Sermon Title: “Breaking Down the Walls: Embracing God’s Truth Over the World’s Lies”
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Introduction
[Personal Story] Good morning! Let me start with a question: Have you ever felt like no matter how much you do, it’s never enough? Maybe you’re striving to meet expectations at work, trying to keep your family happy, or even trying to live the perfect Christian life. I’ve felt this. I’ve had moments where I looked at my life and thought, “I’m failing. I’m not good enough.” Those feelings build walls—walls of shame, fear, and inadequacy.
[Connection to Audience] Maybe you’re carrying that same weight today. You feel the pressure to be perfect, to fix yourself, or to hide your struggles. These walls not only trap us but separate us from God’s truth and grace.
[Key Scripture] But here’s the good news: “Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].” —Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP)
This verse reminds us that we don’t have to carry this burden alone. Today, we’re going to confront three lies the world tells us and replace them with God’s truth.
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1. The Lie of Perfectionism
Introduction
Let’s start with the lie that many of us believe: “I must be perfect to be good enough for God.” This lie drives us to strive endlessly, trying to earn God’s approval or meet the expectations of others. But the truth is, perfectionism isn’t what God asks of us.
Scripture
Even Paul, one of the greatest apostles, wrestled with this struggle. He writes: “For the good that I want to do, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.” —Romans 7:19 (AMP)
Illustration: Martha and Mary
This tension reminds me of the story of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42). Jesus visits their home, and Martha is busy serving Him, distracted by all the preparations. Meanwhile, Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening to His teaching. Frustrated, Martha asks Jesus, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” But Jesus lovingly responds, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Application
Martha’s focus was on what she could do for Jesus, while Mary chose to be with Jesus.
Like Martha, we can get so consumed by striving for perfection that we miss the most important thing—God’s presence. Mary reminds us that God values our relationship with Him more than our performance.
Truth
God’s love isn’t something we earn. “For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].” —Ephesians 2:8-9 (AMP)
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Rejecting the Idol of Perfection
Scripture
Paul writes: “Wretched and miserable man that I am! Who will rescue me and set me free from this body of death [this corrupt, mortal existence]? Thanks be to God [for my deliverance] through Jesus Christ our Lord!” —Romans 7:24-25 (AMP)
Point
Perfectionism isn’t just a burden—it’s an idol. When we strive for perfection to earn God’s approval, we’re worshiping our own efforts instead of trusting in His grace.
Illustration: Insights from the George Janko Podcast with Cliffe Knechtle
George Janko
George Janko is a content creator, comedian, and social media personality who initially rose to fame through platforms like Vine and YouTube. After becoming a podcaster George openly shares his journey with Christianity, often expressing his curiosity about theological questions and spiritual truths. His podcast provides a space for honest conversations, inviting guests who challenge and inspire his audience.
Cliffe Knechtle
Cliffe Knechtle is a Christian apologist, pastor, and speaker known for engaging in open-air dialogues and discussions about Christianity, faith, and life’s toughest questions.
One of the questions in the Podcast captures this perfectly:
George: How can I explain to somebody that you’re never going to be perfect? You’re always going to fail God. But you’re still going to be good enough to go to heaven. How do I teach men to believe that when I can’t even believe?
The response is powerful:
Cliffe: “God approves of you. You are forgiven. And that is what makes the cross so significant. Because that’s where Christ paid the penalty for the garbage in my life, in your life, in his life, and offers us a gift that we do not deserve.”
“And if I don’t accept Christ’s forgiveness, what I’m doing is I’m worshiping an idol whose approval means more to me than God’s approval. George, God approves of you. You are forgiven. And that is what makes the cross so significant. Because that’s where Christ paid the penalty for the garbage in my life, in your life, in his life, and offers us a gift that we do not deserve.”
Truth
Rejecting perfectionism means embracing this truth: “I am not good enough to go to heaven, but Christ is good enough. I need Him, and I trust in Him.”
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2. The Role of Repentance
Scripture
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” —1 John 1:9
Point
Repentance isn’t about self-pity or shame. It’s about turning back to God, acknowledging our sin, and trusting in His forgiveness.
Illustration
George: Where’s the line? There’s a certain person that goes, well, God made me this way. I’m still going to love God. And then you have a guy that goes like me, like, oh, I know I shouldn’t be doing that. Oh, and I don’t do it. But when no one’s looking, I do it sometimes.
Cliffe: reminds us:
“Repentance is not self-flagellation. It’s acknowledging that God made us in His image, admitting where we’ve made irresponsible decisions, and accepting Christ’s forgiveness.”
Truth
Repentance allows us to embrace this life-changing truth:
“God approves of you. You are forgiven. And that is what makes the cross so significant.”
Challenge
What area of your life are you withholding from God because you feel unworthy? Today, will you trust in Christ’s work on the cross and repent, not to earn His love, but to fully receive it?
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3. God’s Truth: You Are Loved and Redeemed
Scripture
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” —Psalm 139:14
Illustration
Think of Zacchaeus, the tax collector (Luke 19:1-10). Despite his reputation, Jesus called him by name, invited Himself into his home, and restored his dignity.
Truth
God’s truth declares that you are loved and redeemed. You are not defined by your past or your failures.
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4. Walking in God’s Grace
Scripture
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” —2 Corinthians 5:17
Illustration
Peter denied Jesus three times, but after the resurrection, Jesus restored him (John 21:15-19). Peter went on to preach boldly and lead the early church.
Challenge
Walk forward in freedom, knowing you are a new creation in Christ. Let go of the lies and live in the truth of who God says you are.
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Closing
Encouragement: God’s truth breaks down every wall of fear, shame, and inadequacy. His grace is enough for you.
Prayer: Lead a heartfelt prayer, asking God to replace lies with truth, break down walls, and help each person walk in His grace.
Call to Action: Leave today with one lie you’re rejecting and one truth you’re holding onto.
Speaker 1: How can I explain to somebody that you’re never going to be perfect. You’re always going to fail. God. But you’re still going to be good enough to go to heaven. How do I teach me to believe that when I can’t even believe?
Speaker 2
You bet. Good question. George. I’d like you to read Romans chapter seven, where the apostle Paul says, the good that I want to do, I don’t do the evil that I don’t want to do, I do. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ.
Speaker 1
Where’s the line? There’s a certain person that goes, well, God made me this way. I’m still going to love God. And then you have a guy that goes like me, like, oh, I know I shouldn’t be doing that. Oh, and I don’t do it. But when no one’s looking, I do it sometimes.
Speaker 2
First of all, you repent. Repentance is not whitewashing and saying, oh, I didn’t do anything wrong. Repentance is not blaming. Oh, it’s their fault. Repentance is not self-pity. Oh gosh, I’m just a loser. I’m no good. And repentance is not self-flagellation. Beat up on Cliff because he’s such a loser. Repentance is. God has made me in his image.
Speaker 2
I’ve made some irresponsible decisions. Lord Jesus, please forgive me. Now, I’ve got to accept that forgiveness. Which means I am not going to follow an idol that says, perfect, Cliff, you’ve got to be perfect in order to make it to heaven. If that’s true, I’m not going to heaven because I’m not perfect. I have to accept Christ forgiveness.
Speaker 2
And if I don’t accept Christ’s forgiveness, what I’m doing is I’m worshiping an idol whose approval means more to me than God’s approval. George, God approves of you. You are forgiven. And that is what makes the cross so significant. Because that’s where Christ paid the penalty for the garbage in my life, in your life, in his life, and offers us a gift that we do not deserve.
Speaker 2
I am not good enough to go to heaven, but Christ is good enough. I need him and I trust in him.
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