TITLE:  5 Ways to Know a Man
TEXT:  John 2:23-25
PROPOSITION:  To build relationships one must know the heart of a person.
QUESTION:  How?
KEY WORD:  Ways
SCRIPTURE READING:  Same

 INTRODUCTION:

1. We are living in a time when people do not know people as they once did. It used to be that neighbors knew each other. They were helpful.
2. But today we are usually nothing but polite strangers.
3. I want to give five exhortations from the scriptures on how to know a man. These will be helpful in building friendships that will last.

 HIS CHARACTER – WHAT HE IS                Titus 1:15

1. Character is what you are in the dark.
2. What most people have is reputation.  That is what people see.
3. Character is exhibited under fire.
4. Character is what God knows you are.
5. 3 Questions:
   1. Who do OTHERS think you are?
   2. Who do YOU think you are?
   3. Who are you REALLY?

 HIS CONVERSATION – WHAT HE SAYS                Colossians 4:6

1. Twinkle Twinkle little star what you say is what you are.
2. “Let your words be nice and sweet for tomorrow you may have to eat them.”
3. Colossians 4:6 – Let your speech be with grace, seasoned with salt
4. Ephesians 4:29 – Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth

 HIS CONDUCT – WHAT HE DOES                Colossians 2:6; 1 Peter 2:21

1. Colossians 2:6 – As you have received Christ, so walk in Him
2. 1 Peter 2:21 – Christ left us an example that we should walk in His steps
3. Matthew 7:20 – By their fruits you will know them

 HIS CONTRIBUTION – WHAT HE GIVES    Luke 6:38

1. Galatians 6:7 – Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap
2. Luke 6:38 – Give and it will be given to you

 HIS CREED – WHAT HE BELIEVES                Titus 1:9

1. Titus 1:9 – Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught
2. Schools have a “core curriculum”
3. Christians have “core values”; “core faith”; and a “core creed”

 Conclusion:

1. A teacher wore a small chain with a cross on it – usually inside his shirt. He bent over and the cross came out. A student said, “Excuse me, Mr. Johnson, your religion is showing.”
2. Is your religion, your speech, your conduct, your character showing? YES!
3. Question is not – Is it showing? BUT – What is it saying to others?