The struggles of earthly life can sometimes overwhelm us, eclipsing our fellowship with a heavenly Father who feels so far away. Dr. Stanley reminds us that while our emotions may feel all too real, they aren't necessarily based on facts. As we study the overwhelming evidence of His infinite care, we will find security in our true worth as a beloved child of the King.
Sermon Outline
We all need to be loved, to matter to someone else. Every person is important to God, and this week, Dr. Stanley presents the evidence that God’s love for every believer is active, personal, and eternal.
Key Passage: 1 John 3:1-3
Supporting Passages: Matthew 7:7; 1 Corinthians 15:20; Philippians 4:19
At times, you may feel insignificant in this world. But the truth is, you do matter. You are important to God, and He is actively involved in your life.
“Some of the greatest saints who’ve gone through difficulty, hardship, pain, and suffering understood that God loved them.”
Five things make it evident that we matter to the Lord:
1. He shows us His great love.
Salvation—We were saved because God touched our life with His truth and conviction by the Holy Spirit.
Sanctification—Upon salvation, the Holy Spirit came to indwell us. He guides, leads, empowers, and works in us.
Provision—God promises to supply our every need according to His riches in glory, not our ability (Phil. 4:19).
2. He calls us His children.
Belonging—We belong to God as His children, and we matter to Him. His parental love shapes how He relates to us.
Unfailing care—We will never hear God say, “I don’t care.” His love for us is constant.
“While God sits upon His throne in heaven, His Holy Spirit sits upon the throne of our heart.”
3. He plans the best for us.
Wise guidance—God knows we will truly flourish when we follow His Word, which is filled with promises for us. We need only ask, seek, and knock (Matt. 7:7).
Strength to follow Him—The world tries to draw our attention away from Scripture and fill our minds with lesser things. God helps us follow His way, and that is where we find blessing.
4. We will be like Him.
A good future—God has not only provided for our life now; He’s also provided for our life in eternity (1 Cor. 15:20).
Eternal Life—Christ’s resurrection guarantees ours.
“We can live a pure life by the power of the Holy Spirit—one that brings glory to God.”
5. We can live a life that pleases God.
The means to succeed—God does not require anything of us that He has not already provided for. His desire is for us to live a holy life, and He has given us His Spirit to make sure we can.
Ability to know the truth—The Spirit teaches us the truth that God loves, forgives, cleanses, and wants the very best for us. And He will provide what’s best if we trust Him.
After Watching
Think of a time you felt truly seen and valued by another person. What prompted that feeling? How does it compare to the way you experience God’s love?
Is there an area of your life where you’re acting as though you don’t matter to God—pushing through alone, avoiding prayer, or struggling to bring something to Him? What would it look like to trust Him with that this week?
Dedicated parents are all-in for their children—present and engaged in everything that affects them. That’s how God is with us. His deep involvement in our lives shows how much we matter to Him.
