People's Church

3 Reasons Why We Are A Place Where It’s Ok Not To Be Ok

1. Because Jesus pursues us while we are not ok

Matthew 9:9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth.

“Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. (NIV)

Luke 5:27 After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth.

“Follow me,” Jesus said to him, (NIV)

Luke 19:5   When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” (NIV)

John 6:44   “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. (NIV)

Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (NIV)

2. Because Jesus desires to be a part of our lives while we are not ok

Matthew 9:9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth.

“Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. (NIV)

Matthew 9:10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, (NIV)

Luke 15:1–2 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2  But the Pharisees

and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” (NIV)

Luke 19:6–7 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. 7  All the people saw this and began to

mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” (NIV)

Luke 5:29–30 Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and

others were eating with them. 30  But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect

complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” (NIV)

Matthew 9:11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax

collectors and sinners?” (NIV)

3. Because Jesus cleans up what’s not ok

Matthew 9:12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. (NIV)

Luke 5:31-32   Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (NIV)

Luke 19:5–10 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down

immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6  So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. 7  All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” 8  But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” 9  Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10  For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (NIV)

3 Reasons Why We Are A Place Where It’s Ok Not To Be Ok

1. Because Jesus pursues us while we are not ok

Matthew 9:9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth.

“Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. (NIV)

Luke 5:27 After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth.

“Follow me,” Jesus said to him, (NIV)

Luke 19:5   When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” (NIV)

John 6:44   “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. (NIV)

Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (NIV)

2. Because Jesus desires to be a part of our lives while we are not ok

Matthew 9:9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth.

“Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. (NIV)

Matthew 9:10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, (NIV)

Luke 15:1–2 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2  But the Pharisees

and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” (NIV)

Luke 19:6–7 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. 7  All the people saw this and began to

mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” (NIV)

Luke 5:29–30 Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and

others were eating with them. 30  But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect

complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” (NIV)

Matthew 9:11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax

collectors and sinners?” (NIV)

3. Because Jesus cleans up what’s not ok

Matthew 9:12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. (NIV)

Luke 5:31-32   Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (NIV)

Luke 19:5–10 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down

immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6  So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. 7  All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” 8  But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” 9  Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10  For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (NIV)

Acts 2:42–47 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (NIV)

3 P’s We Are Devoted To

 

1. We are a place of principle 

 

Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread

and to prayer. (NIV)

Acts 8:4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. (NIV)

Acts 15:35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached

the word of the Lord. (NIV)

Acts 14:25 and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. (NIV)

Acts 11:19 Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen’s death

traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to

Jews. (NLT)

John 8:31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my

disciples. (NIV)

1. We live by God’s Word

James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (NIV)

Luke 11:28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (NIV) 

Matthew 7:24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise

man who built his house on the rock.  (NIV) 

2. We preach God’s Word

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and

encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (NIV)

2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit

their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears

want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. (NIV)

Romans 16:17   And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who

cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay

away from them. (NLT)

2 Peter 2:1–2 But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you.

They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way,

they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. 2  Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful

immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. (NLT)

1 Peter 1:25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.”  And this is the word that was preached to you.

(NIV)

2. We are a place of prayer

 

Act 2:42 “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread

and to prayer.” (NIV)     

        

Acts 6:4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (NASB)

Romans 12:12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, (NASB)

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (NIV)

3. We are a place of power

   

                                          

Acts 2:43 “Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.”

(NIV)

1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. (NIV)

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may

overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to

everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 1:5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the

Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 2:4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a

demonstration of the Spirit’s power, (NIV)

Acts 2:42–47 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (NIV)

3 P’s We Are Devoted To

 

1. We are a place of principle 

 

Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread

and to prayer. (NIV)

Acts 8:4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. (NIV)

Acts 15:35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached

the word of the Lord. (NIV)

Acts 14:25 and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. (NIV)

Acts 11:19 Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen’s death

traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to

Jews. (NLT)

John 8:31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my

disciples. (NIV)

1. We live by God’s Word

James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (NIV)

Luke 11:28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (NIV) 

Matthew 7:24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise

man who built his house on the rock.  (NIV) 

2. We preach God’s Word

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and

encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (NIV)

2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit

their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears

want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. (NIV)

Romans 16:17   And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who

cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay

away from them. (NLT)

2 Peter 2:1–2 But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you.

They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way,

they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. 2  Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful

immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. (NLT)

1 Peter 1:25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.”  And this is the word that was preached to you.

(NIV)

2. We are a place of prayer

 

Act 2:42 “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread

and to prayer.” (NIV)     

        

Acts 6:4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (NASB)

Romans 12:12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, (NASB)

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (NIV)

3. We are a place of power

   

                                          

Acts 2:43 “Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.”

(NIV)

1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. (NIV)

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may

overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to

everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 1:5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the

Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 2:4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a

demonstration of the Spirit’s power, (NIV)

John 19:30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and

gave up his spirit. (NIV)

Luke 23:46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had

said this, he breathed his last. (NIV)

Ephesians 2:4-5 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead

because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (NLT)

 

1. Jesus bounced back to life so you can have life

1. Real Life comes only through Christ:

 

John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through

me. (NIV)

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even

though they die; (NIV)

1 John 5:12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. (NIV)

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our

Lord. (NLT)

2. New life comes only through Christ:

Acts 5:20   “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.” (NIV)

Colossians 2:12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to

new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. (NLT)

2. Jesus bounced back to life so you can have life in the Spirit

Romans 8:11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ

Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. (NLT)

2 Corinthians 3:6   He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written

laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives

life. (NLT)

Romans 8:1–2 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2  And because you

belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

(NLT)

John 6:63   The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full

of the Spirit and life.  (NIV)

 

3.  Jesus bounced back to life so you can have eternal life

 

1 John 5:11–12 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

12  Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. (NIV)

John 5:40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life. (NIV)

John 19:30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and

gave up his spirit. (NIV)

Luke 23:46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had

said this, he breathed his last. (NIV)

Ephesians 2:4-5 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead

because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (NLT)

 

1. Jesus bounced back to life so you can have life

1. Real Life comes only through Christ:

 

John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through

me. (NIV)

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even

though they die; (NIV)

1 John 5:12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. (NIV)

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our

Lord. (NLT)

2. New life comes only through Christ:

Acts 5:20   “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.” (NIV)

Colossians 2:12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to

new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. (NLT)

2. Jesus bounced back to life so you can have life in the Spirit

Romans 8:11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ

Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. (NLT)

2 Corinthians 3:6   He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written

laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives

life. (NLT)

Romans 8:1–2 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2  And because you

belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

(NLT)

John 6:63   The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full

of the Spirit and life.  (NIV)

 

3.  Jesus bounced back to life so you can have eternal life

 

1 John 5:11–12 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

12  Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. (NIV)

John 5:40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life. (NIV)

John 19:30   When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and

gave up his spirit. (NIV)

Hebrews 5:8 Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. (NLT)

Romans 5:3–5   Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces

perseverance; 4  perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5  And hope does not put us to shame, because

God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (NIV)

1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His

eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.  (NIV)

1. Jesus purchased our salvation

Colossians 1:14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. (NLT)

Hebrews 9:28 so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people.

He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.

(NLT)

2. Jesus purchased our relationship with God

Romans 5:10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his

enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. (NLT)

1 Timothy 2:5 For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man

Christ Jesus. (NLT)

3. Jesus purchased our freedom

1 Timothy 2:6 (NLT)   He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to

the world at just the right time.

4. Jesus purchased our purity

Hebrews 10:14 It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that

single offering, he did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying

process. (The Message)

Hebrews 13:12   So also Jesus suffered and died outside the city gates to make his people holy by means of

his own blood. (NLT)

5. Jesus purchased our peace

Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that

brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (NIV)

6. Jesus purchased our healing

1 Peter 2:24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for

what is right. By his wounds you are healed. (NLT)

7. Jesus purchased our blessings

Galatians 3:13–14 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written:

“Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”  14  He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham

might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

(NIV)

8. Jesus purchased our victory

1. You have victory over death

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

(NLT)

2. You have victory over the devil

Colossians 2:14–15   He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the

cross. 15  In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his

victory over them on the cross. (NLT)

Revelation 12:11   And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and

they did not love their lives to the death. (NKJV)

1 Corinthians 11:23–25   For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when

he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread 24  and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in

pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25  In the same

way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his

people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink

it.” (NLT)

John 19:30   When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and

gave up his spirit. (NIV)

Hebrews 5:8 Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. (NLT)

Romans 5:3–5   Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces

perseverance; 4  perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5  And hope does not put us to shame, because

God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (NIV)

1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His

eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.  (NIV)

1. Jesus purchased our salvation

Colossians 1:14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. (NLT)

Hebrews 9:28 so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people.

He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.

(NLT)

2. Jesus purchased our relationship with God

Romans 5:10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his

enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. (NLT)

1 Timothy 2:5 For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man

Christ Jesus. (NLT)

3. Jesus purchased our freedom

1 Timothy 2:6 (NLT)   He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to

the world at just the right time.

4. Jesus purchased our purity

Hebrews 10:14 It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that

single offering, he did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying

process. (The Message)

Hebrews 13:12   So also Jesus suffered and died outside the city gates to make his people holy by means of

his own blood. (NLT)

5. Jesus purchased our peace

Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that

brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (NIV)

6. Jesus purchased our healing

1 Peter 2:24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for

what is right. By his wounds you are healed. (NLT)

7. Jesus purchased our blessings

Galatians 3:13–14 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written:

“Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”  14  He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham

might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

(NIV)

8. Jesus purchased our victory

1. You have victory over death

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

(NLT)

2. You have victory over the devil

Colossians 2:14–15   He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the

cross. 15  In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his

victory over them on the cross. (NLT)

Revelation 12:11   And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and

they did not love their lives to the death. (NKJV)

1 Corinthians 11:23–25   For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when

he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread 24  and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in

pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25  In the same

way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his

people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink

it.” (NLT)

John 19:28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be

fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” (NIV)

Genesis 3:7–10 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they

sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. 8  Then the man and his wife heard the sound

of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God

among the trees of the garden. 9  But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10  He answered, “I

heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” (NIV)

Proverbs 29:25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety. (NLT)

1. Fear of being hurt

Psalm 32:3-5 When I kept it all inside, my bones turned to powder, my words became daylong groans. The

pressure never let up; all the juices of my life dried up. Then I let it all out; I said, “I’ll make a clean breast

of my failures to God. Suddenly the pressure was gone. (MSG)

James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (NIV)

Proverbs 28:13   People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them,

they will receive mercy. (NLT)

2. Fear of rejection

Genesis 3:7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they

sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. (NIV)

3. Fear of our image

1. Be vulnerable and transparent with God

Genesis 3:9–12 Then the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10  He replied, “I heard you

walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.” 11  “Who told you that you were

naked?” the LORD God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?”

12  The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.” (NLT)

2. Be vulnerable and transparent with some friends

James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be

healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (NIV)

1. Family friends

2. Small group friends

3. Church friends

2 Corinthians 4:2 We refuse to wear masks and play games...Rather, we keep everything we do and say out

in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see. (MSG)

John 19:28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be

fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” (NIV)

Genesis 3:7–10 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they

sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. 8  Then the man and his wife heard the sound

of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God

among the trees of the garden. 9  But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10  He answered, “I

heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” (NIV)

Proverbs 29:25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety. (NLT)

1. Fear of being hurt

Psalm 32:3-5 When I kept it all inside, my bones turned to powder, my words became daylong groans. The

pressure never let up; all the juices of my life dried up. Then I let it all out; I said, “I’ll make a clean breast

of my failures to God. Suddenly the pressure was gone. (MSG)

James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (NIV)

Proverbs 28:13   People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them,

they will receive mercy. (NLT)

2. Fear of rejection

Genesis 3:7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they

sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. (NIV)

3. Fear of our image

1. Be vulnerable and transparent with God

Genesis 3:9–12 Then the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10  He replied, “I heard you

walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.” 11  “Who told you that you were

naked?” the LORD God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?”

12  The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.” (NLT)

2. Be vulnerable and transparent with some friends

James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be

healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (NIV)

1. Family friends

2. Small group friends

3. Church friends

2 Corinthians 4:2 We refuse to wear masks and play games...Rather, we keep everything we do and say out

in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see. (MSG)