Scripture: Galatians 1:10

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings or God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Introduction:

As believers in Jesus Christ, we must remember to live our lives for God and not for the approval of other people. It is natural for us to want to be liked and accepted by those around us, but the truth is that our ultimate purpose is to please God and follow his will for our lives.

In this lesson, we will look at the importance of living for God and not for human approval, and we will consider how we can keep our focus on pleasing God rather than seeking the approval of others.

Lesson:

1. The temptation to seek human approval.

It is natural for us to want to be liked and accepted by those around us, and it can be tempting to try to win the approval of others by doing things that we think will make them happy. However, this can lead us away from God and his will for our lives.

2. The dangers of living for human approval.

When we live for human approval, we can easily become enslaved to the opinions and expectations of others. We may find ourselves compromising our values and beliefs to fit in or be accepted. This can lead to resentment, frustration, and even a loss of identity.

3. The importance of living for God.

On the other hand, when we live for God, we are free to be who he has created us to be and to do what he has called us to do. This can bring a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and joy to our lives.

4. How to focus on pleasing God.

So, how can we keep our focus on pleasing God rather than seeking the approval of others? Here are a few practical steps we can take:

• Spend time in prayer and Bible study: By regularly spending time in prayer and reading the Bible, we can draw closer to God and better understand his will for our lives.
• Seek accountability: It can be helpful to have accountability partners who can encourage us and help us stay on track in our walk with God.
• Remember that our ultimate reward is from God: When we focus on pleasing God, we can find comfort in knowing that our ultimate reward is from him and not from the approval of others.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, we must remember to live for God and not for human approval. This can be challenging at times, but by spending time in prayer and Bible study, seeking accountability, and remembering that our ultimate reward is from God, we can keep our focus on pleasing him rather than seeking the approval of others.

There are several scriptures in the Bible about the importance of living your life as a faithful Christian and witness to others.

1. Matthew 28:19-(19) ” Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”(20)”Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

This passage often called the Great Commission reminds us that as followers of Jesus, we are called to go and share the good news of the gospel with others.

2. Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

This verse is to remind us that we have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to be faithful witnesses for Jesus Christ., not just in our own community, but to the entire world.

3. 1 Peter 3:15: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

This verse should encourage us to be ready to share the reason for our hope in Jesus Christ with others and to do so with gentleness and respect.

4. Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

These verses should remind us that the gospel is powerful and can bring salvation to anyone who believes and that we should not be ashamed to share it with others.

The Bible, with its rich tapestry of narratives, consistently portrays a central theme: God’s deep care and desire to alleviate our fears. This divine compassion and attention are evident throughout the narratives of both the Old and New Testaments.

God as Our Shepherd: Psalm 23’s Assurance

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In the realm of Biblical literature, the book of Psalms stands out as a source of comfort and reassurance, particularly Psalm 23. This Psalm eloquently illustrates God’s shepherd-like care for us. The passage, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, and he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me,” vividly portrays this concept. Here, the metaphor of God as a shepherd conveys His role in providing, leading, and comforting us, akin to how a shepherd tends to his flock.

Isaiah’s Proclamation of God’s Support

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Another profound example is found in Isaiah 41:10, which reads, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This verse echoes the theme of divine support and strength, promising that God’s presence will fortify and uplift us in times of fear and uncertainty.

The Essence of Trust and Providence in Jesus’s Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ stands as a powerful symbol of God’s nurturing care. His teachings, particularly in Matthew 6:25-34, delve into the depth of divine provision and the essence of trust. Jesus implores, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.

Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” This profound message underscores the need to place our faith in God’s providential care, emphasizing that our value in His sight is immeasurable and that we should find solace and peace in His unwavering support and provision.

Key Takeaways

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Biblical Teachings	Meaning and Assurance
Psalm 23 – The Lord as our Shepherd	God provides, leads, and comforts us like a shepherd.
Isaiah 41:10 – Divine Strength in Fear	God promises to be with us, offering strength and support.
Matthew 6:25-34 – Jesus on Trusting God	Jesus teaches the importance of relying on God’s care over worldly worries.

In essence, the Bible offers a narrative of unwavering divine care and comfort, encouraging us to trust in God’s provision and presence in all aspects of life.

Treating God as our most treasured relationship is a concept that is found throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, we see that God desires a close relationship with His people. He makes a covenant with them and gives them His laws to follow as a way to draw closer to Him.

One example of treating God as our most treasured relationship can be found in the book of Deuteronomy. In Deuteronomy 6:5, we read, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” This verse teaches us that we are to love God with our entire being and to prioritize Him above all else.

Another example can be found in the book of Matthew. In Matthew 22:37, Jesus teaches us, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This verse expands upon the teaching in Deuteronomy, reminding us that we are to love God with all our hearts, soul, and mind. It is not enough to love Him with our actions, we must also love Him with our thoughts and our emotions.

In the New Testament, we see that treating God as our most treasured relationship is not only about following His laws and commandments, but it is also about having a personal relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ. In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This verse teaches us that the only way to have a relationship with God is through Jesus.

So, how can we treat God as our most treasured relationship? One way is by spending time with Him in prayer and in the study of His Word, the Bible. This helps us to get to know Him and to understand His will for our lives. Another way is by serving others and living out His commands, as this demonstrates our love and devotion to Him.

Ultimately, treating God as our most treasured relationship means putting Him first in our lives and seeking to please Him in all we do. As we prioritize our relationship with God and follow His will, we will find true joy and fulfillment in this life and the future.

As humans, it is natural for us to prioritize various aspects of our lives. We may prioritize our careers, our relationships, our hobbies, or our material possessions. However, it is essential to remember that God should always be first in our hearts.

First and foremost, God is the creator of all things. He is the one who has given us life and all that we have. It is only right that we put Him first in our hearts, as He is the source of all blessings and provisions. When we prioritize God above all else, we are recognizing His sovereignty and acknowledge that He is in control of our lives.

In addition, putting God first in our hearts helps us to align our priorities with His will. When we seek to do His will and follow His commandments, we are able to live a life that is pleasing to Him. This is not to say that we should neglect our other responsibilities or relationships, but rather that we should make sure that our relationship with God is at the forefront of our minds and actions.

One way to put God first in our hearts is through regular prayer and Bible study. Setting aside time to communicate with God and learn more about His Word helps us stay grounded in our faith and focus on Him. It also allows us to grow closer to God and develop a deeper understanding of His love and His plan for our lives.

Another way to prioritize God in our hearts is by serving others. When we serve others, we are following in the example of Jesus, who came to serve and not to be served (Mark 10:45). Serving others helps us to put our own needs and desires aside and to focus on the needs of those around us. It also helps us to see the value and worth of every person, as we are all created in the image of God.

It is also important to remember that God should be first in our hearts in all circumstances, both good and bad. When things are going well, it is easy to let our guard down and become complacent in our faith. However, it is during difficult times that our faith is truly tested. When we turn to God and put Him first, even in the midst of hardship, we can find strength, comfort, and hope.

In conclusion, God should always be first in our hearts. He is the creator of all things and the source of all blessings. When we prioritize Him above all else, we are able to align our priorities with His will and live a life that is pleasing to Him. By regularly praying and studying the Bible, serving others, and putting God first in all circumstances, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him and draw closer to Him.