In today's message, we explored the concept of approval addiction and how it can imprison us in a cycle of people-pleasing. The antidote to this addiction lies in transforming our minds, as Romans 12:2 suggests, by renewing our thoughts and aligning them with God's truth. Jesus emphasized that knowing the truth will set us free, and I shared six biblical truths to help break free from the need for approval.

Firstly, it's crucial to understand that even God cannot please everyone, and neither can we. Attempting to do so is futile and leads to a lack of conviction and authenticity. Secondly, happiness is a choice, independent of others' approval. We must not let others' opinions dictate our joy. Thirdly, what seems important now is often temporary. An eternal perspective helps us focus on what truly matters, rather than getting caught up in the fleeting concerns of this world.

Fourthly, we only need to please one person: God. Living for an audience of one simplifies life and prevents idolatry, where we place others' opinions above God's. Fifthly, we must remember that one day we will give an account of our lives to God. This long-term perspective encourages us to prioritize God's approval over human approval. Lastly, God shaped us to be ourselves, not someone else. Embracing our unique identity in Christ frees us from the pressure to conform to others' expectations.

These truths empower us to live authentically and courageously, focusing on God's purpose for our lives rather than being swayed by the opinions of others. By making Jesus the center of our lives, we can break free from the chains of approval addiction and live in the freedom He offers.

**Key Takeaways:**

- **Even God Can't Please Everyone:** Understanding that even God cannot please everyone helps us release the unrealistic expectation of universal approval. Jesus warned that if everyone speaks well of us, it might indicate a lack of conviction. Embracing this truth allows us to stand firm in our beliefs, knowing that taking a stand will inevitably invite criticism. [02:11]

- **Happiness is a Choice:** Our happiness should not be contingent on others' approval. By choosing happiness independent of others' opinions, we reclaim control over our emotional well-being. This mindset shift empowers us to live joyfully, regardless of external validation. [03:15]

- **Focus on Eternity:** What seems important now is often temporary. By adopting an eternal perspective, we can prioritize what truly matters and avoid getting entangled in the fleeting concerns of this world. This shift in focus leads to freedom from the pressures of people-pleasing. [09:15]

- **Live for an Audience of One:** We only need to please God, our Creator. Living for an audience of one simplifies life and prevents idolatry, where we place others' opinions above God's. This focus on God's approval liberates us from the need to conform to societal expectations. [12:58]

- **Accountability to God:** Remembering that we will give an account of our lives to God encourages us to prioritize His approval over human approval. This long-term perspective gives us the courage to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with societal pressures to conform. [15:32]

**Youtube Chapters:**

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Introduction to Approval Addiction
- [00:31] - The Mind's Role in People-Pleasing
- [00:47] - Transforming by Renewing the Mind
- [01:13] - Six Truths to Set You Free
- [01:40] - Truth 1: Even God Can't Please Everyone
- [02:58] - Truth 2: Happiness is a Choice
- [03:42] - The Futility of Pleasing Everyone
- [05:02] - Letting Go of Unattainable Approval
- [06:07] - Truth 3: Focus on Eternity
- [07:23] - God Meets Our Needs
- [08:22] - God's Unconditional Acceptance
- [09:15] - Truth 4: Live for an Audience of One
- [12:58] - Truth 5: Accountability to God
- [15:32] - Courage to Stand for Truth
- [20:11] - Truth 6: Be Who God Made You to Be
- [22:28] - Conclusion and Prayer

**Bible Study Discussion Guide**

**Bible Reading:**
1. Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
2. John 8:32 - "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
3. 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."

**Observation Questions:**
1. According to Romans 12:2, what is the result of renewing our minds? How does this relate to breaking free from approval addiction? [00:47]
2. In the sermon, it was mentioned that even God cannot please everyone. How does this truth help us release the expectation of universal approval? [01:40]
3. What does John 8:32 say about the truth, and how does this relate to the concept of freedom from people-pleasing? [00:59]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between happiness and the approval of others? [03:15]

**Interpretation Questions:**
1. How might renewing one's mind, as described in Romans 12:2, practically help someone struggling with approval addiction? [00:47]
2. The sermon suggests that happiness is a choice independent of others' approval. How can this perspective change one's approach to relationships and self-worth? [03:15]
3. What does it mean to live for an "audience of one," and how can this mindset prevent idolatry in our lives? [12:58]
4. How does the long-term perspective of giving an account to God influence daily decisions and interactions with others? [15:32]

**Application Questions:**
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you sought approval from others. How might focusing on God's approval have changed your response? [12:58]
2. Identify an area in your life where you feel pressured to conform to others' expectations. What steps can you take to embrace your unique identity in Christ instead? [20:11]
3. Consider a time when you allowed someone else's opinion to dictate your happiness. How can you reclaim control over your emotional well-being in similar situations? [03:15]
4. What practical steps can you take this week to focus more on eternal perspectives rather than temporary concerns? [09:15]
5. Think of a person whose approval you have been seeking. How can you shift your focus to seeking God's approval in that relationship? [15:32]
6. How can you remind yourself daily that you only need to please God, especially in high-pressure situations? [12:58]
7. What is one truth from the sermon that you can memorize and recall when faced with the temptation to please others over God? [01:13]

Day 1: Embrace the Reality of Limited Approval
Understanding that even God cannot please everyone helps us release the unrealistic expectation of universal approval. This truth liberates us from the constant pressure to conform to others' expectations. When we realize that not everyone will agree with us or support us, we can stand firm in our beliefs and convictions. Jesus Himself warned that if everyone speaks well of us, it might indicate a lack of conviction. Embracing this truth allows us to live authentically, knowing that taking a stand will inevitably invite criticism. [02:11]

"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: Who in your life are you trying to please at the expense of your own convictions? How can you begin to release the need for their approval today?


Day 2: Choose Joy Independent of Others
Happiness is a choice that should not be contingent on others' approval. By choosing happiness independent of others' opinions, we reclaim control over our emotional well-being. This mindset shift empowers us to live joyfully, regardless of external validation. When we understand that our joy comes from within and is not dictated by others, we can experience true freedom and contentment. [03:15]

"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are allowing others' opinions to dictate your happiness? How can you choose joy in that area today?


Day 3: Adopt an Eternal Perspective
What seems important now is often temporary. By adopting an eternal perspective, we can prioritize what truly matters and avoid getting entangled in the fleeting concerns of this world. This shift in focus leads to freedom from the pressures of people-pleasing. When we focus on eternity, we align our lives with God's purpose and find peace in His eternal promises. [09:15]

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." (2 Corinthians 4:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: What temporary concern is currently consuming your thoughts? How can you shift your focus to an eternal perspective today?


Day 4: Live for God's Approval Alone
We only need to please God, our Creator. Living for an audience of one simplifies life and prevents idolatry, where we place others' opinions above God's. This focus on God's approval liberates us from the need to conform to societal expectations. When we prioritize God's approval, we find true freedom and purpose in our lives. [12:58]

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways are you currently seeking approval from others instead of God? How can you begin to shift your focus to living for God's approval alone?


Day 5: Embrace Your Unique Identity in Christ
God shaped us to be ourselves, not someone else. Embracing our unique identity in Christ frees us from the pressure to conform to others' expectations. When we accept who God made us to be, we can live authentically and courageously, focusing on His purpose for our lives. This truth empowers us to break free from the chains of approval addiction and live in the freedom He offers. [15:32]

"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me." (1 Corinthians 15:10, ESV)

Reflection: What aspects of your identity are you struggling to embrace? How can you begin to accept and celebrate who God made you to be today?