Let God’s Approval Save You from Fear

Current Teaching Series How To Get Through What You're Going Through

Let God's Approval Save You from Fear By Rick Warren — May 15, 2017 “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). Advertising manipulates us all the time: “Buy this product, or you’ll miss out on life!” or “You’d be a fool not to take advantage of this sale!” Have you ever bought something you didn’t want or need just because you were afraid you might look foolish? Have you ever had someone in a grocery store offer you a little piece of food on a toothpick? And you really didn’t like the food, but you bought some anyway? The fear of rejection allows others to manipulate us; it causes us hurt in many other ways. The fear of rejection pressures us to conform to peer pressure. We tend to walk like other people, talk like other people, act like other people, dress like other people. Why? We don’t want to be rejected. It keeps us from speaking the truth. Why do people lie? Why do people shade the truth? Because they’re afraid if they tell the truth, you won’t accept them. Fear of rejection also silences our sharing about Christ. Sometimes silence isn’t golden; it’s just plain wrong! We don’t share our faith because we’re worried about the approval of others. How do you overcome the fear of rejection? You need a new perspective! You start by putting God first. Then you consider the opinions of others in a proper way. In other words, don’t overvalue what they say. In Galatians 1:10, Paul writes, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ” (NIV). Paul says his goal in life is to please God, not people. He says I have a choice. I can choose whether I’m going to live for the applause of God or the applause of people. You can’t seek the approval of both at the same time. The way to overcome the fear of rejection is to live your life for an audience of one. What God thinks of you — and his unconditional love for you — if more important than any one else’s opinion about you. PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >> Talk It Over What’s the difference between being affected by people’s opinions and being directed by their opinions? Whom would you say you’re trying to please on a daily basis? God? Your co-workers? Your spouse? Your friends? How much more of your potential do you think you could reach if you sought the approval of God and no one else?

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Series Summary Session 1: SHOCK — When Your World Collapses Session 2: SORROW — Getting Through Life’s Losses  Session 3: STRUGGLE — When Life Makes No Sense Session 4: SURRENDER — The Path To Peace Session 5: SANCTIFICATION — Transformed by Trouble Session 6: START SEEING — Finding Treasure in Darkness Session 7: SERVICE — Never Waste Your Pain PLAY TODAY'S BROADCAST

Pastor Rick Warren

Enjoy today's Devotional? Listen instantly to the full radio message at Daily Hope Radio. Did someone forward this devotional to you? Subscribe to Pastor Rick Warren's Daily Devotional. This devotional is based on the current Daily Hope radio series at pastorrick.com. Rick Warren has helped people live with hope and on purpose for more than 40 years. He’s the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California and author of several books, including "The Purpose Driven Church" and "The Purpose Driven Life," read by more than 100 million people in 137 languages. He created the PEACE Plan (plant churches of reconciliation, equip servant leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, educate the next generation), which is used by churches in 196 countries. His radio teaching and daily devotional, Daily Hope, is offered around the world. This devotional © 2017 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission. You can unsubscribe at any time by changing your e-mail preferences. Update your preferences  |  Unsubscribe