Main Scripture Reference - Matthew 5:33-37
Other Scripture References: John 18:38; John 14:6; John 8:31-32; John 6:54-56; Psalm 78:72; Mark 7:37; Colossian 3:23-24

THE PROBLEM –‘“Who Are You Really?”>’Read Matthew 5:33-37

All relationships depend upon integrity so the questions that need to be asked are, are you really who you portray yourself to be and can people depend on you? The reason why people ask others to take oaths and make promises is because of mistrust, but every promise made whether intended to be kept or not, is made in the presence of God and so ultimately to God. Integrity is ultimately what you do when you are by yourself and life is lived from the inside out as your core values determine what kind of person you really are.>

• Are you really who you portray yourself to be 100% of the time, most of the time, some of the time or rarely? Why?


• What are your five most important values in life that you sacrifice time, energy and life to protect?

THE TRUTH –‘“Jesus” ’Read John 18:38; John 14:6; & John 8:31-3

What your core values are and how you live your life really depend upon how you answer the question what is truth? Most Americans don’t believe in an absolute truth but that truth changes from generation to generation. However, Jesus claims to be that truth in which everything stands and as a Jesus follower you should be aligning your life on the teachings and life of Jesus instead of the values of the culture. Living in integrity to God and to others means living by the values of Christ.

• How do you think Jesus’ life and teachings affect your own world view and your actions? If Jesus said it, do you typically do it?


• Name a cultural value that has had more influence on your decision making than Jesus’ values

EMBODY GOD’S CHARACTER–‘“Heart”’Read John 6:54-56 & Psalm 78:72/span>

The key to living with integrity is to embody the character of God. When Jesus taught on eating his flesh and drinking his blood he was symbolizing what it means to internalize his life and values on a daily basis. First of all embodying God’s character means being authentic in heart; you are the same on the inside as well as outside. And with God changing your heart you move from being a servant of your self to both loving God and serving people for God.

• Do you believe God would call you a person of integrity? What areas of your life need a little work in that area?>


• At what times do you feel like you are not true to who you are? Can you name the times or circumstances you often sacrifice integrity? Why?

EMBODY GOD’S CHARACTER–‘“Work”’Read Mark 7:37 & Colossians 3:23-24

The second key to living with integrity is to work with excellence and quality in everything you do. Work is a statement of who you are and where your heart is, but it also makes a statement to the world around you about your values. As salt and light in the world you are here to bring out the God-colors of this world with your life. And one thing will always remain true, life gets better when you get better.

• Would you describe your work as quality? At what times do you see your work quality diminish


• Describe a time the quality of your work was a witness for Christ to others around you. How about not such a good witness?


• What area of heart integrity or work quality do you really need to work towards being more like Christ?