Series Two: The Man of God

Truth needs to be added to our mind through Scripture so that our consciences will be properly informed. The conscience is not the standard, but it is used by God to prick and prod us about what we know is true and what we say is true. When we don’t ignore the truth of God in our life, we glorify God as we live for Him, and His truth shines through.

We ourselves cannot be the source to inform our own minds, because we do not know the truth apart from the Word of God. We suppress the truth that we know because we are fallen people. God does not dwell with those who displease Him. We are children of wrath by nature. The man who lives a life of integrity will never be shaken. He is consistent and he seeks to live a life that walks with God at the highest level.

What is the heart of conduct that God can abide with?

1. God can abide with a man who walks with integrity.
   1. This is a fair and just man.
      1. He is fair, living with equity.
      2. He is known for integrity and truth (Ps 15).
      3. He understands how to treat people.
      4. He seeks to bless others.
   2. He does not take advantage of people.
      1. The dishonest always seek their own advantage (Prov 6:12–19).
      2. He does not take advantage of, or dominate, others.
      3. He is not cruel.
      4. He does not use his strengths as a hammer.
      5. He does not desire to gain from others illegally.
   3. He understands Who is in charge.
      1. We are all worthy of God’s judgment.
      2. We all will give an account (1 Cor 3:13).
2. God can abide with a man who works righteousness.
   1. He is equitable with all.
   2. He treats them as he would like to be treated.
   3. He looks to help and not hurt.
3. God can abide with a man who speaks truth.
   1. Truth-telling starts in your inner man (Matt 12:34).
   2. His life matches what his mouth speaks.
   3. He is consistent in all of his life dealings.
   4. He is ethically just with all people.
   5. He is known for honesty in his inner man.
4. God can abide with a man who is not slanderous.
   1. Slander ruins others (Ps 15; Jas 3:13–17).
   2. He does not ruin others by being deceitful.
5. God can abide with a man who does not do evil.
   1. He is careful to treat others with love.
   2. He hurts no one willfully and does not think of any way he can hurt people.
   3. He does not retaliate when he has been hurt (1 Pet 2:23).
   4. He is consumed by how Christ treated others (Phil 2:1–11).
6. God can abide with a man who does not take up a reproach.
   1. He is a man who is careful when hearing news about others.
   2. He is known for avoiding unnecessary conflict (Prov 26:17).
   3. He does not protect himself so he can hurt others.
   4. He is a man who is not spiteful when others are hurting.
7. God can abide with a man who despises the reprobate (Ps 15).
   1. He does not excuse evil in others.
   2. He calls for God’s character to be vindicated. (God’s glory is his focus.)
   3. He hates what God hates (Ps 5:5; Mic 6:8).
8. God can abide with a man who honors those who fear God.
   1. He respects those who exalt God.
   2. He praises those who love what God loves.
9. God can abide with a man who always walks in truth.
   1. He is a man who self-indicts (Ps 32; 51; 73).
      1. He admits his own guilt when necessary.
      2. He does not self-justify or minimize or rationalize his own behavior (Eph 4:20–24).
   2. He is a man who is immovable in his integrity (Ps 119:97–104).
   3. He is a man who allows God to work on him constantly.
10. God can abide with a man who does not use his job as a tool for hurting others.
    1. He holds himself to what the contract says.
    2. He does not misuse contracts to make sure he gets the better deal.