Chosen

Series overview

Chosen

What does it mean to be chosen?

Our modern definition

chosen is to be selected out of the masses

Everyone wants to be picked

Kickball teams on the playground

Ultimate chosen is Marriage

Forsaking all others do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?

Chosen for what you offer

What the Bible means by chosen

1 Thessalonians 1:4 “4 We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people.”

Romans 8:29–30 “29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.”

Chosen without being worthy BUT by God’s love

Chosen not Choice

USDA Choice meat - high-quality grade of beef 

Chosen - picked without merit by God and through his Love

If you are chosen by God what else matters?

Who has God chosen?

All John 3:16

Have I done too much wrong for God to chose me?

God sees you and has chosen you! - He is not just putting up with you.

While we were still sinner, Christ died.

Your story is the canvas for God’s love to be expressed on.

Will you choose God?

Examples of God Choosing

Chosen people & chosen person

Position

Esther Esther 4

David 1 Sam 16

Moses Exodus 3

Deborah Judges 4-5

Humble

Mary, Mother of Jesus Luke 1

Gideon Judges 6

Ruth Ruth1-4

Moabite woman

Amos Amos 7

A shepherd - chosen by God to deliver a message

Amos 7:14-16

What happens if we read our world into the Bible…

When you are not chosen:

You assume

1 You are (or have to become) special to be picked

2 Difference between Functionality and Personhood

Its ok not to be picked

I am not naturally good at basketball vs running back

I am not built like a horse jokey

The difference is when you are not chosen for a function vs Identity

When we believe I am not loveable, or enough as a person this causes depression and hopelessness

What this looks like

Try to look good

Attention seeking

Depression

Build these negative beliefs? / what it looks like

Loved ones hurt us with their words

You will never be _____

You need to be _______ to get that

Culture (sinful people) pick certain people to be desired - making others undesirable / outcasts

Tall, dark, and handsome

Thin and curvy

Big Personality

Leader doesn’t pick you

Social Media feels like your missing out

Cycle /Trap of faking

You start being less of who you are to be picked.

But it cycles on you. When you are not yourself you are most often rejected as a fake.

What it looks like when you are chosen

Confidence in Worth & Identity

We don’t question how they fit and play to your strengths

Comfortable in your own skin - Peace and comfort

Free from Comparison

Enjoy others unique gifts but regardless they are loved

Handle rejection

Ability to Choose Others

Cycles the other way

You are yourself so people want be around you

Based on God’s image

How do we get there?

Changing our beliefs

Matthew 22:37–40 “Jesus replied, “ ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’* This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’* The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.””

1 realize Jesus has chosen you

John 15:16 “16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.”

Colossians 3:12 “12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

Revelation 17:14 “14 Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because he is Lord of all lords and King of all kings. And his called and chosen and faithful ones will be with him.””

The unseen realm is the real enemy and Jesus will set this straight

This is where we see Hope

Because of Love

2 Because He chose you - Chose yourself! - AKA taking your own needs seriously

Ask God to show you your real needs.

1 Peter 2:9 “9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 “19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”

Take care of your yourself

Make doctor appointments

choose healthy foods

Exercise

When your are emotional hurting get help

Here’s what happens

Often people “know enough” to be a victim

This substitutes their identity in Christ for what others think

Ephesians 4:22–24 “22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”

3 Chose others

See the image of God in them

God chose you. and “them”

Conclusion:

The Holy Spirit has lead you here today. He wants you to know you matter to him.

The creator of the universe has chosen to be in relationship with you.

WHAT ELSE MATTERS?

God chose us and nothing else matters

John 3:16 “16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

You aren’t special to be in God’s kingdom

You don have to become special

God has chosen you will you:

Chose Christ?

Chose yourself in light of Christ?

Chose others in light of Christ?

Confidence in Worth & Identity

Cycle to deep relationships where people are drawn to you. - LIKE JESUS

Let’s Praise God together!