Aligning with God's Purpose Amidst Human Praise

Devotional

Day 1: Aligning Our Lives with God's Purpose

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves imposing our own expectations on God, hoping He will fulfill our desires and plans. However, true faith requires us to seek His will and align our lives with His divine purpose. This means asking God where He wants us to serve and how He wants us to live, rather than dictating our plans to Him. By doing so, we open ourselves to the profound and fulfilling path He has designed for us, which may differ from our own expectations. This alignment with God's will is a continuous process of surrender and trust, allowing His purpose to guide our actions and decisions. [01:02:42]

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are currently imposing your own expectations on God? How can you begin to seek His will in this area today?

Day 2: Seeking God's Approval Over Man's

Human approval is often fickle and unreliable, as seen in the crowds that praised Jesus one moment and called for His crucifixion the next. We are encouraged to live for God's approval, not man's, and to remain steadfast in our divine purpose despite the shifting opinions of others. Jesus exemplified this by staying focused on His mission, undeterred by the praise or rejection of the crowd. By prioritizing God's approval, we anchor ourselves in a purpose that transcends human validation, allowing us to live authentically and courageously in our faith. [01:06:10]

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself seeking approval from others? How can you shift your focus to seeking God's approval in your daily life?

Day 3: Embracing Humility in Praise

Praise can be a test, and if not managed properly, it can lead to pride and distraction from God's calling. Jesus consistently redirected praise to the Father, teaching us to do the same. We must discern between praise that empowers our purpose and praise that divides or distracts us. By handling praise with humility, we remain grounded in our mission and avoid the pitfalls of pride. This humility allows us to stay focused on God's calling, using praise as a tool to glorify Him rather than ourselves. [01:08:57]

"Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips." (Proverbs 27:2, ESV)

Reflection: How do you typically respond to praise? What steps can you take to ensure that praise does not lead to pride but instead glorifies God?

Day 4: Anchoring in a Redemptive Purpose

Jesus' mission was not swayed by human acclaim or rejection. His purpose was redemptive, and He remained focused on His mission to save humanity. We are called to anchor ourselves in a purpose so profound that neither praise nor condemnation can shake it. By keeping our eyes on our eternal purpose, we can navigate the challenges and distractions of life with unwavering faith and determination. This anchoring in purpose provides us with the strength and clarity needed to fulfill our God-given mission. [01:22:48]

"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:24, ESV)

Reflection: What is the redemptive purpose God has placed on your life? How can you anchor yourself more deeply in this purpose today?

Day 5: Courage to Speak Truth

In a world where praise and rejection often function as two sides of the same coin, we must find the courage to pursue justice and speak truth, even when it's unpopular. Our identity should be firmly rooted in God's calling, allowing us to receive praise without becoming dependent upon it. By speaking truth with courage, we fulfill our role as ambassadors of Christ, bringing light and hope to a world in need. This courage is fueled by our unwavering commitment to God's truth and justice, empowering us to stand firm in our convictions. [01:27:06]

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)

Reflection: What truth do you feel called to speak in your current circumstances? How can you find the courage to speak this truth with love and conviction today?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound lesson of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and the fleeting nature of human praise. As Jesus rode into the city on a donkey, fulfilling ancient prophecy, the crowds shouted "Hosanna," expecting a military savior to overthrow Roman rule. However, their expectations were misaligned with God's purpose. This serves as a reminder that we often impose our own expectations on God, rather than seeking His will for our lives. We must align ourselves with God's purpose, asking Him where He wants us to serve and how He wants us to live, rather than dictating our plans to Him.

The message also highlighted the danger of seeking approval from others. Just as the same crowd that praised Jesus later called for His crucifixion, human approval is fickle and unreliable. We are encouraged to live for God's approval, not man's, and to remain steadfast in our divine purpose despite the shifting opinions of others. Jesus exemplified this by staying focused on His mission, undeterred by the praise or rejection of the crowd.

Furthermore, we discussed the importance of handling praise with humility. Praise can be a test, and if not managed properly, it can lead to pride and distraction from God's calling. Jesus consistently redirected praise to the Father, teaching us to do the same. We must discern between praise that empowers our purpose and praise that divides or distracts us.

Finally, we reflected on the journey from palm branches to the crown of thorns, emphasizing that Jesus' mission was not swayed by human acclaim or rejection. His purpose was redemptive, and He remained focused on His mission to save humanity. We are called to anchor ourselves in a purpose so profound that neither praise nor condemnation can shake it, keeping our eyes on our eternal purpose rather than temporary applause.

Key Takeaways

1. Aligning with God's Will: We often impose our expectations on God, but true faith requires us to seek His will and align our lives with His purpose. This means asking God where He wants us to serve and how He wants us to live, rather than dictating our plans to Him. [62:42]
2. Living for God's Approval: Human approval is fickle and unreliable. We must live for God's approval, not man's, and remain steadfast in our divine purpose despite the shifting opinions of others. Jesus exemplified this by staying focused on His mission, undeterred by the praise or rejection of the crowd. [66:10]
3. Handling Praise with Humility: Praise can be a test, and if not managed properly, it can lead to pride and distraction from God's calling. Jesus consistently redirected praise to the Father, teaching us to do the same. We must discern between praise that empowers our purpose and praise that divides or distracts us. [68:57]
4. Anchoring in Purpose: Jesus' mission was not swayed by human acclaim or rejection. His purpose was redemptive, and He remained focused on His mission to save humanity. We are called to anchor ourselves in a purpose so profound that neither praise nor condemnation can shake it. [82:48]
5. Courage to Speak Truth: In a world where praise and rejection often function as two sides of the same coin, we must find the courage to pursue justice and speak truth, even when it's unpopular. Our identity should be firmly rooted in God's calling, allowing us to receive praise without becoming dependent upon it. [01:27:06]
** [87:06]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[62:42] - Misaligned Expectations
[66:10] - Living for God's Approval
[68:57] - Handling Praise with Humility
[71:23] - The Fickleness of Human Praise
[79:50] - Division Through Praise
[82:48] - Anchoring in Purpose
[87:06] - Courage to Speak Truth
[89:33] - Staying Focused on the Goal
[100:11] - The Power of the Resurrection
[103:23] - Invitation to Salvation
[109:53] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Zechariah 9:9 - "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."
Matthew 21:9 - "The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, 'Hosanna to the Son of David!' 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Hosanna in the highest heaven!'"
John 12:43 - "For they loved human praise more than praise from God."

Observation Questions:

What prophecy did Jesus fulfill by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, and why was this significant? [01:02:42]
How did the crowd's expectations of Jesus differ from His actual mission? [01:02:42]
What does the sermon suggest about the nature of human praise and its reliability? [01:11:23]
How did Jesus handle the praise He received from the crowd, according to the sermon? [01:08:57]

Interpretation Questions:

How does the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 relate to the expectations people had of Jesus during His entry into Jerusalem? [01:02:42]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that seeking human approval can be dangerous for one's faith journey? [01:06:10]
How does the sermon illustrate the concept of aligning one's life with God's will rather than personal expectations? [01:02:42]
What lessons can be drawn from Jesus' response to praise and rejection, as discussed in the sermon? [01:22:48]

Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when your expectations of God did not align with His will. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [01:02:42]
Identify an area in your life where you might be seeking human approval over God's. What steps can you take to shift your focus? [01:06:10]
How can you practice humility when receiving praise, ensuring it does not distract you from your purpose? [01:08:57]
Think of a situation where you felt pressured by others' opinions. How can you remain steadfast in your divine purpose despite external pressures? [01:22:48]
What practical steps can you take to ensure your identity is rooted in God's calling rather than the praise or rejection of others? [01:27:06]
How can you cultivate the courage to speak truth and pursue justice, even when it is unpopular? [01:27:06]
Consider a specific distraction in your life that prevents you from focusing on your eternal purpose. What changes can you make this week to minimize that distraction? [01:29:33]

Sermon Clips

"See, it was prophesied way back in the Old Testament, and things had to be done in a certain way in order for the prophecy to be fulfilled. In other words, God is not a man that he should lie. If he said it, it's got to come to pass. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You don't have to worry about it. If it came from God, if God said it, it's got to happen simply because he, not one thing has he ever said that didn't come to pass." [01:01:42] (32 seconds) Edit Clip

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Instead of us lining up saying, God, what is it that you have for my life? Amen, amen. How far do you want me to go over here? And who do you want me to see? Who do you want me to help over here? And where do you want me to serve over here? Instead of asking God, guess what? We go to him and tell him to stamp off on what we already came up with. Am I right about it? And then when he doesn't deliver. Preach, pastor." [01:03:26] (32 seconds) Edit Clip

"I'm just talking about what I'm talking about. But one thing about it, one thing about it, it comes with the territory. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Jesus said, no cross, no crown. If you're going to follow me, you got to take up your cross. And this cross -bearing business means that, guess what? You're going to be persecuted sometime. You're going to be talked about sometime. You're going to be put down sometime. Your name going to be scandalized sometime. But through it all, you got to know that you're on assignment from God. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Don't live for the approval of people. Amen, amen. Live for the approval of God." [01:05:00] (44 seconds) Edit Clip

"Because I've discovered that, guess what? Just because a lot of people like something don't make it right. Just because a lot of people like something don't make it good. Because matter of fact, matter of fact, when you think about it, Jesus, the road to destruction, I'm talking about hell. He said, it's broad. And there's a whole lot of folk on that road. But he said, the way to righteousness. And no, that heavenly road, he said, it's up. And I'm going to go. And I'm going to go." [01:06:02] (33 seconds) Edit Clip

"I got some Bible readers in here. He said it's a narrow road. And he said, guess what? You're going to find a traveler every now and. What you mean? What you're trying to tell us, pal? Guess what? Sometimes when you're in the minority down here, guess what? That's a setup for God to be on your side. Don't worry about it if ain't nobody else around. Guess what? God said, I'll never leave you nor forsake you. Just because ain't nobody around you don't mean you ain't going the right way." [01:06:35] (31 seconds) Edit Clip

"Jesus, the shouts of Hosanna, son of David, greeted Jesus as he entered to Jerusalem. They must have been staring up because the same crowd said, crucify him. We're now laying palm branches at his feet. But Jesus never allowed the momentary praise to distract him from his divine purpose. How often do we find ourselves seduced by praise and shifts our focus from God's calling?" [01:07:53] (40 seconds) Edit Clip

"Every time somebody tried to pump Jesus up, he constantly re, he kind of redirected them to the father. He, he, he, y 'all, he didn't want no credit. He said, it's my father. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. It, it, when he prayed, he didn't want, he didn't want his will to be done. He said, God, not my will, but yeah, yeah, yeah. He always gave credit to the father. And, and you know, you know, he, he taught us, if we're going to be like him, we got to redirect our attention to the father." [01:21:20] (37 seconds) Edit Clip

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Then, then praise that divides, serves systems and not our souls. Praise that requires cultural sacrifice. It costs more than it gives. Yeah. Praise that comes with conditions, carries hidden expectations. Praise that isolates us from our roots, weaken our foundation. Praise that demands silence when there's injustice going on. Guess what? It's, it serves the oppression, the oppressor. We must develop Christ -like discernments that can distinguish between affirmate, between affirmation that empowers our purpose and praise that seeks to divide us." [01:22:48] (49 seconds) Edit Clip

"But what defines us is our purpose. Amen. Man, what if, like Jesus, we just anchored ourselves in a purpose, a purpose that's so profound that neither praise or condemnation could shake it? Yeah, yeah, yeah. What if our identity was so firmly rooted in God's calling that we could receive praise without becoming dependent upon it? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. We can find the courage to pursue justice even when it's unpopular. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. We can speak truth when silence would earn us more approval." [01:26:16] (37 seconds) Edit Clip

"Sometimes we got to find the courage to say what's needed to be said. And then finally, we got to remember that Christ showed us how to navigate both the seduction of praise and the sting of rejection. Same voices, Hosanna, on Sunday, we shall crucify him by Thursday and Friday. In this fickle world of human acclaim, we got to keep our eyes on the prize. Yeah, yeah, yeah. We got to keep our eyes on our eternal purpose rather than a temporary applause." [01:28:36] (41 seconds) Edit Clip

"Don't let don't get distracted by the prayer. Live a life live a life that's pleasing unto God live a life live a life that's a that's a a life of gratitude for what he did for you on Calvary's cross that's why that's why they sang it over and over and over again I know it was the I know it was the blood that saved yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah one day when I was lost he died I know it was the blood that saved me he has risen he's ascended and he's at the right hand of the father he's there he's there pleading our case." [01:39:38] (82 seconds) Edit Clip