Key 4 – RECOGNITION
A. Who are you?
B. What are you?
C. Obstacles
D. Strengths/Weaknesses
A. Who are you? First we must recognize that a believer and an unbeliever are two different kinds of beings.
As believers, we are select in that we have an intimate relationship with God and his son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. The unbeliever can claim to know who God and Jesus are through history but cannot claim them as spiritual Father or Savior. If you ask “Isn’t it true that God created everyone and Jesus died for everyone (including the saved and unsaved)? then of course I would answer yes, however, it is clear in God’s word the Bible, that we become the sons (children) of God at the acceptance of his Son (John 1:12). Everyone, in fact all things are his creation, but to become a child in the family of God takes another step.
Yes, Jesus died for everyone, but not everyone has accepted him as their Lord and Savior. For example, picture preparing a feast for fifty people and all your guests come and sit at the table, however, you notice that only 12 people are actually eating, what would that tell you? You put out the invitation. You worked all day at preparing the meal. You set a banquet table for 50, with enough food probably for 60 and it was hard work. It took a lot of planning and preparation. It is free to your guests and it thrills your heart to have those around you that you care about. Now…why are the other 38 people not eating? In fact you notice that some have turned their backs on the rest of the guests. Perhaps they didn’t like the way you prepared their steaks. Maybe they wanted dessert first. Thirty of the guests get up and leave. Eight stay to mingle, still they do not eat. You invited them all; you prepared to please them all; you took care of everything and it cost them nothing; BUT only 12 accepted your gift- your work of love. That may have simplified the gift of Salvation but it is the same premise. Not everyone accepts God’s gift, and when they don’t it is the same thing as rejecting God’s gift. Without the gift they close the door to heaven….notice, I didn’t say God closed the door, no, it is an individual choice. Jesus died for all creation, but it is up to us individually to become believers, accept the gift and walk through the door.
So, we are believers because of a decision we make, what does that have to do with walking in confidence? This study is about walking a daily walk with confidence with Jesus Christ.
If we recognize who we are it is almost impossible not to be confident.
[At this point I want to warn you that there is such a thing as being over confident, and that is not in God’s plan for you. If you are feeling over confident it is likely that your opinion of yourself is getting in the way. Being confident in Christ and lifting yourself up on a pedestal is two different things and if you lift yourself up….don’t be surprised if you end up like Humpty Dumpty.]
So, who are you? Recognize that you are a child of the King of Kings when you have accepted Jesus as Savior. You are in God’s eternal loving care; never forgotten, never forsaken, never alone and always loved.
B. A believer in the Lord Jesus is more than a simple human being. I say that because of all the words in the scriptures that describe the chosen of God. Why chosen? Hasn’t he chosen all? It is a mystery and very hard to understand but let me say that God knows the heart. Read John 15:19, Ephesians 1:4, II Thessalonians 2:13 and I Peter 2:9 to help you understand how very special you are as a believer. Another factor is that when you become a believer, the Spirit of God resides in you. He is your guide and comforter. He never leaves you. You no longer walk in the old garment of sin but have been washed as white as snow through the blood of the Lamb. Oh dear…how can something washed in blood come out white as snow? Remember that the blood of the lamb is symbolic for the actual blood of Christ which was shed on the cross of Calvary. Jesus Christ represented the sacrificial lamb when he died to wash away your sins, just as the animal sacrifice of long ago was used to cleanse God’s people. Jesus’ shed blood wipes away your sin when you repent and ask forgiveness, requesting His presence in a personal relationship with him. It is too bad that so many will reject His holy love…so, what are you? You are a being made fresh and new through Calvary. You have everlasting life with God and the Son. Your way into heaven has been paid by Jesus and he offers joy and contentment to go along with the struggles of everyday life on earth.
C. What obstacles could get in the way of our recognition? Ask yourself this. Who do I desire to recognize my worth and why do I want them to?
I caution you that if you need recognition frequently for any reason, you may be battling with pride. You may also be battling with a lack of confidence, the very thing this study is to help encourage you in. God’s recognition of our lives should be attention enough. In Matthew 6:6 Jesus tells us to do what we are called on to do in secret …and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. You may have the choice of your neighbor or the pastor, your spouse or a newspaper reporter, etc., recognizing your deeds and worth; but can that compare with God the Father keeping his eye on you and openly rewarding you in his time? I will say it again…God knows the heart and he knows who is humble enough to enjoy his reward while still on earth.
Now, what are the obstacles? Pride of life; not accepting the truth of salvation – being chosen of God; putting the thoughts of man before the thoughts of the Father.
D. Strengths and weaknesses of recognition:
Understand your potential:
a) You are the light of the world – Matthew 5:14-16 You are prepared to carry the Gospel to the lost as ‘missionaries’: Mark 16:15-20 You will be called on to do great things for God: John 14:12
b) Know that you will always be under attack from the adversary when you set out to bring recognition and glory to Jesus Christ. As Paul tells us in II Corinthians 12:9 - His strength is brought out in our weakness for He takes the opportunity to show the world that he always intervenes on our behalf. He can accomplish what man cannot.
A school age child often needs to be recognized for his deeds in order to feel accepted and/or loved. However, we must all grow up emotionally and spiritually. The day comes when we must understand that being recognized as a true Christian – a follower of Christ, is enough.
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY: Answer the following questions and if you feel convicted in any area, take that information immediately to the Lord in prayer.
1. Do I often feel alone? ________
2. Do I get jealous when others are recognized and I am not? ______
3. Do I fall into depression because I think “I’m not worth it”? _____
4. When I feel alone or lacking in confidence do I immediately ask for forgiveness and take it to the Lord? ______
Write a note to yourself as to how you can correct destructive thinking. Ask for wisdom and instruction through the Lord Jesus and claim the victory over this type of attack.
Today….it’s time to recognize who and what you are in the name of Jesus Christ your Savior.
Dear Self,
I have made the decision that starting this day _______________, with the help of Jesus Christ, I will:
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