Message: “What Would People Say About You?” from Pastor Joe

  What Would People Say About You? What Do People Say About You Now?   Lesson Objective:  This week’s theme is based on who we are as a person and how do others see us. A time for self-evaluation to examine how we live and what are the values that others see in us. Scriptures: Proverbs 22:1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. I grew up in a time when the family name was very important in the community. My grandmother would always remind me that whatever I did on the outside was a reflection on her and the family name.  I found this to be true as I interacted with adults that I did not know but when they asked me my name certain expectations came as a result of the name. These expectations were not tied to material things but tied directly to how people in the community respected my grandmother. Upon entry into elementary school, I was expected to excel academically and certainly behave in a certain manner that would not bring shame to the family name.  How we live can bring either shame or respect to our family.  We will look at some of the factors that are important in determining how people see us. More importantly, we will look at these and other factors that determine how God sees us. These are factors that are not outward appearances but inside values which define who we really are. Thought for the day: Am I living a life for which I can be proud? Should We Care What People Say? Lesson Objective:  Discuss if or when we should be concerned about what others may say. Scripture: Galatians 1: 10 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. This is an interesting question for many will say that we should not aim to please people. There is a difference between doing things to please people and doing things that please people. We must be careful not to do things for the sole purpose of pleasing others. We should strive to do the right things that result in people knowing our values and that those values are consistent with the Bible. In the book of Acts, the people were instructed to choose 7 among them who were of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom. Nothing suggests that these 7 lived their lives to please men but they did live such a life that the people chose them as instructed. In our lives, there will be times when we have to choose between pleasing others and doing the right thing. The choice is always easy if one makes decisions based on biblical values and not trying to win a popularity contest. If you were running for a political office, would you prefer people to vote for you because they agreed with you or because they see you as honest and will make the right decisions? Mark 12: 14 They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. We must never care about what others say but always be honest and tell the truth and then others will know who we really are. Thought for the day: Would you be one of the seven that were chosen? Good Name and Above Reproach Lesson Objective:  Understanding that we cannot stop people from talking about us. Scripture: Titus 2: 1-8  7,  In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. When Christ was on trial individuals were sought to testify against Christ but none could be found to testify that he had done any evil. The same should be said of us. One should live a life in such a way that no one will ever be able to talk about our evil motives or actions. Our actions should be such that if we are falsely accused others would not believe the accusation. In 1 Corinthians Paul states in Chapter 8 verses 20-21that we want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. 21 For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man. It is difficult to witness for Christ if one is not seen as honest and trustworthy in the eyes of those around us. In court sessions often times the judge will listen to character witnesses who know nothing about the crime but know the individual on trial. The hope is that the judge will take the character of the individual on trial into consideration. Thought for the day: Who would be a character witness for you? What Do You Want God To Say About You Lesson Objective: To discuss the life that we must live in order for God to speak for us. Scripture: Matthew 25:23  Good and Faithful Servant  His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. When one dies there is usually a funeral or a memorial service at which time the pastor will offer a eulogy and others may choose to speak about the life of a person. Sometimes the pastor may not really know the person and just offer some generally kind words on behalf of the family.  What would happen if God officiated the service. What would he say? Here are a few possibilities: Obedient  Mathew 3:17 Well pleased            And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Friend James 2:23  And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Lover-  John 13:34  A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. Heart of God Acts 13: 22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will. Thought for the day: Are you living your life in such a way that God can speak of you?

Scripture References: Proverbs 22:1

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From Series: "Sunday Service"

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