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TITLE: I Approved this message
TEXT: Acts 2:22
PROPOSITION: The gospel message is approved of God.
QUESTION: How?
KEY WORD: Approvals
SCRIPTURE READING: Same


 

INTRODUCTION:

  1. It is now the law. To separate the “official” from special interests – the candidate must say, “I approved this message.”

  2. Peter, on Pentecost, preached that God “approved” his message.

  3. The message? The gospel – good news – Jesus is alive!

 

Good News

  1. There are many good news – bad news jokes.

  2. A teen called his parents and said, “I have good news. The air bags work.”

  3. God has good news!

  4. Many preachers are mostly negative – preach against things

  5. God approved a positive message – good news

  6. How can it be good news if we preach negative sermons?

Approved (condoned) By Men

  1. 2 Corinthians 13:7 - Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable, though we may seem disqualified.

  2. Romans 1:32 - who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

  3. Our goal is not the approval of men – but God. We don't do what the world does.

Approved (agree) By You

  1. Philippians 1:10 - that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,

  2. Romans 2:18 - and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,

  3. YOU must agree with the Word of God, approve what God says – accept and obey.

Approved (accepted) Of God

  1. James 1:12 - Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

  2. 2 Timothy 2:15 - Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

  3. 2 Corinthians 10:18 - For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

  4. Romans 16:10 - Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.

  5. Romans 14:18 - For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.

Conclusion:

  1. We are to seek the approval of God by agreeing with and doing His will.

  2. We do not seek the approval of men.

  3. Does God approve of the message your life is sending?

 

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