Pastor Andrew delivered a profound message on recognizing self-inflicted wounds that we may foresee in our lives. Often, throughout our journey, it becomes tempting to downplay these wounds due to external success and performance. It's easy for us to believe we're thriving more than we truly are. Success can blind us to the impact of self-inflicted wounds in our personal and spiritual growth. We must be careful not to allow the fruit in our lives to fool us and not recognize the hidden dangers of compromise.
The scripture Pastor Andrew shared was from John 12. As he dissected the story, Pastor Andrew unveiled how Judas compromised his integrity, his relationship with Christ, and ultimately his influence. Despite being one of the twelve disciples and having a front-row seat to Jesus’s ministry, Judas, entrusted with leadership alongside Jesus, failed by betraying him. He traded eternal success for the illusion of external success.
The places where we're most trusted often become the arenas where we can cause the greatest harm. Significant self-inflicted wounds don't appear out of nowhere. When we are honest with ourselves, we can trace back and identify the self-inflicted wounds from our past. Today, we are challenged with the question: How do we recover from these self-inflicted wounds? The journey begins with honesty, self-reflection, and taking personal inventory of our spiritual growth.
Judas had the power to hit the brakes, pause, and course-correct. We cannot be so committed to the things in our lives that are clearly not working. He allowed his choices to become his identity, leading him on a path of destruction. We usually arrive at these choices by compromising our integrity. The good news is that your story doesn't have to end there! Recovery is possible by accepting responsibility and repenting. In turn, you will discover that God loves you and is for you. It's time to grow, mature, and course-correct the areas of our lives that are not bearing fruit.
Sermon Scriptures:
- John 12:1-6 NIV
- Matthew 26:14-16 ESV
- Matthew 26:20-25 ESV
Additional Scriptures to Explore:
- Mark 14: 3-8
Big Idea: The self-inflicted wounds that you can see coming can be both the most damaging and the most easily avoided.
Reflective questions for the week:
- What areas of your life do you see self-inflicted wounds coming?
- Where are you possibly compromising your integrity and relationship with Jesus?
- Take some time this week to write down a few areas of your life that you need to take personal inventory of.
- What is one spiritual discipline you could do this week that will allow you to connect with Jesus at a deeper level?
Statements to declare over your life:
I HAVE THE POWER TO SEE SELF-INFLICTED WOUNDS COMING.
I WILL RECOVER FROM THE SELF-INFLICTED WOUNDS IN MY LIFE.
GOD LOVES ME.
GOD IS FOR ME.
