1 John 4:13-18
TOP 15 FEARS OF AMERICANS
1) Public speaking
2) Heights
3) Terrorism
4) Insects and bugs
5) Financial problems
6) Deep water
7) Sickness
8) Death
9) Loneliness
10) Flying
I want to talk about the Fear of Rejection
Not being picked for the kickball game
Not making the football team, or the cheerleading squad,
Not getting the job you hoped for,
Not marring the person you thought,
We all have experienced rejection
It isn’t... if I’m rejected? It’s when
When These things happen How WILL I RESPOND
As a believer, Rejection only comes from People----God never rejects us
When we’re kids---Get rejected for anything
Zit, Clothes, Who You talk to, What You Drive, Where You live,
Life is not accident proof-
Airbags, cellars, life insurance, Locks you can find, ACCIDENTS HAPPEN
Couple of facts to help you cope:
1. Not everyone is going to like You: Matt 5:10-11
I couldn’t believe people didn’t like me
Happy, good mood, handsome, great kids, pretty wife, good preacher
HOW CAN YOU NOT LIKE ME!!!
After that it’s pretty easy to see, RIGHT
I’d say,“This isn’t fair, I deserve better than this” “I’m a good person”
Acts 10: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
Jesus went about doing good---Look what it got Him
The longer I pastor---How few friends I’ll have in my life--
This isn’t high school, Being popular doesn’t mean you’re awesome, OPPOSITE
When You’re rejected, overlooked, cast aside, WORK HARDER
FOR GOD”S SAKE DON”T GIVE UP---CHRISTIANS GIVE UP TOO SOON
2. Sometimes You’re not Likable: 2 Timothy 4:14-15
Many times We’re our biggest rejection
If we’re not laboring and working to be our best, People have the right to reject us
It’s not us against the world, IT’S US AGAINST OURSELVES
Get in a situation---Could throw a fit, TRY UNDERSTANDING
WATER COMPANY---man willing to help
Bad Call in a little league game---Coach’s response way worse than the call
People want to hang out with people who are: merciful, joyful, compassion, honesty, integrity, patience,
“Well I see other people do it” “There’s people worse than me”
2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
Our standard is Christ---
3 Live a life you’re not ashamed of
Then when rejection comes, persecution comes---You’ll know where you stand
Romans 12:9-21
Love, affection, honor, diligence, serve, rejoice, be patient, pray, give, bless, rejoice, weep----THOSE ARE CHRISTIAN VERBS
There will come a time in your life---learn through persecution
Make sure you’re where you need to be----
BEFORE THEY COME
