Sermons
Abiding in Light, Life, and Love III
Series: Abiding in Light, Life, and LoveLink to sermon video: Abiding in Light, Life and Love III - L Siegle
Abiding in Light, Life, and Love III
(John 15:7-17)
Thesis: The invitation to ABIDE means “knowing” God in a real and personal way.
INTRODUCTION
1. The title of this series is, Abiding in Light, Life, and Love III
2. What is the relationship between “abiding” in God’s Presence and then “receiving” all that He has for us?
3. We all know people who might be called “people-pleasers” --those whose words and behavior are designed to get
others to like them, and to avoid the negatives--rejection, criticism, or embarrassment.
4. Psychologists refer to this as Dependent Personality Disorder--Masochistic Personality type.
a. Sometimes this characteristic of “people-pleasing” comes as the result of what we may have experienced during
our childhood years.
1) Some parents never provide their children with enough love and emotional support and encourages them in
the development of their own abilities.
2) “You will never amount to anything!” --can cause the child to actually believe they are useless and that
nothing they do is ever “good enough”.
3) “Winning does not matter, just trying is good enough” (Participation Trophy for everyone on the team or for
both teams playing--nobody wins, nobody loses).
4. In real life, everyone is expected to strive to achievement their goals and excellence to exceed expectations.
b. The Bible teaches that believers are to have the desire honor and please God.
c. What is our personal motivation in our desire to please and honor God with our lives?
d. How does being a “God-Pleaser” differ from being a “People-Pleaser”?
EIGHT SIGNS OF A PEOPLE-PLEASER
- You have a difficult time saying "no."
- You are preoccupied with what other people might think.
- You feel guilty when you do tell people "no."
- You fear that turning people down will make them think you are mean or selfish.
- You agree to things you don’t like or do things you don’t want to do.
- You struggle with feelings of low self-esteem.
- You want people to like you and feel that doing things for them will earn their approval.
- You’re always telling people you’re sorry.
- You take the blame even when something isn’t your fault.
- You never have any free time because you are always doing things for other people.
- You neglect your own needs in order to do things for others.
- You pretend to agree with people even though you feel differently.
BECOMING A “GOD-PLEASER”
1. The difference between a “people-pleaser” and a “God-pleaser” is in the truthfulness and substance of the message--
sometimes the news runs counter to what someone wants to hear.
a. The current state of the American “culture” is such that there are a hosts of “ministers” who are telling people
exactly what they want to hear, instead of what they actually need to hear from God.
1) There is a warning for those who choose to call good evil and evil good (Isa. 5:20; Prov. 14:12).
2) There is a point in time when God simply gives people and nations over to wickedness (Rom. 1:21-25, 32).
b. Anyone can find a “church” or “religious” group who will support and promote those things that runs counter to
what God wants for our lives.
2. Entering into the realm of the “everlasting covenant” ushers us into the place where it is possible to be “well-pleasing”
to the Lord (Heb. 13:20, 21).
a. God’s “grace” (loving-kindness) is the means into which we enter the “everlasting covenant” by “faith” (Eph. 2:8,
9).
b. Inside the “everlasting covenant” by “grace” and “through faith” God prepares us, “created in Christ Jesus” for the
“good works” that have been prepared for us “beforehand” (Eph. 2:10).
c. Since Christ “learned obedience” and thus became the “source” (cause) of “eternal salvation” to the obedient
(Heb. 5:8, 9).
d. Being a “God-Pleaser” is the ultimate expression of our love for God (John 14:15).
e. The result of “keeping” (obeying) God’s Word in our hearts and lives is that Jesus and the Father come and take up residence within us (John 14:23).
f. Being a “God-Pleaser” is manifested in how we demonstrate the genuine sense of “love” we have for “one another” (John 15:17).
g. Being a “God-Pleaser” is not working FOR God, but rather it is God working IN us and THROUGH us:
“Being a God pleaser is not a magic combination of works or talents that will result in God being happy with us. It is being submitted to God, so that His work can be accomplished in us as His will is accomplished through us.”
EIGHT WAYS TO BE A “GOD-PLEASER” AND NOT A “PEOPLE-PLEASER”
1. Here are 8 practical ways for each of us to be pleasing unto the Lord:
a. Be Honest with ourselves and others (transparent).
b. Be Humble in our heart and attitude.
c. Set Aside Time to spend with God
d. Don’t change who you are for the approval of others.
e. Be Steadfast in your values with integrity.
f. Live each day as if it is our last (fully, joyfully, and completely).
g. Put the needs of others before our own.
h. Trust God every step of the way.
2. Each one of these 8 practical ways of pleasing God could have a sermon of its own.
a. The reality is out of the eight, most of us have strengths and weaknesses and areas where we can improve.
CONCLUSION
1. From the moment we awaken in the morning, our feet hit the floor and we say “thank you for another day of life”
2. The focus and directionality of our lives moves away from the problems, struggles, challenges, and situations before
we choose to keep our eyes of Jesus (Heb. 12:1, 2).
3. How can we “let our light so shine” (Matt. 5:16) for the benefit of others and the Kingdom of God?
4. At the end of our day, we pause, reflect on what God has done during the day and express our gratitude for His love
and Providence in being “His workmanship created in Christ Jesus” for “good works”.
