Psalms 15:2-3
“He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart. He does not slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend;”
Q: According to these verses, what are some characteristics of a man or woman with integrity?
- He/She has integrity 2. Speaks truthfully about others and himself/herself. 2. Acts lovingly towards everyone
Proverbs 11:3
“The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them.”
Q: Why is it that integrity guides us but a lack of integrity can destroy us? Have you experienced this in your life?
Integrity keeps us on the path that glorifies God. Those who follow corruption or falsehood will be destroyed by the decisions and actions of their lives. Example: “In the past I have lied to my parents about things I’ve done and lived in fear that I would be found out.”
Proverbs 28:6
“Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is crooked though he be rich.”
Q: What does it look like for someone to become rich but lack integrity in today’s America?
The rich will often lie and act deceitfully towards others in order to make more money or gain power.
Picture
Matthew 4:8-11 “Again, the devil took Him [Jesus] to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he [Satan] said to Him, ‘All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’ Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.”
Q: Picture Jesus being alone in the wilderness with devil. How did Jesus fight Satan’s temptation and maintain His integrity?
Jesus fought with the “sword” and used Scripture to glorify Father in Heaven and maintain integrity.
Paul
2 Corinthians 8:21 – “For we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.”
Q: Who are the people in your life keeping you accountable? Why are these people so valuable in your walk as a Christian?
Example: “People in my small group/youth group/church/K-Life/Young Life/‘I’m Third’ Groups.” They help me to walk with integrity and encourage me to be honest and repentant.
Peter
1 Peter 3:16 – “…and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.”
Q: How can your integrity put your slanderers to shame? In what areas of your life do you struggle with having integrity?
By proving them wrong in what they say falsely about you; when you live in integrity, you are not fearful of being “found out”. Example: “Not cheating on homework, when talking to my parents, in my purity, time with friends, etc.”
APPLICATION: How do these passages relate to me today? What changes do they bring to my life?
LOCKER ROOM: Is there anything this week that you have been enslaved to, and how we can help you?
