Crisis of Confidence // A Guide to an Empowered Life / 06. Empowered... In Your Own Skin - Matt Carvel // Psalm 139:1-16
06. Empowered... In Your Own Skin - Matt Carvel // Psalm 139:1-16
In this exploration of self-worth and identity, we delve into Psalm 139, uncovering the profound truth that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. The story of David's anointing reminds us that God sees beyond outward appearances, choosing the overlooked and underestimated. We confront the epidemic of shame in our society, recognizing how childhood experiences and societal pressures can deeply affect our self-perception. However, the message of being knitted together by God's loving hands offers a transformative perspective on our inherent value. As we grapple with the tension between longing to be known and fearing rejection, we're reminded of Christ's ultimate act of love - taking on our shame so we can experience the Father's unconditional acceptance. This message challenges us to see ourselves through God's eyes, embracing our uniqueness and finding empowerment in His love.
Discussion Questions:
The sermon mentions a "crisis of confidence" regarding body image. How have you seen this play out in your own life or in society?
Reflect on David's story of being overlooked by his family. Have you ever felt similarly undervalued or excluded? How did it affect you?
How does the idea that God "knitted you together" impact your view of yourself?
The pastor says, "Why are you trying to be someone else when you're already special to God?" How can we embrace our uniqueness instead of comparing ourselves to others?
Discuss the tension between wanting to be known and fearing rejection. How does this affect your relationships?
How does Jesus' experience of shame and rejection on the cross speak to your own struggles with shame?
What would change in your life if you truly believed and internalized God's unconditional love for you?
Here are some ways you could apply this talk:
Mirror Exercise: Each day this week, look in the mirror and say one thing you appreciate about how God made you.
Gratitude Journal: Write down three ways your body served you well each day, focusing on function rather than appearance.
Shame Inventory: Identify one area where you feel shame. Bring it to God in prayer, asking Him to help you see yourself through His eyes.
Affirmation Partner: Pair up with someone in the group to exchange encouraging messages throughout the week, reminding each other of God's love.
Media Fast: Take a break from social media or other sources that fuel comparison and insecurity. Replace that time with reading Psalm 139 or other affirming scriptures.
Discussion Questions:
The sermon mentions a "crisis of confidence" regarding body image. How have you seen this play out in your own life or in society?
Reflect on David's story of being overlooked by his family. Have you ever felt similarly undervalued or excluded? How did it affect you?
How does the idea that God "knitted you together" impact your view of yourself?
The pastor says, "Why are you trying to be someone else when you're already special to God?" How can we embrace our uniqueness instead of comparing ourselves to others?
Discuss the tension between wanting to be known and fearing rejection. How does this affect your relationships?
How does Jesus' experience of shame and rejection on the cross speak to your own struggles with shame?
What would change in your life if you truly believed and internalized God's unconditional love for you?
Here are some ways you could apply this talk:
Mirror Exercise: Each day this week, look in the mirror and say one thing you appreciate about how God made you.
Gratitude Journal: Write down three ways your body served you well each day, focusing on function rather than appearance.
Shame Inventory: Identify one area where you feel shame. Bring it to God in prayer, asking Him to help you see yourself through His eyes.
Affirmation Partner: Pair up with someone in the group to exchange encouraging messages throughout the week, reminding each other of God's love.
Media Fast: Take a break from social media or other sources that fuel comparison and insecurity. Replace that time with reading Psalm 139 or other affirming scriptures.
More Episodes
-
12.Empowered… in caring for our city - Neville Jones // Matthew 25:31-40
Neville Jones takes us through an overview of scripture looking at references to caring for the poor.
In our journey of faith, we're called to reflect on God's heart for the...Show episode 33:42
-
11.Empowered… in standing before God - Tobi Ford-Western // Hebrews 4:14-16
This powerful message reminds us of our profound need for a great high priest - Jesus Christ. The sermon takes us through biblical history, from humanity's original role as priests in Eden to...Show episode 36:17
-
10.Empowered… in becoming better people - George Benson // Colossians 3:1-17
In our journey of faith, we often grapple with the question of how to become better people. In this talk, George Benson challenges us to reconsider our approach, focusing on the transformative power...Show episode 43:02
-
09.Empowered… in relationships - Stephen Dawson // John 15:8-17
In this talk, Stephen Dawson explores the transformative power of abiding in Christ's love and how it empowers our relationships. The central scripture, John 15:8-17, invites us to dwell in...Show episode 45:15
-
08.Empowered... In Our Wallet - Neville Jones // 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
In our journey of faith, we often grapple with the concept of money and its place in our spiritual lives. This message challenges us to reframe our perspective on wealth through the lens of biblical...Show episode 32:44
-
07.Empowered... In Your Own Skin - Matt Carvel // Psalm 139:1-16
In this exploration of self-worth and identity, we delve into Psalm 139, uncovering the profound truth that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. The story of David's anointing reminds...Show episode 41:02
-
06.Empowered... In the Future - Stephen Dawson // 2 Peter 1:3-4
In this message, we're reminded that our confidence in the future doesn't come from knowing what lies ahead, but from knowing who holds the future. Drawing from 2 Peter 1:3-4, we explore...Show episode 36:30
-
05.Empowered... In the Gospel - Neville Jones // Romans 1:16
In this day and age many people feel that Christianity is irrelevant. To find empowerment today we need to have greater self-esteem, tell ourselves we can do it and manifest our goals.
...Show episode 32:44
-
04.Empowered... In the workplace - Matt Carvel // Colossians 3:22-24
In our exploration of work through a biblical lens, we uncover profound truths about our purpose and identity. The passage from Colossians 3 invites us to view our daily labour as more than just a...Show episode 38:22
-
03.Empowered... In a messed up world - Matt Carvel // Habakkuk 3:17-19
In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, how can we find strength and joy? The book of Habakkuk offers us a powerful lesson in transforming our perspective. We're introduced to a prophet...Show episode 36:36
-
02.Crisis of Confidence // Roundtable Conversation
We gathered a group of people for an honest conversation about how they find their confidence.
To find out more about the teaching series, A Crisis of Confidence // A Guide to an...Show episode 01:15:39
-
01.Crisis of Confidence // A Guide to an Empowered Life
Whether it’s the climate of global instability or the never-ending financial, practical or personal challenges of everyday life, it’s almost been impossible to avoid the weight of the season we have...Show episode 02:24
