I. Introduction: We are very familiar with this phrase. It has been coined by anti-abortionists and Christians in the fight to save unborn babies. And although I agree in a fetus’ right to life--that is not the sermon I am going to preach tonight.
II. Read scripture passage: Psalm 139:13-14 (NKJV)
13 For You formed (NIV says created) my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
The Message: v. 13-16
13-16 Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother’s womb.
I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I’d even lived one day.
III. What value do you place on the following?
*Your job
*Your family
*Your possessions
*Your friends
*A human life
Quote: “As important as your obligation as a doctor, a lawyer or a business leader may be, your human connections with your spouse, your children and your friends are the most important investment you will ever make. At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal, but you will regret time not spent with your spouse, your children or your friends.” SOURCE: Barbara Bush, 1994 Commencement Address, Wellesley College, quoted in Current Thoughts and Trends, January 1995, p. 12.
*What importance are you placing on human life?
* definition of “sanctity”
1. Holiness of life or disposition; saintliness.
2. The quality or condition of being considered sacred; inviolability.
3. Something considered sacred.
IV. Christ saw great value in every human life! Let’s take a look:
*Matthew—tax collector; Matthew 9
*Zacchaeus—chief tax collector; Luke 19
*The woman at the well—married 5 times; John 4
*The disciples—fishermen, tax collector; all four gospels
*The thief on the cross—a criminal; Luke 23:32-43
V. Each and every person, whether it was a man, woman, or child, was treated as a precious soul by Jesus Christ. His heart was full of love for the lost, full of forgiveness for the sinner, and full of compassion for the less fortunate—knowing that He would receive nothing in return from them, He loved unconditionally!
VI. You are of great value to GOD!
Luke 12:6-7 says, “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
VII. Those around you are of great value to GOD!
2 Peter 3:9 (New International Version)
9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
VIII. Are they of great value to you? Can we look at others through the eyes of Christ and try to see what He sees?
2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (NIV)
14But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 15For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? 17Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.
IX. Conclusion: Susan Boyle Video from Britain’s Got Talent
Everyone is valuable! Everyone has worth! God wants you to know how special you are to Him! Can we believe that we have value? Can we try to see the value in others?
Altar Call
