14 Bible Verses about Motives, Examples Of

Some, indeed, preach Christ even because of envy and strife; and some also of good-will; the one, from love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the Gospel; but the other proclaim Christ of contention, not sincerely, thinking to add tribulation to my bonds.read more.
What then? save that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed; and in this I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was thus: His mother Mary having been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not wishing to make an example of her, purposed privately to divorce her. And, while thinking of these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, fear not to take to yourself Mary your wife; for that which was begotten in her is of the Holy Spirit.

Then Herod, having privately called the wise men, ascertained from them exactly the time the star appeared; and, sending them to Bethlehem, he said, "Having gone, inquire ye exactly concerning the Child; and, when ye find Him, bring me word, that I, too, having come, may worship Him." And they, having heard the king, departed; and, behold, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till, having come, it stood over where the Child was.read more.
And, seeing the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And, coming into the house, they saw the Child with Mary, His mother; and, falling down, they paid Him homage; and, having opened their treasures, they presented to Him gifts??old and frankincense and myrrh. And, having been divinely warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed by another way into their own country. And, they having departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Having risen, take the Child and His mother, and flee into Egypt, and be there till I speak to you; for Herod is about to seek the Child to destroy Him."

But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, who was about to betray Him, says, "Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred denaries, and given to the poor?" And he said this, not because he cared about the poor; but because he was a thief; and, having the money-box, he was wont to carry what was put therein.

For there are many unruly men, vain-talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, whom it is needful to reduce to silence: who, indeed, are overthrowing whole houses, teaching what they ought not, for the sake of base gain.

And He Who sent Me is with Me. He hath not left Me alone; because I am always doing the things that please Him."

Jesus saith to them, "My food is to do the will of Him Who sent Me, and to finish His work.

because I have come down from Heaven, not to do My Own will, but the will of Him Who sent Me.

Wherefore, coming into the world, He saith, "Sacrifice and offering Thou didst not wish, but a body didst Thou prepare for Me; in whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices for sin Thou hadst no pleasure. Then said I, 'Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it has been written concerning Me), to do Thy will, O God.'"

For our exhortation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile; but even as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, Who proveth our hearts. For neither, at any time, did we use a word of flattery, as ye know, nor a semblance of covetousness, God is witness;read more.
nor seeking glory of men, neither from you, nor from others; though able to be in authority, as apostles of Christ.

For we are not as the many, making merchandise of the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, we speak in Christ.

Wherefore, we also make it our aim??hether being at home or being from home??o be well-pleasing to Him. For we must all be manifested before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done through the body, according to the things which he practiced, whether good or evil. Knowing, therefore, the fear of the Lord, we persuade men; but to God we have been made manifest, and I hope that we have been made manifest also in your consciences.read more.
We are not again commending ourselves to you, but giving you occasion of glorying on our behalf, that ye may have something suited to those who glory in appearance, and not in heart.

Notwithstanding, ye did well, in sharing with me in my tribulation. And know ye also, Philippians, that in the beginning of the Gospel, when I went forth from Macedonia, no assembly had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving, but ye only; because even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again to my need.read more.
Not that I am seeking for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that abounds to your account. But I have all, and abound; I have been filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, an odor of sweet smell, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.

But if it be to live in flesh, this is to me a fruit of labor; and what I shall choose I know not; but I am constrained by the two; having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for it is far better; but to abide in flesh is more needful for you.read more.
And, having become assured of this, I know that I shall abide, and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, that your glorying may abound in Jesus Christ in me through my presence with you again.