2. Why Do Men Live The Lives They Do?
Building blocks of character
Proverbs 1:7-10
Proverbs 1:20-24

3. Moral Condition of a Nation Contributes To Building
Pilate had little to help him build this kind of character
What was Roman society like, and in particular, what were Roman officials like? Romans 1:28-31
When a life is not built of principal it will change with the shifting winds
Jesus described two kinds of people in the Sermon of the Mount – Matthew 7:24-27
Paul wanted Christians to build this foundation of inner strength – Ephesians 4:14,15
Many think of themselves as strong & principled when in fact they are cowards

4. THE BACKGROUND OF PILATE
Involved with very corrupt government
Rule but without moral authority – Proverbs 14:32- 34
Did not fear God & he had no principles – Proverbs 15:33; 18:12
He likely had military experience – 2 Timothy 2:2,3
How were the Roman Centurions described in the Bible? Matthew 8:9,10
He tried to intimidate but lacked consistency
Jesus used wrath of Pilate as an example – Luke 13:1

5. In reality – God put Pilate on trial
THE TRIAL OF PILATE
In reality – God put Pilate on trial
God allows men to face difficulty where their true character is revealed – Genesis 22:1; Job23:10-12
Pilate saw hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders – Mark 14:61-63
They condemned Jesus to death for blasphemy – Did they mention this to Pilate?
They wanted Pilate to rubber stamp their decision- John 18:28-31

6. They made up accusations that would appeal to Pilate – Luke 23:1,2
THE TRIAL OF PILATE
They made up accusations that would appeal to Pilate – Luke 23:1,2
Pilate had no respect for them
Pilate saw Jesus under severe pressure
The wisdom & strength of our Lord shown when He did not speak – Mark 15:2-5
When He spoke it was not with excitement, hatred or fear – 1 Peter 2:20- 23

7. Strength continued after scourging – John 19:1,2,7-12
THE TRIAL OF PILATE
Strength continued after scourging – John 19:1,2,7-12
Pilate was warned by his wife – Matthew 27:19
Jesus confronted Pilate with his own hope of rescue – the truth! John 18:36-38
Pilates’s background taught him the danger of truth
He states the truth – but will not stand for it

8. THE MIDDLE GROUND OF PILATE
Three ways Pilate tried to avoid his decision
Send Him to Herod – Luke 23:6,7, 11
Offer the people Barabbas – John 18:38-40
Wanted the crowd to make the right decision for him – Matthew 27:16-20
Tried to arouse sympathy in the people- John 19:1-5

9. THE MIDDLE GROUND OF PILATE
The Solution of Pilate
He had two goals – Release Jesus / to please the Jews
Decided decision was not his to make – Matthew 27:24-26
You must not let another make the decision for you

10. GOD’S RULING ON THE TRIAL OF PILATE
Pilate wanted clean hands – did he have them?
God recognized Pilate was pressured – Acts 13:28
Also recognized that Pilate did not arrest Jesus of cause this situation.
Knew that Pilate heard a remarkable confession – 1 Timothy 6:13
Final verdict of God – GUILTY! Acts 4:27
Pilate like religious leaders – Matthew 23:23,24

11. HOW WILL YOU DO AT YOUR TRIAL?
Many look at consequences first and then try to find another way - Galatians 6:12
What if Pilate had stood for the truth?
On the judgement day, you will have no one to hide behind
Are you looking for the middle ground or the truth?
What will you be known for?
God will remember those who stand for Him – 2 Timothy 4:8