Embracing Our Worthiness: God's Unconditional Love and Identity

Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the profound truth that we are worthy and loved by God. We began by acknowledging that many of us have felt unworthy at times, a feeling that often drives us to seek God. This sense of unworthiness can be exacerbated by religious teachings and societal pressures, but it is crucial to understand that God’s love and grace are not contingent on our worthiness. We delved into the story of Jesus reading from the book of Isaiah in the synagogue, declaring that He was the fulfillment of the prophecy to bring good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and set the captives free. This bold declaration underscores that Jesus came to offer salvation and freedom to all, regardless of their past or present circumstances.

We discussed the importance of humility, not as a means to belittle ourselves, but as a way to recognize our dependence on God. True humility allows us to dream big and live boldly, knowing that we are children of the Most High God. We are called to live with a "bold humility," approaching God with confidence while maintaining a humble heart. This balance is essential for a healthy spiritual life.

We also examined the concept of faith, which is the key to pleasing God. Faith is what moved Jesus during His earthly ministry, and it is what qualifies us to receive His love and blessings. Stories of individuals like Blind Bartimaeus and the woman with the issue of blood illustrate that faith, not social status or personal achievements, is what draws Jesus' attention and compassion.

Finally, we reflected on our identity in Christ. We are royalty, servants, and intimate friends of God. This identity empowers us to live boldly for Him, serve others, and stand firm against the powers of darkness. Our worthiness is not based on our actions but on Jesus' sacrifice, which has made us children of God.

### Key Takeaways

1. God’s Love and Grace Are Unconditional: Despite our feelings of unworthiness, God’s love for us is unwavering. He has already qualified us to be in His presence and to be loved by Him. This understanding should drive us to live confidently, knowing that we are cherished by the Creator of the universe. [02:45]

2. Humility and Boldness: True humility is recognizing our dependence on God while also understanding our identity as His children. This "bold humility" allows us to dream big and live courageously, knowing that our worth comes from God and not from our achievements or failures. [04:59]

3. Faith is the Key to Pleasing God: It is not our works or status that please God, but our faith. Faith is what moved Jesus during His ministry and it is what qualifies us to receive His love and blessings. Stories like those of Blind Bartimaeus and the woman with the issue of blood highlight the power of faith in drawing Jesus' attention and compassion. [19:27]

4. Our Identity in Christ: We are royalty, servants, and intimate friends of God. This identity empowers us to live boldly for Him, serve others, and stand firm against the powers of darkness. Understanding our identity in Christ helps us navigate life with confidence and purpose. [38:35]

5. Surrender Over Quitting: Surrendering to God means acknowledging our limitations and leaning on His strength and guidance. Unlike quitting, which implies giving up, surrendering is about trusting God to lead us through our challenges and into His will for our lives. [33:57]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[02:45] - Feeling Unworthy
[04:59] - Bold Humility
[07:17] - God’s Provision
[09:53] - Royal Priesthood
[12:42] - Jesus’ Declaration
[15:01] - God’s Love and Judgment
[18:51] - Faith and Pleasing God
[22:04] - Stories of Faith
[25:19] - The Beatitudes
[29:22] - Jesus’ Rejection and Acceptance
[33:57] - Surrendering to God
[38:35] - Our Identity in Christ
[44:11] - Invitation to Accept Christ
[48:24] - Encouragement and Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 4:16-21 - "He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 'The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.' Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, 'Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.'"

2. Hebrews 11:6 - "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

3. Matthew 5:3-10 - "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus declare about Himself when He read from the book of Isaiah in the synagogue? ([12:42])
2. According to Hebrews 11:6, what is necessary to please God?
3. In Matthew 5:3-10, who are described as "blessed" and what are they promised?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' declaration in Luke 4:16-21 challenge the feelings of unworthiness that people might have? ([13:48])
2. What does it mean to have "bold humility" as described in the sermon, and how does this concept relate to our identity in Christ? ([04:59])
3. How do the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-10 reflect the kind of humility and faith that pleases God? ([27:43])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy. How does understanding that God's love and grace are unconditional change your perspective on that experience? ([02:45])
2. How can you practice "bold humility" in your daily life, balancing confidence in your identity as a child of God with a humble heart? ([04:59])
3. Think of a situation where you need to exercise faith. How can the examples of Blind Bartimaeus and the woman with the issue of blood inspire you to act in faith? ([22:04])
4. In what ways can you live out your identity as royalty, a servant, and an intimate friend of God in your community? ([38:35])
5. What does surrendering to God look like in your current circumstances? How can you differentiate between surrendering and quitting? ([33:57])
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to lean more on God's strength and guidance. What steps can you take this week to surrender that area to Him? ([34:45])
7. How can you remind yourself daily of your worthiness and identity in Christ, especially when facing challenges or doubts? ([32:21])

Devotional

Day 1: God's Unconditional Love and Grace
God’s love and grace are not dependent on our worthiness or actions. Despite our feelings of unworthiness, God’s love for us is unwavering. He has already qualified us to be in His presence and to be loved by Him. This understanding should drive us to live confidently, knowing that we are cherished by the Creator of the universe. The story of Jesus reading from the book of Isaiah in the synagogue, declaring that He was the fulfillment of the prophecy to bring good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and set the captives free, underscores that Jesus came to offer salvation and freedom to all, regardless of their past or present circumstances. [02:45]

Isaiah 61:1-2 (ESV): "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn."

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt unworthy of God’s love. How can you remind yourself today that His love and grace are unconditional and not based on your actions?

Day 2: Bold Humility
True humility is recognizing our dependence on God while also understanding our identity as His children. This "bold humility" allows us to dream big and live courageously, knowing that our worth comes from God and not from our achievements or failures. Humility is not about belittling ourselves but about acknowledging our need for God and living with the confidence that we are His beloved children. This balance is essential for a healthy spiritual life. [04:59]

James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to balance humility and boldness? How can you practice "bold humility" today by recognizing your dependence on God while also embracing your identity as His child?

Day 3: Faith is the Key to Pleasing God
It is not our works or status that please God, but our faith. Faith is what moved Jesus during His ministry and it is what qualifies us to receive His love and blessings. Stories like those of Blind Bartimaeus and the woman with the issue of blood highlight the power of faith in drawing Jesus' attention and compassion. These stories remind us that faith, not social status or personal achievements, is what pleases God and moves His heart. [19:27]

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."

Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you relied on your own efforts rather than faith in God. How can you shift your focus to faith in God’s power and promises today?

Day 4: Our Identity in Christ
We are royalty, servants, and intimate friends of God. This identity empowers us to live boldly for Him, serve others, and stand firm against the powers of darkness. Understanding our identity in Christ helps us navigate life with confidence and purpose. Our worthiness is not based on our actions but on Jesus' sacrifice, which has made us children of God. Embracing this identity allows us to live out our faith with boldness and humility. [38:35]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: How does understanding your identity in Christ change the way you approach your daily life and interactions with others? What steps can you take today to live more boldly and confidently in this identity?

Day 5: Surrender Over Quitting
Surrendering to God means acknowledging our limitations and leaning on His strength and guidance. Unlike quitting, which implies giving up, surrendering is about trusting God to lead us through our challenges and into His will for our lives. Surrendering requires faith and humility, recognizing that we cannot do it all on our own and that we need God’s help and direction. This act of surrender is a powerful expression of our trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty. [33:57]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "It's probably one of the catalysts that actually drove you into not just church, but meeting God. Amen. Because we're going to look today at some all maybe familiar verses to some of you. Maybe they're new to some of you. But we're going to look at some verses that qualify you to be in his presence. To be loved. Loved by God. Well, you're qualified for that already. You're loved. I'll just tell you that right now. You are loved." [02:45] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "As long as we live in this world, it seems like the world system, the people that are not for you, the people that are working against you, the trials of life continually try to smash out and stomp down. All of the dreams that you once lived or dreamed of that you would live one day. Right? And just like that song, you're not finished yet. It's time to shake off the dust and to dream again and to dream big and to ask large because you are a child of God." [05:37] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "How is it that you, by worrying, can add one cubit to your height? He knows what you have need of. Food, housing, clothing. And he said he would provide these things. What father wouldn't provide those things for their children? So we don't have to fret. We don't have to worry for the basic, the basic things in life." [07:17] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "But as many as received him, to them he gave the right, and that word is he gave the power to become children of God. To those who believe in his name, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. How loved were we. How loved. Are you." [30:20] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So to put it simply, I simply put royalty is your identity. Servanthood is your assignment. Intimacy with God is your life source. With God, it's an intimate, close friend relationship and a fear. Let's not forget, I mean, he is to be feared. Jesus has opened that relationship up, though, to father. We're a servant like Jesus was. Our lives are in his hands now to reach others." [39:41] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "But once we... Once we meet him, he's not expecting you to stay in this... I've got to be careful how I word this. We want to stay humble. But you are a child of the Most High God. I need something to get into your spirit this morning. I expect my child to dream like that song said. Dream again, dreamer. In fact, I want her to dream so big that even I'm astonished. Don't you want that for your children?" [04:59] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We have, and this is true, done nothing to accomplish our own salvation, nor could we ever do anything, a good enough act to get us into the pearly gates. This is Bible. That all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. There's none good, no, not one, the Bible says. There was never one person that would be able to say because of the things, that they have done, I have found redemption, but it's found only in one, and his name is Jesus." [11:05] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "So the balance then is how to, how do we stay humble knowing who we are? And one of the ways is we wouldn't be who we are if it wasn't for him. That's always on the frontlets of our minds. So therefore we will praise our God. Therefore we will extol our God. Therefore we, we will lift his name on high for he has achieved the name which is above every name, Jesus, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords." [11:35] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Jesus is preaching the Beatitudes here in verse 3 we'll pick up in chapter 5. And it said, Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. I want you to know something. This word here, poor, does not mean the poor. It means the broken. Those that are hurting in spirit. Those that have been crushed. Those that have been through something. Those that are saying to themselves, I've come to an end of myself. I need help. Those that have been humbled by life. Blessed are they, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." [26:32] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So to answer the question, are we worthy? Are we not worthy? Are we loved? Are we not loved? Well, one, there's nothing that any of us can do to achieve salvation. There's nothing any of us can do. We could cry for the rest of our lives and crawl on our knees around the globe as many times as we can and you cannot get into heaven by doing that. There's only one that was worthy. Only one that was glorified. Only one name by which man can be saved and that's Jesus Christ." [32:21] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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