Identity
Faith is hindered when we seek recognition and think in terms of roles, rather than submitting to God's will.
Elisabeth Elliot emphasizes that the search for recognition hinders faith, as focusing on our image and seeking honor from others can prevent us from truly believing. She highlights the importance of aligning our thoughts and actions with God's will, just as Jesus did by always seeking the Father's will. Elliot points out that true faith requires prioritizing God's honor over human recognition, as Jesus mentioned to the Pharisees in John 5:42-44.
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The search for recognition hinders faith. We cannot believe so long as we are concerned with the "image" we present to others. When we think in terms of "roles" for ourselves and others, instead of simply doing the task given us to do, we are thinking as the world thinks, not as God thinks. The thought of Jesus was always and only for the Father. He did what He saw the Father do. He spoke what He heard the Father say. His will was submitted to the Father's will.
"You have no love for God in you," He said to the Pharisees. "I have come accredited by my Father, and you have no welcome for me....How can you have faith so long as you receive honor from one another, and care nothing for the honor that comes from him who alone is God?" (Jn 5:42-44 NEB).
Sermon Outline
- The Search for Recognition Hinders Faith
- The Mind of Jesus
- The Consequence of Seeking Honor from Men
- Lack of love for God
- No welcome for Jesus
- Speaking what He heard the Father say
Key Quotes
“You have no love for God in you,” — Elisabeth Elliot
Application Points
- We must submit to God's will and not be concerned with our image or roles.
- Faith is not about seeking honor from men, but about loving and welcoming Jesus.
- We must think as God thinks, not as the world thinks, to have true faith.