The Temptation of Affirmation (Re-Lent #5 of 7)
Channel: The Gathering Christian Church
Date: 11/03/2013

Speaker: Don Vanzant
Title: The Temptation of Affirmation
Series: Re-Lent, #5 of 7
Subject: The temptation of affirmation is one that appeals to our deepest desires and truly to our needs.
Date: March 10, 2013
Sermon Notes:
* We would like to think that it is just one choice -- just one time we make the choice and then it is done for life, but that is not true. 

* Satan tempts Jesus with taking the easy path and a path where he is never rejected.

* He was tempted in all things, and yet without sin.   This temptation is so huge, even compared to the other two. 

* No one encouraged Jesus when he was going to the cross.   Everyone rejected him or his path.   He was completely alone.

*  Selling your soul to the Devil is the subject of jokes.   But the temptation is real and relevant.  It is not as dramatic, or on the scale of Ruler of the World.  Instead it is slow, gradual, and ordinary. 

* People are hungry for approval and affirmation.  We fear rejection and crave the support of others.

* If we seek the approval of others, it can become our idol; we will worship at the feet of affirmation and approval. 

* We know that approval is our idol if our greatest nightmare is rejection.

* That idol that you love, it doesn't love you back. False gods don't love you. Idols don't keep their promises. 

* We are not capable of meeting the temptations to be approved and affirmed by others at all costs unless we have received our true identity from God. 

* God loves us before we have done anything.    

* J.I Packer wrote: 
"If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of being God's child, and having God as his Father. If this is not the thought that prompts and controls his worship and prayers and his whole outlook on life, it means that he does not understand Christianity very well at all. 

* Your true identity is in God, and no one else can give you the approval and affirmation that you need -- but God.   
 
Matt. 4:8-11
Isaiah 53:2
Eph. 3:20
Heb. 4:15
Luke 6:26
John 10:30
Matt. 16:26
Romans. 8:15-16

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