Don't Make Deals with the Devil | How Jesus Defines Our Value
Nov 26, 2024
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Discover the profound question of worth through the lens of faith. Explore how Jesus's sacrifice defines our value beyond societal judgments. Delve into the stories of overlooked individuals, like David and the apostles, who show that true significance comes from divine purpose. Reflect on the struggles of leadership and the importance of resilience in faith. Learn how generosity and community support can strengthen spiritual journeys and unite new believers.
Our true worth is defined by Christ's sacrifice, demonstrating that we are valued far beyond worldly opinions and judgments.
Compromise in our faith can lead to significant moral decline, highlighting the need for vigilance in our spiritual choices and decisions.
Deep dives
The Value of Our Worth
Value is ultimately determined by the price someone is willing to pay, and Jesus demonstrated our worth through His sacrifice. Despite various opinions about our intrinsic value, the act of Christ giving His life embodies our true worth to God. This perspective helps individuals see themselves not as failures, but as valued beings with potential for greatness. Embracing this view shifts the focus from past failures and setbacks to the future possibilities created by God's vision for each person.
The Dangers of Compromise
Compromise can be a slippery slope, leading to spiritual downfall, as illustrated in the life of David. Facing desperation, David briefly sought solace in Gath, a Philistine city, which underlined the potential risks of his compromising decisions. His earlier victories make his current struggles more poignant, showcasing how success can test one's character. The lesson appears clear: be wary of situations and choices that may weaken one's faith and lead to moral decline.
God's Transformative Power
God is depicted as capable of transforming the broken and marginalized into powerful agents of change, as seen in David's leadership of a discontented group. The assembly of distressed, indebted, and bitter individuals around David symbolizes how God can mold outcasts into mighty men of valor. David’s experience highlights the notion that while people may see limitations in others, God recognizes their potential for greatness. This transformation underscores the idea that each person can find their purpose and worth in God's plan.
How is a value determined? Whose opinion matters? Let’s say someone says their car is worth... $15,000. Is it worth that much? It’s only really worth that much if some PAYS $15,000. What’s our worth? There might be different opinions. But Jesus gave His life for us – that’s the price He paid. That’s what we’re worth. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us see ourselves through God’s eyes . . . we’ll see our worth.
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A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.