Pathways Baptist Church
We welcome you to Pathways. We hope you will feel the presence of God's Spirit in today's worship service. Pastor Paula Moutsos continues our Sermon Series: "Chasing Carrots" focusing on "Approval."
What really makes for a happy life? A dream job, a bigger house, or a new relationship? If you’re always hungry for the next big thing, but frustrated because it never seems to satisfy, you might be Chasing Carrots. It’s time to hop off the treadmill and chase after something real. This four-week series is about the things people commonly chase after that only bring fleeting happiness, fulfillment, or validation—things like fame, achievements, approval, fame, or comfort. It's more relevant than you may think.
Feel free to take notes using this YouVersion app. Fill out a Connection Card (link provided below) and let us know how we can serve you better.
Praise Song: WE PRAISE YOU
Psalm 105:1-4, NIV
1 Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
2 Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
3 Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
4 Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always.
Praise Song: CHRIST BE MAGNIFIED
Praise Song: JESUS AT THE CENTER
NEWCOMERS ORIENTATION: Will not meet today so that you are able to celebrate Mother's Day and honor all the women in your life who have shaped the person you are today. The Newcomers Orientation will continue next Sunday, May 15 from Noon until 2p. We look forward to serving you at Pathways.
CHASING CARROTS: APPROVAL
Pastor Paula Moutsos, Discipleship Ministries Pastor
Proverbs 29:25
Self-Test
Are you a people pleaser?
1. Do worry about what others think of you?
2. Are often overly sensitive?
3. Do you compromise your values?
4. Do you hesitate sharing your faith?
5. Do you have a hard time saying “No.”
Proverbs 29:25, GNB
"It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the Lord, you are safe."
People pleasing can be harmful. Here are several reasons you need in order to deal with this.
1. It causes me to miss God’s purpose for me.
For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 NLT
2. It keeps me from growing in my faith.
The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that.
Proverbs 29:25 The Message
3. It will lead me to sin.
Write - When you try to please everyone, you will end up giving into peer pressure.
"Dear friend, if bad companions tempt you, don’t go along with them."
Proverbs 1:10 The Message
4. It will cause hypocrisy in our lives.
Jesus said to them, “You are the ones who make yourselves look right in other people’s sight, but God knows your hearts. For the things that are considered of great value by human beings are worth nothing in God’s sight.” Luke 16:15 GNB
5. It will silence my witness.
"But no one had the courage to speak favorably about Him in public, for they were afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders.”
John 7:13 NLT
What’s the solution? Here are 6 truths that will transform your life and set you free!
1. Even God can’t please everyone.
2. You don’t need everyone’s approval to be happy!
3. What seems important now, like what you think of me isn’t really
going to matter in the long term.
4. I only have to please one person.
5. One day I’ll give an account of the life I lived.
6. God shaped me to be me, not somebody else.
Offering Song: ONLY YOU CAN SATISFY
