Building Yourself Up (Genesis 1:1-25)
This sermon addresses the common human tendency to seek validation and worth from external sources. It challenges listeners to shift their dependency from people to an internal, God-centered affirmation of self.
The sermon teaches that true self-worth comes from God's approval and internal affirmation, not from depending on external compliments or validation from others, which is often unreliable and temporary.
Overview
This sermon begins by acknowledging the benefit of external encouragement but quickly warns against the unhealthy dependency on others' compliments and approval. The preacher illustrates how relying solely on external validation can lead to an "addiction to approval," where one's self-worth and mood are constantly at the mercy of other people's opinions.
The core argument shifts to the importance of self-affirmation, emphasizing that people are limited and inconsistent, unable to provide all the validation one needs. Listeners are challenged to actively build themselves up by recognizing their inherent value as children of God, handpicked and approved by the Creator.
To solidify this point, the sermon uses the example of God's creation in Genesis, where God repeatedly declared His work "good" even before it was fully complete. This illustrates that worth is not dependent on perfection or external finished products, but on God's initial declaration. Personal anecdotes reinforce the idea of celebrating one's own efforts and achievements.
Ultimately, the sermon suggests that God may intentionally remove external sources of encouragement to foster internal strength and maturity. By learning to depend on God for value and approval, individuals can become self-sufficient in Christ, free from the emotional roller coaster of seeking validation from others.
Key points
- Depending on others for affirmation can become an unhealthy addiction to approval.
- People are limited and inconsistent, making external validation an unreliable source of self-worth.
- Believers are encouraged to proactively "build themselves up" by affirming their God-given identity and value.
- This internal self-affirmation helps one tune out the inner critic and negative external opinions.
- God modeled self-appreciation by calling His creation "good" throughout the process, even before it was finished.
- God sometimes weans individuals off external approval to cultivate deeper, internal strength and maturity.
- True self-worth and encouragement come from God, making one self-sufficient in Christ.
In Joel Osteen's words
“Quit putting how you feel about yourself, your mood, your value in someone else's hands.”
“Nobody should be more for you than you.”
“You're trying to get from them what only God can give.”
Outline
- I. The Danger of Depending on External Approval
- A. The Unhealthy Addiction to Compliments and Validation
- B. The Limitations and Inconsistency of People
- C. The Codependent Relationship with External Affirmation
- II. Learning to Build Yourself Up
- A. Complimenting and Approving Yourself
- B. Affirming Your God-Given Identity and Worth
- C. Tuning Out the Inner Critic
- D. Celebrating Your Gifts and Talents
- III. God's Example of Self-Approval
- A. God Called His Creation "Good" Even Before Completion (Genesis)
- B. We Are All Unfinished Products, Yet Approved by God
- IV. Cultivating Internal Strength and Maturity
- A. God Will Wean You Off External Approval (Personal Anecdotes)
- B. Becoming Self-Sufficient in Christ's Sufficiency
- C. The Protection of Internal Strength from External Negativity
Scripture references
1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
2 And the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Insights
True worth is found within, not in external validation.
God's approval of you is already complete and unwavering.
Leaning on others for identity can become a heavy burden.
Questions & answers
Why is it unhealthy to depend on others for encouragement?
It can lead to an addiction to approval, making your self-worth and mood dependent on inconsistent external sources. People have limitations and cannot always be there to provide the validation you need.
How can I "build myself up" if I feel unworthy?
Actively remind yourself of who God says you are: a masterpiece, handpicked, worthy, and valuable, made in His image. Look in the mirror and declare these truths over yourself daily.
What does the sermon say about the "inner critic"?
The sermon advises to tune out the inner critic. You have enough external forces trying to put you down; you don't need an internal one. Nobody should be more for you than you.
Why would God remove external sources of encouragement?
God sometimes weans individuals off external approval so that it doesn't become a crutch. This process helps you develop internal strength and maturity, learning to get your value directly from Him.
How does God's creation story relate to self-worth?
In Genesis, God Himself celebrated His work as "good" even before it was fully complete. This teaches that one doesn't have to be perfect to feel worthy or to celebrate progress along the way.
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