Sermon Title: "Whose Approval Are You Seeking? Men or God?"
Text: "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." – Galatians 1:10 (NIV)
Introduction:
In a world that constantly demands our conformity, where societal pressures and the opinions of others often dictate our choices, we are faced with a critical question: Whose approval are we seeking? Are we living to appease men, or are we living to please God? This question is not new. It has echoed through the ages, challenging believers to examine their hearts and motivations. Today, we will explore this question in depth, drawing wisdom from Scripture and reflecting on what it means to live for God’s approval, even when it leads to persecution for righteousness’ sake.
I. The Temptation to Seek Human Approval
From the moment we are born, we are conditioned to seek approval. As children, we crave the affirmation of our parents and teachers. As adults, we seek validation from our peers, employers, and society at large. This desire for acceptance is deeply ingrained in us. However, when this desire becomes our primary motivation, it can lead us away from God’s will.
In Galatians 1:10, the Apostle Paul confronts this issue head-on. He asks, "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?" Paul understood the temptation to please people. Before his conversion, he was a Pharisee, highly respected in Jewish society. He sought the approval of his religious peers, even to the point of persecuting Christians. But after encountering Christ on the road to Damascus, his priorities shifted. He realized that seeking human approval was incompatible with serving Christ.
Why is seeking human approval so dangerous?
It Leads to Compromise: When we prioritize human approval, we are tempted to compromise our faith and values. We may silence our convictions, conform to worldly standards, or engage in behaviors that dishonor God, all to gain acceptance.
It Distracts from Our Purpose: Our primary purpose is to glorify God and fulfill His will. When we focus on pleasing people, we lose sight of this purpose and become entangled in the expectations and demands of others.
It Breeds Fear and Anxiety: Living for human approval is exhausting. It creates a constant fear of rejection and a need to perform. In contrast, living for God’s approval brings peace and freedom.
II. The Call to Seek God’s Approval
In contrast to the fleeting and fickle approval of men, God’s approval is eternal and unchanging. He does not judge by outward appearances or worldly standards. Instead, He looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). To seek God’s approval means to align our lives with His will, to live in obedience to His Word, and to prioritize His glory above all else.
Consider the life of Jesus. Throughout His ministry, Jesus faced constant pressure to conform to the expectations of others. The religious leaders wanted Him to uphold their traditions. The crowds wanted Him to be a political Messiah. Even His own disciples often misunderstood His mission. Yet, Jesus remained steadfast in His commitment to please the Father. In John 8:29, He declares, "The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him."
What does it mean to seek God’s approval?
Obedience to His Word: God’s approval is not earned through good works or religious rituals. It is received through faith in Christ and demonstrated through obedience to His Word. As Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15).
Faithfulness in Trials: Seeking God’s approval often involves enduring trials and persecution. In Matthew 5:10-12, Jesus blesses those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, reminding us that our reward is in heaven.
A Heart of Worship: True worship is not about outward performance but about a heart that seeks to honor God. As Romans 12:1 urges, we are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.
III. Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake
One of the clearest signs that we are seeking God’s approval is when we face persecution for righteousness’ sake. Jesus warned His followers that the world would hate them because it hated Him first (John 15:18). Persecution is not a sign of failure but a mark of faithfulness.
Throughout history, countless believers have endured persecution for their faith. From the early church martyrs to modern-day Christians in hostile regions, these men and women chose God’s approval over human acceptance. Their stories inspire us to stand firm in our faith, even when it costs us dearly.
Why does persecution come?
The World Hates the Light: In John 3:19-20, Jesus explains that people love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil. When we live righteously, our lives expose the darkness of sin, and this often provokes hostility.
Satan’s Opposition: The enemy seeks to discourage and destroy believers. Persecution is one of his tactics to weaken our faith and silence our witness. But we are reminded in 1 Peter 5:8-9 to resist him, standing firm in the faith.
A Test of Genuine Faith: Persecution reveals the authenticity of our faith. As 1 Peter 1:6-7 teaches, trials refine our faith like fire refines gold, proving its genuineness and resulting in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
IV. The Reward of Seeking God’s Approval
While seeking God’s approval may lead to temporary hardship, it ultimately brings eternal rewards. Jesus promises in Matthew 5:11-12, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven."
What are these rewards?
Eternal Life: The greatest reward is the promise of eternal life with God. As Paul writes in 2 Timothy 4:8, "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
Intimacy with God: When we seek God’s approval, we draw closer to Him. James 4:8 promises, "Come near to God and he will come near to you." This intimacy is a reward in itself, bringing joy, peace, and fulfillment.
A Legacy of Faith: Our faithfulness inspires others and leaves a lasting impact. Hebrews 11, often called the "Hall of Faith," celebrates the heroes of the faith who chose God’s approval over worldly acceptance. Their legacy continues to encourage believers today.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on the question, "Whose approval are you seeking?" let us examine our hearts. Are we living to please people, or are we living to please God? The choice is not always easy. It may require us to stand alone, to face ridicule, or to endure hardship. But the rewards far outweigh the costs.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2). May we, like Paul, be able to say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).
In the end, only one opinion matters—the opinion of our Heavenly Father. Let us live for His approval, trusting that His "well done" is worth more than all the applause the world could ever offer. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment