Standing in Integrity

1. Read: Psalm 41:12 “And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.”

2. About the Text:

1) Integrity is something you don’t hear much about anymore.

2) People who have integrity in their life stand out. They make a difference.

3) As Christians we want to stand in integrity.

4) So how do we do that?

5) Graduating seniors and all.

3. Joshua and Caleb–Numbers 13

4. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

1. It has been said that your ethics are what you do when no one else is watching.

2. Joshua and Caleb were men who did what was right regardless of who was watching.

3. Jos.14:7 “Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as in mine heart.”

4. Hebrews 4:13 “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

5. Psalm 44:21 “Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.”

6. God is always watching; you can’t lie to God.

1. Joshua and Caleb had a promise to keep to God–to be faithful.

2. They would have lost their life had God not intervened.

3. Psalm 15:4 “He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.”

4. Mat.5:37 “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”

5. James 5:12 “But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.”

6. 1 Cor.4:2 “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

7. You are the stewards of your own word.

8. When you make a promise, keep it.

1. Seeming great obstacles stood in the way of Joshua and Caleb.

2. Matthew 17:20 “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”

3. All things are possible through Christ. Philippians 4:13

4. In the face of great obstacles, we should not let fear make our choices for us. Rev.21:8

5. 1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”

1. Joshua and Caleb were opposed for doing what was right.

2. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was opposed for doing what is right.

3. Paul the apostle was opposed for doing what is right.

4. Jesus was opposed for doing what is right. Do what is right anyway.

5. Matthew 5:10-12 “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted ….”

6. 2 Timothy 3:12 “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

7. 1 Peter 4:16 “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.”

8. Acs 5:41 “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.”

1. Let’s remember these great biblical lessons for the rest of our lives . . . .

i. Always do the right thing whether anyone is watching or not.

ii. Keep your promises even if they cause you personal pain or loss.

iii. Always put your faith in God regardless of what obstacles come your way.

iv. Stand up for what is right no matter how many oppose you.

2. Invitation