Introduction:

A. Clearly, the Scriptures teach that your reputation matters:

1. Proverbs 22:1
2. Ecclesiastes 7:1
3. I Timothy 3:7

B. We must not confuse ourselves into thinking that having a good reputation means you will be well liked among those of the world:

1. Matthew 10:22
2. John 15:18

C. Having a good reputation will mean that no one could speak truthfully about you to your detriment:

1. They have to attack with false charges: Matthew 5:11
2. They can find no wrong if they examine you: Luke 23:13-14

I. Honesty Builds a Good Reputation

A. If you want to be trusted you have to display that you are trustworthy:

1. You would trust Phebe, Priscilla, and Aquila: Romans 16:1-4
2. Would you trust Judas: Matthew 26:14-16 and John 12:1-6
3. Let’s not be dishonest in trying to trick folks into thinking we are better than what we are: Matthew 6:2-5

B. We are to be honest in the sight of all:

1. Romans 12:17
2. I Thessalonians 4:11-12

II. Good Deeds Build a Good Reputation

A. A reputation of faith:

1. Abraham: Hebrews 11:8
2. Can we speak as Paul did: II Timothy 3:10-11

B. A reputation of helpfulness:

1. Titus was charged to appoint elders and set things in order because he was a helper: II Corinthians 8:23
2. We want to be spoken of as was Onesiphorus: II Timothy 1:16-18

C. We need to be known for doing good things:

1. Good to all: Galatians 6:10; cf. Luke 6:27-28
2. Want to see good days: I Peter 3:10-11
3. Let God be glorified in the good you do: Matthew 5:16

III. Let Your Good Reputation Come From What Pleases God, Not What Pleases Men

A. Good by God’s terms may mean you are spoken against: I Peter 2:11-12

1. Notice the application of this point: I Peter 3:16-18
2. Those whom God punishes hate those who do good: Amos 5:10

B. While what men think of us does matter, we cannot always please man and God at the same time:

1. Man says “be silent about God”: Matthew 10:27
2. Man says “do things our way”: I Thessalonians 4:1
3. As we already know, if we seek to please men we cannot be the servant of Christ: Galatians 1:10

A. Proverbs 20:11
B. Let us, as God’s people of today, have a different reputation than His people of old: Jeremiah 4:22

 
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© 2005 May be used if permission by author is granted and proper acknowledgment as to the authorship of this material is made.  In other words, preachers do your own work.  Use this as a tool for your own work if such is helpful! – B.A.Y.