September 14, 2025
What A Girl Wants, What A Girl Needs
- Matt Nickoson
Sermon Notes
Titus 3:3-8 NIV
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Proverbs 16:18 NIV
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit (i.e. arrogant attitude) before a fall.
Proverbs 13:10 NIV
Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
Is there any strife in your life relationally?
If yes, do you see where pride might be involved?
Proverbs 11:2 NIV
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 7:8 NIV
The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.
James 4:6 NIV
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
In order to grow new fruit on your tree, you must humble yourself.
Matthew 7:3 NIV
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”
Jesus challenges us to go first.
Matthew 7:4 NIV
“How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?”
Matthew 7:5 NIV
“You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
Before we can help someone else achieve a different fruit growing on their tree, we must first deal with our own.
Is there any bad fruit that you are ignoring because of your pride, but are obsessed with pointing out someone else’s?
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
Andrízomai (used only in 1 Cor 16:13) = to be responsible and courageous by taking the initiatives God reveals through faith.
1. Are there areas in your life where you need to step up and take greater responsibility?
1 Corinthians 13:11 NIV
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.
2. Are there places where you’re being called to lead more fully with love and faithfulness?
Proverbs 3:3-4 NIV
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man (and your family).
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:7-8 NIV
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
3. Are you using your strength to protect and build – or to pressure and dominate?
1 John 4:18 NIV
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
1 Timothy 2:8 NIV
Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.
1 Kings 2:2-3 NIV
“I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands… Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go.”