Learning to live like Jesus

Preacher

Pastor Caleb Hankin

Date

March 15, 2026

Location

Milpitas

Language

English

Summary

This sermon emphasizes living to please God rather than seeking approval from others, using Jesus' example to glorify the Father.

Sermon Outline

Introduction 00:00:00

Discussing the importance of learning to live for God's approval instead of seeking approval from others.

The Role of Approval 00:05:30

Exploring the difference between pleasing people and seeking God's affirmation.

Jesus' Example 00:12:00

Focusing on how Jesus lived to glorify the Father, urging us to do the same.

God's Glory vs. Self Glory 00:20:15

Highlighting the imperative to seek God's glory rather than our own reputation.

Living for Christ's Work 00:30:00

Understanding the importance of Christ's work over our own efforts.

Conclusion and Prayer 00:45:00

Encouraging a commitment to live for God’s glory and making Jesus' name great.

Scripture References

When Jesus had spoken these things, He lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You. For You granted Him authority over all people, so that He may give eternal life to all those You have given Him. Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do. And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world existed. I have revealed Your name to those You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours; You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they know that everything You have given Me comes from You. For I have given them the words You gave Me, and they have received them. They knew with certainty that I came from You, and they believed that You sent Me. I ask on their behalf. I do not ask on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those You have given Me; for they are Yours. All I have is Yours, and all You have is Mine; and in them I have been glorified. I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, protect them by Your name, the name You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one. While I was with them, I protected and preserved them by Your name, the name You gave Me. Not one of them has been lost, except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled. But now I am coming to You; and I am saying these things while I am in the world, so that they may have My joy fulfilled within them. I have given them Your word and the world has hated them; for they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I have also sent them into the world. For them I sanctify Myself, so that they too may be sanctified by the truth. I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one— I in them and You in Me—that they may be perfectly united, so that the world may know that You sent Me and have loved them just as You have loved Me. Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, although the world has not known You, I know You, and they know that You sent Me. And I have made Your name known to them and will continue to make it known, so that the love You have for Me may be in them, and I in them.”

John 17:1-26

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Philippians 2:7

Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:10
Questions from This Sermon

What does it mean to live to please God?

Living to please God means aligning your actions and intentions with His will rather than seeking the approval of others.

Why is seeking human approval detrimental?

Seeking human approval can lead to insecurity and dissatisfaction, as it's an unending chase that doesn't fulfill us.

How can I glorify God in my daily life?

You can glorify God by serving others, being obedient to His Word, and seeking to reflect His character in your actions.

What is Jesus' example for us?

Jesus exemplified living for the Father’s glory, prioritizing God’s will over human expectations.

Topics

Glory of God
Sanctification
Obedience
Discipleship