glory, either from you, or from others; though we might have used authority as apostles of Christ.

For we are not as the many, who adulterate the word of God; but as from sincerity, but as from God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.

Wherefore we also strive that, whether at home or absent, we may be approved by him. For we must all be made manifest before the judgmentseat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in his body, according to what he did, whether good or bad. Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men; but to God we have been made manifest, and I hope have been made manifest in your consciences also.read more.
For we are not again commending ourselves to you, but giving you occasion to glory on our behalf; that ye may have somewhat to answer those who glory in outward appearance, and not in heart.

Notwithstanding, ye did well in sharing with me in my distress. And ye yourselves also know, Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I went forth from Macedonia, no church communicated with me in an account of giving and receiving, but ye only; for even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again to my necessity.read more.
Not that I seek for such a gift, but I do seek for fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound; I am full, having received from Epaphroditus what was sent from you, a sweet odor, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

But if to live in the flesh, if this is to me the fruit of my labor, then what I should choose, I cannot say; but I am held in a strait by the two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; for it is far better; but to abide in the flesh is more needful for your sake.read more.
And being persuaded of this, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your advancement and joy in your faith, that your glorying in me, in the cause of Christ Jesus, may be more abundant by my coming to you again.