Overcoming Insecurities Through God's Promises and Assurance
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we delve into the life of King Jeroboam as depicted in 1 Kings 11-14 to understand the destructive nature of insecurities and how to overcome them through biblical principles. Insecurities can affect anyone, from the most accomplished to the least, and they often stem from feelings of inadequacy, fear of rejection, and unfounded fears. These insecurities can lead to damaging actions and unhealthy tendencies if left unchecked.
Jeroboam was a man of great courage and industriousness, recognized by King Solomon, who put him in charge of the labor force of his tribe. However, after Solomon's apostasy, God decided to tear ten tribes away from Solomon's family and give them to Jeroboam, promising him a royal dynasty if he followed God's commands. Despite this divine assurance, Jeroboam's insecurities began to surface after Solomon's death when he became king of the northern kingdom of Israel.
Jeroboam's insecurities were driven by unfounded fears that his people would return to the house of David if they continued to worship in Jerusalem. This fear led him to set up two golden calves in Bethel and Dan, creating a false pagan religion to keep his people from going to Jerusalem. This act of insecurity not only led to idolatry but also showed how insecurities can lead to damaging actions.
In chapter 13, we see a man of God from Judah prophesying against Jeroboam's altar, predicting its destruction and the rise of King Josiah, who would tear down the false religious cult. Jeroboam's reaction to this prophecy was to try to silence the man of God, showing his inability to accept constructive criticism. God, however, incapacitated Jeroboam's hand and split the altar as a sign of His power, yet Jeroboam's heart remained hardened.
Jeroboam's insecurities also led him to disguise his wife to seek out the prophet Ahijah when his son fell ill. This act of deception further illustrated his lack of confidence and trust in God. Ahijah, despite his old age and poor eyesight, recognized Jeroboam's wife and delivered a harsh prophecy that Jeroboam's kingdom would be taken away and his son would die.
In contrast, we are reminded of the comforting truth in Hebrews 4:14-16, which tells us that we have a compassionate high priest in Jesus Christ who intercedes on our behalf. Because of Jesus' finished work, we can come boldly before the throne of grace, without having to hide or pretend to be someone we are not. This assurance in Christ should give us the confidence to stand before God and ask Him anything.
In conclusion, insecurities can lead to destructive actions, but by embracing the truth of God's Word and understanding our identity in Christ, we can overcome these insecurities. We do not need to seek the approval of others or compare ourselves to them. Instead, we should find our worth and security in God's unconditional love and promises.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Promises Should Give Us Confidence and Assurance
God's promises are a source of confidence and assurance. For example, our safety is secured by God's protection, our salvation by Jesus' finished work, and our identity as children of the heavenly King. These promises should alleviate our insecurities and fears, providing us with a firm foundation to stand on. [08:33]
2. Insecurities Driven by Unfounded Fears Lead to Damaging Actions
Jeroboam's insecurities were driven by unfounded fears that his people would return to the house of David. This led him to create a false pagan religion, which was a damaging action. Unchecked insecurities can cause us to act irrationally and harmfully, emphasizing the need to address them through faith and trust in God's promises. [12:53]
3. The Focus of an Insecure Heart is Gaining the Approval and Acceptance of Others
Insecure individuals often seek the approval and acceptance of others, leading them to compromise their values and convictions. Jeroboam's actions to win the hearts of his people by setting up false idols illustrate this point. A secure heart, on the other hand, finds contentment in God's acceptance and love, freeing it from the need to seek validation from others. [20:34]
4. Insecure People Do Not Often Tolerate Dissension and Accept Constructive Criticism
Jeroboam's reaction to the man of God's prophecy showed his inability to accept constructive criticism. Insecure people often see criticism as a threat to their worth, rather than an opportunity for growth. A secure person in Christ can accept godly correction, knowing it is for their own good and spiritual development. [28:18]
5. In Christ, We Can Be Confident to Stand Before God and Ask Him Anything
Because of Jesus' finished work, we can approach God with confidence, without having to hide or pretend. This assurance in Christ should dispel our insecurities, allowing us to stand before God and ask Him anything. Our standing before the Heavenly Father is secure, and we are loved and accepted just as we are. [39:08]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:32] - Introduction to Insecurities
[04:16] - Biblical Perspective on Insecurities
[05:46] - God's Promise to Jeroboam
[08:33] - Principle 1: God's Promises Give Confidence
[10:06] - Jeroboam's Insecurities Surface
[12:53] - Principle 2: Unfounded Fears Lead to Damaging Actions
[16:03] - Jeroboam's False Religion
[20:34] - Principle 3: Seeking Approval of Others
[25:20] - Prophecy Against Jeroboam's Altar
[28:18] - Principle 4: Accepting Constructive Criticism
[34:27] - Jeroboam's Deception and Ahijah's Prophecy
[39:08] - Principle 5: Confidence in Christ
[43:48] - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Kings 11:28-32
2. 1 Kings 12:25-30
3. Hebrews 4:14-16
#### Observation Questions
1. What promise did God make to Jeroboam through the prophet Ahijah? (1 Kings 11:28-32)
2. How did Jeroboam's insecurities manifest after he became king of the northern kingdom of Israel? (1 Kings 12:25-30)
3. What was Jeroboam's reaction to the prophecy against his altar, and what was the outcome? (1 Kings 13:1-6)
4. According to Hebrews 4:14-16, what assurance do we have in Jesus Christ?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did Jeroboam feel insecure despite God's promise to him? How did these insecurities affect his actions? (1 Kings 11:28-32, [07:10])
2. How do Jeroboam's actions in setting up golden calves illustrate the principle that insecurities driven by unfounded fears lead to damaging actions? (1 Kings 12:25-30, [12:53])
3. What does Jeroboam's inability to accept constructive criticism reveal about the nature of insecurity? (1 Kings 13:1-6, [28:18])
4. How does the assurance given in Hebrews 4:14-16 contrast with Jeroboam's actions and insecurities? ([37:34])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt insecure despite having assurances from God. How did you handle it, and what could you have done differently? ([01:32])
2. Jeroboam's insecurities led him to create a false religion to keep his people from returning to Jerusalem. Have you ever compromised your values or beliefs to gain approval or acceptance from others? How did it affect you? ([16:03])
3. In what ways do you seek the approval and acceptance of others? How can you shift your focus to finding contentment in God's acceptance and love? ([20:34])
4. How do you typically respond to constructive criticism? What steps can you take to be more open to godly correction and see it as an opportunity for growth? ([28:18])
5. Hebrews 4:14-16 encourages us to come boldly before the throne of grace. What insecurities or fears are holding you back from approaching God with confidence? How can you overcome them? ([37:34])
6. Think of a specific area in your life where you feel insecure. What biblical promises can you hold onto to find assurance and confidence in that area? ([08:33])
7. How can you remind yourself daily of your identity in Christ to combat feelings of inadequacy and fear? What practical steps can you take to reinforce this truth in your life? ([39:08])
Devotional
### Day 1: God's Promises Provide a Firm Foundation
God's promises are a source of confidence and assurance. For example, our safety is secured by God's protection, our salvation by Jesus' finished work, and our identity as children of the heavenly King. These promises should alleviate our insecurities and fears, providing us with a firm foundation to stand on. [08:33]
Jeroboam was given a divine promise that he would have a royal dynasty if he followed God's commands. Despite this assurance, his insecurities led him to make decisions based on fear rather than faith. This highlights the importance of trusting in God's promises, which are steadfast and reliable. When we anchor our lives in God's promises, we can face uncertainties with confidence, knowing that He is in control and His plans for us are good.
In our own lives, we may face situations that trigger feelings of inadequacy or fear. During these times, it is crucial to remember God's promises and let them be our source of strength and assurance. By focusing on His unwavering love and faithfulness, we can overcome our insecurities and live with a sense of peace and purpose.
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: What specific promise of God can you hold onto today to help you overcome a current fear or insecurity?
### Day 2: Unfounded Fears Lead to Damaging Actions
Jeroboam's insecurities were driven by unfounded fears that his people would return to the house of David. This led him to create a false pagan religion, which was a damaging action. Unchecked insecurities can cause us to act irrationally and harmfully, emphasizing the need to address them through faith and trust in God's promises. [12:53]
Jeroboam's fear that his people would abandon him if they continued to worship in Jerusalem led him to set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan. This act of idolatry was a direct result of his insecurities and unfounded fears. Instead of trusting in God's promise, Jeroboam allowed his fears to dictate his actions, leading to spiritual and moral decay.
In our own lives, we may also act out of fear, making decisions that are not aligned with God's will. These actions can have damaging consequences for ourselves and others. It is essential to recognize when our fears are unfounded and to address them through prayer and trust in God's guidance. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of irrational and harmful behavior.
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Reflection: Identify a recent decision you made out of fear. How might trusting in God's promises have changed your actions?
### Day 3: Seeking Approval from Others
Insecure individuals often seek the approval and acceptance of others, leading them to compromise their values and convictions. Jeroboam's actions to win the hearts of his people by setting up false idols illustrate this point. A secure heart, on the other hand, finds contentment in God's acceptance and love, freeing it from the need to seek validation from others. [20:34]
Jeroboam's desire to gain the approval of his people led him to compromise his faith and set up false idols. This need for validation from others can cause us to stray from our values and make choices that are not pleasing to God. When we seek approval from others, we place their opinions above God's, leading to a life of insecurity and compromise.
True security comes from knowing that we are loved and accepted by God. When we find our worth in His unconditional love, we are freed from the need to seek validation from others. This allows us to live authentically and make decisions that honor God, rather than compromising our values for the sake of approval.
Galatians 1:10 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking approval from others? How can you shift your focus to finding contentment in God's acceptance?
### Day 4: Accepting Constructive Criticism
Jeroboam's reaction to the man of God's prophecy showed his inability to accept constructive criticism. Insecure people often see criticism as a threat to their worth, rather than an opportunity for growth. A secure person in Christ can accept godly correction, knowing it is for their own good and spiritual development. [28:18]
When the man of God from Judah prophesied against Jeroboam's altar, Jeroboam's immediate reaction was to silence him. This response revealed his insecurity and inability to accept constructive criticism. Instead of seeing the prophecy as an opportunity for repentance and growth, Jeroboam viewed it as a threat to his authority and worth.
In our own lives, we may also struggle to accept criticism, especially when it challenges our sense of self-worth. However, godly correction is meant to help us grow and become more like Christ. By embracing constructive criticism with humility and a willingness to learn, we can develop a secure heart that is open to growth and transformation.
Proverbs 12:1 (ESV): "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid."
Reflection: Think of a recent instance where you received constructive criticism. How did you respond, and how can you approach such feedback with a more open and humble heart in the future?
### Day 5: Confidence in Christ
Because of Jesus' finished work, we can approach God with confidence, without having to hide or pretend. This assurance in Christ should dispel our insecurities, allowing us to stand before God and ask Him anything. Our standing before the Heavenly Father is secure, and we are loved and accepted just as we are. [39:08]
Hebrews 4:14-16 reminds us that we have a compassionate high priest in Jesus Christ who intercedes on our behalf. Because of His finished work on the cross, we can come boldly before the throne of grace, without fear or pretense. This assurance in Christ should give us the confidence to stand before God and ask Him anything, knowing that we are loved and accepted just as we are.
Insecurities often stem from a fear of rejection or inadequacy. However, in Christ, we are fully accepted and loved by God. This truth should dispel our insecurities and give us the confidence to approach God with our needs, desires, and struggles. By embracing our identity in Christ, we can live with a sense of security and boldness, knowing that our worth is found in Him.
Hebrews 4:16 (ESV): "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel insecure? How can you bring this insecurity before God with confidence, trusting in His love and acceptance?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We do not live for the applause of many. We only have to live for the approval of one, and his approval and his love is already sure. How do we see it? How do we know it? Because of his son Jesus, who died in our place, my place and your place. And if you do not believe that God loves you, I want you to think about Jesus. He died in your place." [43:48]
2. "Remember, in God's unconditional love for us, there is not one thing we can do today that will make God love us more or love us less, and this truth can help cure the insecurities of your hearts. A secure heart knows that he or she, is already accepted and loved by the Heavenly Father. He accepts me. That's all that really matters in life. I'm loved and I'm accepted. I don't need to do anything else to get God to love me more." [22:00]
3. "It's imperative that you begin to work on improving your self-confidence and self-esteem so that you do not let your insecurities be damaging to your life. And biblically, how do we improve our self-confidence? How do we improve our self-esteem? How do we improve our self-worth? It's by embracing the truth of God's Word. Biblical truths about who we are as valuable human beings in the eyes of God, as beloved children of the Heavenly Father, will prevent us from thinking thoughts that will often take us to very dark places." [14:26]
4. "We can come boldly before the throne of grace. We can approach a holy God even as sinners because of the finished work of Jesus. While in ourselves as sinners, we have no standing before a holy and righteous God, but Jesus Christ's blood forgives us of our sins and washes away our sins, so we stand before God sinless. Through the blood of Christ, we have rights as children of the heavenly Father to come before God and ask Him anything. We do not have to pretend who we are not." [37:34]
5. "The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind the scenes with everyone else's highlight reel. Isn't that true? We compare our behind the scenes with everyone else's highlight reel. Of course, it will be different. We always think that someone is so much better, has it all put together, smarter and stronger than we are, but we're not always seeing the real them." [42:11]
### Quotes for Members
1. "God's promises should give us confidence and assurance. You know, my friends, the many promises of God in the Bible should assure us of our insecurities. For example, our safety is secured by God's promised protection. Our salvation is secure because of the finished work of Jesus Christ. Our eternal future is secure because Jesus died in our place. Our identity is as children of the heavenly King. Our success then is measured on our faithfulness and not according to worldly accomplishments. Our provisions will be taken care of by a God who provides." [08:33]
2. "Insecurities driven by unfounded fears lead to damaging actions. As Pat Molina writes, I can't begin to describe to you how important it is to not let your insecurities spiral out of control. Yes, every human from time to time gets a little insecure about something. Even the most confident person out there have moments of self-doubt and question their abilities and competencies. It's a part that exists in us all. And unfortunately, it can kill everything from our self-esteem to our relationships." [12:53]
3. "The focus of an insecure heart is gaining the approval and acceptance of others. If one is insecure, then, of course, his focus will be on trying to find acceptance and gain the approval of others. To be liked, that becomes the main goal of a person. And if this is the overall driving force for how we live our lives, then it's problematic because then we will compromise doing what is right, just to pander to the people or to be willing to do what is wrong for the sake of being accepted by them." [20:34]
4. "Insecure people do not often tolerate dissension and accept constructive criticism. My friends, the reason this is important to identify is if we find ourselves too prideful to admit that we need to change our ways or do not desire to listen to people who are trying to help us, even if it's in the form of criticism to point out blind spots, then it shows that we are insecure because we think that people are judging our abilities and our worth, but that's not often the case. They actually want us to listen to them. They want us to improve and better ourselves." [28:18]
5. "In Christ, we can be confident to stand before God and ask Him anything. We can ask Him to help even if we've gotten into the mess ourselves. We can ask Him to forgive even if we were warned many times not to do it, and we still did it. We can ask Him for strength when we are weak and afraid. We can ask Him to forgive even when we are undeserving of it, all because of what His Son, Jesus Christ, did on the cross. That if we place our trust in Him, all our insecurities go out the window, because our standing before the Heavenly Father is sure." [39:08]
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