APPROVAL

DO WE HAVE TO EARN GOD’S APPROVAL?

Galatians 2:19 . . . When I tried to keep the law, I realized I could never earn God’s approval.

Romans 8:39 . . . Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We cannot earn God’s approval; instead, he freely gives it to us.

IF GOD’S APPROVAL IS NOT EARNED, HOW CAN WE RECEIVE IT?

Hebrews 11:5 . . . It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying-”suddenly he disappeared because God took him.” But before he was taken up, he was approved as pleasing to God.

John 3:16 . . . God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

We receive God’s approval by believing that Jesus Christ is God’s only Son, and that Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that we could have eternal life in heaven with him. There is nothing else we need to do!

HOW SHOULD WE GIVE OUR APPROVAL TO OTHERS?

Romans 12:9-10 . . . Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

Loving and serving others affirms their value and worth as creations of God.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS WE SHOULD NOT APPROVE OF?

Romans 13:13 . . . We should be decent and true in everything we do, so that everyone can approve of our behavior. Don’t participate in wild parties and getting drunk, or in adultery and immoral living, or in fighting and jealousy.

We should not approve of anything that contradicts God’s word.

WHAT BRINGS THE LORD’S APPROVAL?

Romans 3:30 . . . There is only one God, and there is only one way of being accepted by him. He makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles.

Proverbs 12:2 . . . The Lord approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness.

Romans 2:13 . . . It is not merely knowing the law that brings God’s approval. Those who obey the law will be declared right in God’s sight.

Faith in God and obedience to his word brings approval from him.

HOW DO I PROPERLY BALANCE THE PRIORITY OF BEING APPROVED BY GOD WITH THE DESIRE TO ALSO BE APPROVED BY OTHERS?

1 Thessalonians 2:4 . . . We speak as messengers who have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He is the one who examines the motives of our hearts.

Proverbs 3:3-4 . . . Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.

Romans 14:17-18 . . . The Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God. And other people will approve of you, too.

We must live to seek God’s approval first. Sometimes doing what pleases God also pleases others (especially godly people), but that is not always the case. God has many enemies who love evil more than good.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR ME TO SHOW MY APPROVAL OF OTHERS?

Job 29:24 . . . When they were discouraged, I smiled at them. My look of approval was precious to them.

Proverbs 8:35 . . . When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a gentle rain.

Your smile and words of approval may be the greatest gift someone receives today.

PROMISES FROM GOD:

Romans 15:7 . . . Accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified.

Numbers 6:24-26 . . . May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.

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