The title of today’s Bible Study is “Overlooking Insecurity.” A definition is “one not founded or grounded in a secure foundation.” Read Lucas 18:9-14:
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
How does security define us as individuals? Success is refusal to accept defeat. Are you quick to give up? Do you give up easily?
My mother did not allow me to quit or give up. I learned to “stick with it,” and I taught this to my oldest daughter, Amy, who eventually graduated from the University of Alabama-Birmingham Medical School with the highest honors.
“My mother set a standard and she wouldn’t let me quit.
I had to learn myself that that I could not let myself feel inadequate. I was never smart enough, not pretty enough, but I learned to get past my insecurity, which is a sign of maturity because I learned to push through.
When we feel offended, examine yourself first. If you are not responsible, then look to others. They may be responsible. So how do you treat them?
The Bible says we need to love others as we love ourselves.
You need to allow Christ to increase in you. You are stabilized and not subject to our old insecurities.
You suppress you self-centeredness by putting other people first. Keep quiet and listen is good advice.
“Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled,” Jesus taught us. So, here are some points to help us learn.
- Get an understanding of your salvation by grace. Look to the Lord as the source of everything.
- Do not be self-centered
- We have a fear of rejection and failure.
- God has a plan for all of us. Don’t let fear hold you back.
Bible Study With Louise Clayton 