Compare John 5:41 with Galatians 1:10 on seeking approval. What similarities exist? Verse Spotlight “I do not accept glory from men.” “Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Shared Emphasis on God-Centered Approval • Both verses reject human applause as a driving motive. • Each places God’s honor and pleasure as the ultimate standard. • Both link seeking man’s praise with spiritual compromise: – Jesus shows it would undermine His divine mission (John 5). – Paul shows it would disqualify him from being Christ’s servant (Galatians 1). Underlying Heart Issues • Identity: – Jesus’ identity rests fully in the Father. – Paul’s identity rests in Christ’s commissioning, not in popular opinion. • Authority: – Jesus’ works testify that the Father sent Him (John 5:36). – Paul’s gospel came “through a revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12). • Mission Integrity: – Human applause can dilute obedience (John 12:42-43). – Pleasing men distorts the gospel (Galatians 1:6-9). Complementary Insights from Other Scriptures • Proverbs 29:25 — “The fear of man brings a snare.” • 1 Thessalonians 2:4 — “We speak not to please men, but God, who examines our hearts.” • Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Why This Matters for Us • Freedom: Pursuing God’s approval frees us from the shifting standards of people. • Purity: God-focused motives protect the message we share and the ministries we steward. • Witness: A life unmoved by peer pressure points others to the sufficiency of Christ. Living It Out • Test motives: “Would I still act if no one noticed?” • Anchor identity: Rehearse Scriptures that declare who you are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14). • Seek God’s “Well done” above every human compliment (Matthew 25:21). |
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