KNEO Podcast

Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:9-10

Many of us believe the lie that God will only accept us on the basis of our performance. But this idea is the opposite of grace and faith in Jesus. Scripture reveals how grace grants us freedom from the performance trap.

1 Corinthians 15:10 says, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”

First, we must acknowledge the ruin of perfectionism.

Perfectionism is the disease of judging ourselves by our achievements. Perfectionism is a thief; it promises rewards but steals our joy and satisfaction. Because it is an unattainable goal, we’ll never truly feel accepted—in fact, we may even become angry at God.

Perfectionism is harmful to others; perfectionists judge others for not reaching the high standards they themselves cannot reach.

Adrian Rogers says, “One of the finest things you could do would be to let others know you are not perfect. They’ll relax a little bit—not because they learn it (that you’re not perfect), but because they learn that you’ve learned it.”

Perfectionism can also ruin a church. A church is a fellowship of sinners saved by grace, all in different stages of progression; we are works in progress, not yet perfect.

God does not look for perfection from His children; He wants excellence.

If we ever want to be free from the performance trap, we must recognize the marks of perfectionism in our own lives.

1. Are you an idealist or a realist?

2. Do you set impossible goals for yourself and others, failing to fulfill them?

3. Do you try to be the best, or to do your best?

4. Are you project-minded or process-minded?

5. Do you dwell on failure or do you learn from it?

God does not keep score or make lists of our accomplishments and failures.

By His own grace, God has already accepted us—not because of anything we can do, but because of what Christ has done. Through faith, we can accept that acceptance, and learn to accept others.

Apply it to your life

Are you caught up in the trap of performance? Recognize the marks of perfectionism in your own life, and remember that you can be freed from it. Accept the acceptance God has already given to you.

In today’s message Gary begins teaching in Romans 3 and addresses the question ‘Why does God let good things happen to bad people?’.

Today, Mark shares how perfectionism in ministry once nearly burned him out — and how many parents unknowingly pass that same pressure onto their teens. What parents intend as encouragement is often interpreted by teens as never being “good enough.” Instead, he urges parents to model honesty, grace and vulnerability — reminding kids that only Jesus is perfect. Strong relationships, not seeking perfection, are what truly shape a teen’s heart.

Would you like Mark's advice on raising your teen? Ask him your parenting questions at markgregston.com. Your question may be answered on the podcast!

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org.

Problems often bring worry and fear. And fear and worry make it difficult to solve problems. And that causes more fear and worry. Many of us have been caught in a downward spiral like that. But often, when we get to the end of ourselves, we get to the beginning of God. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out that the Lord is ready to help, but He waits for our invitation. What is it that has you backed into a corner today? Help is on the way from the book of Romans.

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Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.

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One day, in the little city of Nazareth, an angel appeared to a young woman named Mary. Why would God pick such an average, ordinary-looking girl to be the mother of the Savior? Dr. Robert Jeffress reveals that Mary was not a random choice, but a true servant of God.

To support Pathway to Victory, go to ptv.org/donate.

One of the most challenging stages of parenting is transitioning to the empty-nest season, especially when our adult children make decisions we disagree with. Mary DeMuth guides us on this journey of finding joy regardless of our wayward adult kids, sharing practical and spiritual tips on how to stay connected with children who have left the Christian faith.

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