TOPIC: Integrity – Part 1 [Sunday, 14th January 2018]
MEMORY VERSE: ‘’The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destory them.” – Proverbs 11:3
BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 11:1-9
1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.
9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
INTRODUCTION:
Integrity comes from the Latin word “Integritas” which means wholeness, entireness or unbroken state. It is the state of being honest, just, upright or pure. Integrity covers the whole moral character. It is one of the dire needs of the church and the society today.
LESSON OUTLINES
1. The essence of integrity
2. Factors eroding integrity
THE ESSENCE OF INTEGRITY
Integrity is fundamentally a proof of one’s belief in the Gospel (2Corinthians 5:17). It is a personality trait that does not make a person to waiver (1Kings 9:4). It provides an avenue to demonstrate your reliability to family members, subordinates and even superiors (1Samuel 12:3-4). People of integrity honour commitments and keep promises (Joshua 2:12-14; 6:22-23). Someone with integrity recognises his fallibility takes responsibility for failures and tries to rectify same (Genesis 26:9-11). People with integrity are not only truthful but are also naturally consistent in other areas of life (Luke 16:10).
FACTORS ERODING INTEGRITY
1. The quick-fix mentality for worldly gains (2Kings 5:20-23).
2. Ignorance of the Living Word of God (Hosea 4:6; Proverbs 29:18).
3. Preoccupation with gratifying physical desires resulting in lust of the flesh (1John 2:16).
4. Crave for material wealth at the expense of loyalty (Matthew 26:15).
5. Inability to maintain a consistent lifestyle both in the private and in the open (Joshua 7:11, 19; Genesis 31:32-35).
6. Misappropriation of God’s mercy and grace as an excuse for careless living and moral laxity (Romans 1:28; 6:1-2).
CONCLUSION:
If ever we need two powerful forces to preserve us along life’s way, they are integrity and uprightness. While uprightness makes us learn God’s requirements and strive to fulfil them, integrity keeps us from claiming to be upright while living in pretense (Genesis 39:9).
QUESTIONS
1. Give five reasons for integrity.
2. Mention three factors that can erode integrity.
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