Sermon: "The Approval that Matters"

Scripture: Galatians 6:4-5
“But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”
— Galatians 6:4-5 (KJV)

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Introduction

In the world today, there is a constant push to impress others. Whether it's through social media, professional achievements, or personal accomplishments, many seek the approval of others. Society tells us that success is measured by external validation: how many people like our posts, how many accolades we can collect, how many people speak highly of us. But as Christians, we are called to a different standard. In the passage from Galatians 6:4-5, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of seeking approval, urging believers to seek the approval of God rather than that of men.

Paul's words challenge us to examine our lives, not by the standards set by the world, but by a much deeper and more meaningful measure: the approval of God. What does it mean to prove our own work? What does true rejoicing look like, and why is it so important for us to seek God's commendation over that of others?

I. The Nature of Self-Examination

“But let every man prove his own work…” (Galatians 6:4)

The first part of this verse emphasizes the necessity of self-examination. The idea here is that each person must “prove” or examine their own work. The word “prove” in the original Greek means to test or examine something to determine its authenticity, value, or quality. In the context of the Christian life, it suggests that we should constantly evaluate the fruit of our actions and deeds. This is not about performing self-assessments based on the opinions of others but is rather about looking inward and considering whether our work aligns with the will of God.

A. The Need for Personal Accountability
Paul’s instruction here is about personal accountability. We must not measure our success or worth by external standards, but by our obedience to God’s calling. It’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring our lives by how we compare to others, but the truth is that God has called us to run a race that is uniquely ours. Our calling is not about following someone else’s path but about faithfully following God’s will in our own lives.

Consider the words of 2 Corinthians 13:5, which echo this idea: “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” The self-examination Paul speaks of in Galatians is not only about evaluating our works but also about examining our faith itself.

B. The Importance of Integrity
Self-examination helps us ensure that our motives and actions are pure. Too often, people act in ways that may look good on the surface, but their hearts and intentions are far from God’s will. Jesus Himself warned about this in Matthew 6:1-2 when He said, “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.” The work we do for the kingdom of God must come from pure hearts, not from a desire for recognition or praise.

C. The Role of the Holy Spirit
We are not left to examine ourselves alone. The Holy Spirit is given to us to help us see where we are truly at in our walk with Christ. He convicts us of sin, guides us into truth, and enables us to live in a way that pleases God. Through prayer, study of the Word, and worship, the Holy Spirit reveals areas of our lives where we may need to change or grow. Therefore, self-examination is not a solitary endeavor but one that is aided by God’s presence within us.

II. The Rejoicing that Comes from True Approval

“…and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” (Galatians 6:4)

After we have proven or examined our work, Paul says that we will have “rejoicing in himself alone.” This is a significant point. Paul is talking about the deep, personal joy that comes from knowing that we are walking in alignment with God’s will for our lives. The joy that Paul speaks of is not based on external circumstances or the praise of others but comes from the satisfaction of knowing we are living for God’s glory.

A. Joy in Obedience
True rejoicing comes from obedience to God. It is easy to find temporary happiness in the applause of men or the recognition of our accomplishments. However, this joy is fleeting. The joy that Paul speaks of is rooted in our relationship with God and in the confidence that we are living in a way that pleases Him. Psalm 1 speaks of the person whose delight is in the law of the Lord, saying that they will be like a tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in season and prospering in everything they do. This is the true rejoicing: when our lives bear fruit for the kingdom of God.

B. Contentment in Christ
In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul speaks of learning to be content in all circumstances: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” The true rejoicing that comes from proving our own work is contentment in knowing that, regardless of external praise or criticism, we are living according to God's plan for our lives.

C. A Joy That Surpasses External Approval
Rejoicing in the Lord is not dependent on what others think of us. Often, the world’s approval can be fleeting or conditional. But the joy that comes from knowing we are pleasing God is lasting. Proverbs 16:7 tells us, “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” The joy we experience when we are walking in obedience to God is not dependent on the shifting sands of human opinion but on the unchanging love and approval of God.

III. The Approval That Comes from God

“For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” (Galatians 6:5)

Finally, Paul clarifies that true approval does not come from self-praise or from the praise of others. Instead, true approval comes from the Lord. This is a sobering reminder that, in the end, it is God’s opinion of us that matters the most.

A. The Futility of Self-Praise
It is tempting to seek praise and approval from others, and even from ourselves. But Paul makes it clear that self-commendation is not a reliable source of approval. Proverbs 27:2 says, “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” The Bible teaches us that when we seek to exalt ourselves, we often fail to see ourselves clearly. The praise of others, no matter how flattering, is not what defines us. What matters is whether or not we have lived according to God’s will.

B. The Value of Divine Approval
The approval of God is what truly matters. In 1 Corinthians 4:5, Paul writes, “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” God sees the heart, and His approval is based on His perfect knowledge of who we truly are. His commendation is not based on outward appearances but on the sincerity of our hearts and our obedience to His Word.

C. Seeking the Lord’s Approval
How do we seek God’s approval? We do so by living according to His Word, by following the example of Jesus Christ, and by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. Jesus Himself said in John 8:29, “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.” Our ultimate goal should be to live in a way that pleases God, knowing that His approval is the only approval that truly matters.

Conclusion

As we reflect on Galatians 6:4-5, we are reminded that our lives are not to be measured by the standards of the world. We are called to examine our own work, rejoice in the fulfillment of our calling, and seek the approval that comes from God alone. The approval of men may be fleeting, but the approval of God is eternal.

Let us examine our lives today: Are we living for the praise of men, or are we living to please God? May we find true joy in knowing that our work, our efforts, and our lives are pleasing to Him. Let us seek His approval above all else, knowing that when we do, we will receive a reward far greater than anything this world can offer—the commendation of our heavenly Father.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our worth and approval come not from the world but from You. Help us to examine our hearts, to prove our own work, and to find our joy in pleasing You. Give us the strength to live for Your approval and not for the praise of men. We thank You for the assurance that, when we walk in Your will, we will hear the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” In Jesus' name, Amen.