Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - Esteem God Alone

January 4, 2026 | 29:0

Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.

#WordofGod #Commandment #Slavery #Creation #Predestination #Redemption #Affirmation #Temptation #RobertJeffress

Closed captions

Show Timecode

Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Esteem God Alone | January 4, 2026

(bright music)
00:00:00.190 --> 00:00:02.525
From the pulpit of the first baptist church
00:00:06.463 --> 00:00:08.598
Of dallas, texas, this is "pathway to victory"
00:00:08.598 --> 00:00:11.568
With dr. robert jeffress.
00:00:11.568 --> 00:00:13.002
Hi, i'm robert jeffress,
00:00:14.504 --> 00:00:15.805
And welcome again to "pathway to victory."
00:00:15.805 --> 00:00:18.708
In every star that shines in the night sky
00:00:18.708 --> 00:00:21.277
And every flower that graces the earth,
00:00:21.277 --> 00:00:23.847
God's power and majesty are on display.
00:00:23.847 --> 00:00:27.050
Not only did god create the universe,
00:00:27.050 --> 00:00:29.586
He also wants to have a personal relationship
00:00:29.586 --> 00:00:32.288
With every one of us.
00:00:32.288 --> 00:00:34.190
And for these reasons and more, god is worthy of our praise.
00:00:34.190 --> 00:00:38.628
Today, we're going to look at why these truths
00:00:38.628 --> 00:00:40.864
Should compel us to obey the first commandment
00:00:40.864 --> 00:00:43.967
As we begin a brand new series i'm calling
00:00:43.967 --> 00:00:46.469
"the ten: how to live and love
00:00:46.469 --> 00:00:48.705
In a world that's lost its way."
00:00:48.705 --> 00:00:51.107
My message today is titled, "esteem god alone,"
00:00:51.107 --> 00:00:55.111
On today's edition of "pathway to victory."
00:00:55.111 --> 00:00:58.648
(uplifting music)
00:00:58.648 --> 00:01:16.766
♪ it's not conservative or liberal ♪
00:01:20.603 --> 00:01:25.074
♪ however they're defined ♪
00:01:25.074 --> 00:01:28.611
♪ it's not about interpretation ♪
00:01:28.611 --> 00:01:32.549
♪ or the judgment of the mind ♪
00:01:32.549 --> 00:01:36.352
♪ it's the opposite of politics ♪
00:01:36.352 --> 00:01:40.557
♪ power or prestige ♪
00:01:40.557 --> 00:01:43.927
♪ it's about a simple message ♪
00:01:43.927 --> 00:01:47.964
♪ and whether we believe ♪
00:01:47.964 --> 00:01:52.435
♪ it's still the cross ♪
00:01:52.435 --> 00:01:56.172
♪ it's still the blood of calvary ♪
00:01:56.172 --> 00:02:00.143
♪ that cleanses sin ♪
00:02:00.143 --> 00:02:04.314
♪ and sets the captive free ♪
00:02:04.314 --> 00:02:07.050
♪ it's still the name ♪
00:02:07.050 --> 00:02:11.054
♪ the name of jesus ♪
00:02:11.054 --> 00:02:13.556
♪ that has power to save the lost ♪
00:02:13.556 --> 00:02:18.428
♪ it's still the cross ♪
00:02:18.428 --> 00:02:23.032
♪ though some may say it's man's religion ♪
00:02:23.032 --> 00:02:26.836
♪ or ancient history ♪
00:02:26.836 --> 00:02:30.940
♪ the cross of jesus still remains ♪
00:02:30.940 --> 00:02:34.644
♪ the price for sin ♪
00:02:34.644 --> 00:02:38.114
♪ that sets us free ♪
00:02:38.114 --> 00:02:42.452
♪ it's still the cross ♪
00:02:42.452 --> 00:02:45.088
♪ it's still the blood of calvary ♪
00:02:45.088 --> 00:02:48.858
♪ oh, it cleanses us ♪
00:02:48.858 --> 00:02:50.994
♪ that cleanses our sin ♪
00:02:50.994 --> 00:02:53.696
♪ and sets the captives free ♪
00:02:53.696 --> 00:02:56.199
♪ it's still the name ♪
00:02:56.199 --> 00:03:01.070
♪ of jesus ♪
00:03:01.604 --> 00:03:02.772
♪ that has power to save the lost ♪
00:03:02.772 --> 00:03:05.675
♪ oh ♪
00:03:05.675 --> 00:03:07.744
♪ it's still the cross ♪
00:03:07.744 --> 00:03:12.849
♪ it's still the cross ♪
00:03:13.516 --> 00:03:16.152
♪ it's the cross, the cross ♪
00:03:16.152 --> 00:03:20.657
♪ it's still the cross ♪
00:03:20.657 --> 00:03:23.459
♪ thank god ♪
00:03:23.459 --> 00:03:24.661
♪ it's still the cross ♪
00:03:24.661 --> 00:03:26.562
♪ for the cross ♪
00:03:26.562 --> 00:03:30.900
(congregation applauding)
00:03:34.504 --> 00:03:38.107
Society is working hard to indoctrinate the hearts
00:03:39.942 --> 00:03:42.912
Of our children and grandchildren.
00:03:42.912 --> 00:03:44.981
As parents and grandparents of faith,
00:03:44.981 --> 00:03:47.216
We must be the ones to share our christian beliefs
00:03:47.216 --> 00:03:49.852
And values with the next generation.
00:03:49.852 --> 00:03:52.322
In "the ten commandments for kids,"
00:03:52.322 --> 00:03:54.557
Dr. robert jeffress shares 10 simple bible lessons
00:03:54.557 --> 00:03:57.694
That teach children the ten commandments.
00:03:57.694 --> 00:03:59.962
When you request "the ten commandments for kids,"
00:03:59.962 --> 00:04:02.565
You'll also receive the original
00:04:02.565 --> 00:04:04.334
Bestselling book, "the ten."
00:04:04.334 --> 00:04:06.235
Thank you for supporting the ministry of pathway to victory.
00:04:06.235 --> 00:04:09.772
(bright music)
00:04:09.772 --> 00:04:15.445
Pastor tim keller has said that idolatry
00:04:19.349 --> 00:04:23.686
Is the sin beneath every other sin.
00:04:23.686 --> 00:04:27.423
When i sin, i'm basically allowing some competing desire
00:04:28.791 --> 00:04:33.363
To take god's rightful place in our life.
00:04:34.464 --> 00:04:38.134
If keller's right, and i think he is,
00:04:39.168 --> 00:04:42.038
If the root cause of every other sin is loving something
00:04:42.038 --> 00:04:46.242
Or somebody more than we love god,
00:04:46.242 --> 00:04:49.178
Then it's no surprise that the very first commandment
00:04:49.178 --> 00:04:52.648
God gave had to deal with rooting out
00:04:52.648 --> 00:04:56.219
Idolatry from our lives.
00:04:56.219 --> 00:04:59.155
You shall have no other gods before me.
00:04:59.155 --> 00:05:04.127
How do we do that?
00:05:04.727 --> 00:05:06.195
If you have your bibles, i want you to turn
00:05:06.195 --> 00:05:07.997
To exodus chapter 20,
00:05:07.997 --> 00:05:11.334
As we begin looking at "the ten: how to live and love
00:05:11.334 --> 00:05:15.772
In a world that has lost its way."
00:05:15.772 --> 00:05:18.608
And we're going to begin today
00:05:18.608 --> 00:05:20.176
With the first of those ten commandments.
00:05:20.176 --> 00:05:24.113
You shall have no other gods before me.
00:05:24.113 --> 00:05:27.750
You know, i have done wedding ceremonies for about 45 years
00:05:27.750 --> 00:05:32.855
And i ask a couple to do a lot of things,
00:05:33.990 --> 00:05:36.659
To commit to a lot of things.
00:05:36.659 --> 00:05:38.127
But one thing i ask them to commit to
00:05:38.127 --> 00:05:41.230
Is to love and cherish the other person
00:05:41.230 --> 00:05:44.667
And forsaking all others to be faithful
00:05:44.667 --> 00:05:48.738
To that other person alone.
00:05:48.738 --> 00:05:51.240
What am i asking? i'm asking them to esteem one another.
00:05:51.240 --> 00:05:56.345
And that's really what the first commandment is about.
00:05:57.680 --> 00:05:59.415
It's about esteeming god alone.
00:05:59.415 --> 00:06:02.685
I want you to notice in these first three verses
00:06:02.685 --> 00:06:05.388
What god says, "then god spoke all these words saying,
00:06:05.388 --> 00:06:09.792
'i am the lord your god who brought you out
00:06:09.792 --> 00:06:13.863
Of the land of egypt, out of the house of slavery.
00:06:13.863 --> 00:06:17.300
You shall have no other gods before me.'"
00:06:17.300 --> 00:06:22.038
Will you notice in verse 2, he gives us four reasons
00:06:22.038 --> 00:06:26.742
That we are to have no other gods before him.
00:06:26.742 --> 00:06:29.412
The reason is in verse 2, the command is in verse 3.
00:06:29.412 --> 00:06:33.683
Four reasons to esteem god alone.
00:06:33.683 --> 00:06:36.786
Two have to do with who god is.
00:06:36.786 --> 00:06:39.655
The next two have to do with what god has done.
00:06:39.655 --> 00:06:43.659
First of all, we're to put god in first place
00:06:43.659 --> 00:06:46.929
Because god is our creator.
00:06:46.929 --> 00:06:50.032
He said, "i am the lord."
00:06:50.032 --> 00:06:54.637
Colossians 1:15-17 says, "he is the image
00:06:54.637 --> 00:06:59.041
Of the invisible god, the firstborn of creation,
00:06:59.041 --> 00:07:01.911
For by him, jesus, all things were created
00:07:01.911 --> 00:07:05.882
Both in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible,
00:07:05.882 --> 00:07:09.118
Whether thrones or rulers or dominions or authorities,
00:07:09.118 --> 00:07:12.388
All things have been created by him and for him."
00:07:12.388 --> 00:07:17.059
Why do we esteem god alone?
00:07:17.059 --> 00:07:19.228
He is our creator, not just of the universe.
00:07:19.228 --> 00:07:22.465
He is the creator of you and me.
00:07:22.465 --> 00:07:25.468
Psalm 100:3 says, "the lord he himself is god.
00:07:25.468 --> 00:07:29.372
It is he who made us and not we ourselves.
00:07:29.372 --> 00:07:32.174
For we are his people and we are the sheep of his pasture."
00:07:32.174 --> 00:07:36.712
God gives us another reason to put him in first place.
00:07:38.047 --> 00:07:40.116
Not only is he our creator, he is our covenant maker.
00:07:40.116 --> 00:07:44.854
He is our covenant maker.
00:07:44.854 --> 00:07:47.156
God is not just some distant deity.
00:07:47.156 --> 00:07:51.294
He says to the israelites and to us,
00:07:51.294 --> 00:07:54.063
"i am the lord your god.
00:07:54.063 --> 00:07:57.733
I want a relationship with you."
00:07:59.268 --> 00:08:01.737
You know, i remember when i made my first move toward amy.
00:08:01.737 --> 00:08:06.576
It was in the ninth grade.
00:08:08.511 --> 00:08:10.813
And i decided i didn't want her just to be somebody
00:08:10.813 --> 00:08:13.349
Who sat in front of me in math class.
00:08:13.349 --> 00:08:16.085
I didn't want to just be her friend.
00:08:16.085 --> 00:08:18.220
I wanted to be something more.
00:08:18.220 --> 00:08:20.489
And so one day i screwed up the courage
00:08:20.489 --> 00:08:22.792
To ask her out on a date in the ninth grade.
00:08:22.792 --> 00:08:26.629
Now, do you remember dating in the ninth grade?
00:08:26.629 --> 00:08:30.800
What it consisted of, it would be parents taking you
00:08:30.800 --> 00:08:35.004
And dropping you off at a restaurant,
00:08:35.004 --> 00:08:37.073
Then picking you up and dropping you off at a movie.
00:08:37.073 --> 00:08:40.176
But i had it all planned out for that friday night.
00:08:40.176 --> 00:08:42.878
First, i had my parents drive us to el fenix at northpark
00:08:42.878 --> 00:08:46.649
And we had dinner while my parents sat at another table.
00:08:46.649 --> 00:08:50.052
(congregation laughing)
00:08:50.052 --> 00:08:52.088
Then we got into their car
00:08:52.088 --> 00:08:53.689
And they drove us to the esquire theatre
00:08:53.689 --> 00:08:56.859
Where we walked into the movie
00:08:56.859 --> 00:08:59.195
And sat there through the movie,
00:08:59.195 --> 00:09:00.896
And i realized i'd planned out the evening
00:09:00.896 --> 00:09:02.999
That i was only going to have a few minutes
00:09:02.999 --> 00:09:05.267
To talk to amy by myself.
00:09:05.267 --> 00:09:07.603
So i'm sitting through that movie with her
00:09:07.603 --> 00:09:09.739
And i'm starting to sweat profusely
00:09:09.739 --> 00:09:12.942
As i try to think up exactly what i'm going to try to say
00:09:12.942 --> 00:09:16.846
To lure her into a relationship with me.
00:09:16.846 --> 00:09:20.416
The movie finally, finally comes to an end. the end.
00:09:20.416 --> 00:09:24.820
And i knew, boy, this is it, buddy. you better go for it.
00:09:24.820 --> 00:09:28.691
This is your only chance.
00:09:28.691 --> 00:09:30.459
So we're walking out of the movie theater.
00:09:30.459 --> 00:09:32.528
My parents are waiting out in the station wagon.
00:09:32.528 --> 00:09:35.531
And i stop amy in the foyer before we go through the doors.
00:09:35.531 --> 00:09:39.568
And i said, "amy, could i talk to you about something?"
00:09:39.568 --> 00:09:42.738
She said, "sure."
00:09:42.738 --> 00:09:44.573
And i said, "well, i've got a problem
00:09:44.573 --> 00:09:46.976
And i don't know what to do about it."
00:09:46.976 --> 00:09:49.111
And she's so kind and sympathetic.
00:09:50.046 --> 00:09:52.481
She looked real concerned.
00:09:52.481 --> 00:09:53.649
She said, "oh, what's the problem?"
00:09:53.649 --> 00:09:56.318
I said, "well, i like this girl in our class
00:09:56.318 --> 00:10:00.256
And i don't know how to tell her that i like her."
00:10:00.256 --> 00:10:03.959
And she said, "well, who is it?"
00:10:03.959 --> 00:10:05.861
And i said, "her name is amy."
00:10:05.861 --> 00:10:08.097
And she said, "oh, amy?"
00:10:08.097 --> 00:10:09.565
And she named another girl in the class.
00:10:09.565 --> 00:10:11.400
(congregation laughing)
00:10:11.400 --> 00:10:13.736
I said, no, "it's amy renard. it's you."
00:10:13.736 --> 00:10:17.973
Cue the violin. everybody say aw.
00:10:19.208 --> 00:10:21.377
(congregation laughing)
00:10:21.377 --> 00:10:25.548
Now, she could have at that moment, she could've,
00:10:25.548 --> 00:10:29.985
As the country western song says, stomped on my aorta.
00:10:29.985 --> 00:10:34.323
She could've said, "oh, robert,
00:10:34.323 --> 00:10:37.460
I like you too, as a friend."
00:10:37.460 --> 00:10:41.030
Those are three words no adolescent boy ever wants to hear.
00:10:42.698 --> 00:10:45.735
(congregation laughing)
00:10:45.735 --> 00:10:47.470
No adolescent boy wants a friend. they want something more.
00:10:47.470 --> 00:10:50.806
But she didn't say that.
00:10:50.806 --> 00:10:52.208
She didn't say, "i like you as a friend."
00:10:52.208 --> 00:10:54.610
You know what she said? it's none of your business.
00:10:54.610 --> 00:10:58.180
(congregation laughing)
00:10:58.180 --> 00:11:01.383
But trust me, she was interested in being more than a friend
00:11:02.752 --> 00:11:06.689
And she certainly has become much more than a friend.
00:11:06.689 --> 00:11:09.658
You know, that was taking a risk
00:11:10.993 --> 00:11:13.229
To establish a relationship.
00:11:13.229 --> 00:11:14.830
I didn't know exactly how she was going to respond.
00:11:14.830 --> 00:11:17.900
Now in a much more serious way, god has done that.
00:11:17.900 --> 00:11:21.337
He has set his affection on us.
00:11:21.337 --> 00:11:24.206
Romans 5:8 says, "god demonstrated his love toward us
00:11:24.206 --> 00:11:27.543
And that while we were yet sinners, he made the first move.
00:11:27.543 --> 00:11:31.747
He sent christ to die for us.
00:11:31.747 --> 00:11:34.917
He is our covenant maker."
00:11:34.917 --> 00:11:37.653
Notice what he's done for us. two things.
00:11:37.653 --> 00:11:40.156
He is our redeemer.
00:11:40.156 --> 00:11:42.625
We see this again in verse 2 of exodus 21.
00:11:42.625 --> 00:11:45.127
God said, "i am the one who brought you
00:11:45.127 --> 00:11:47.730
Out of the land of egypt, out of the house of slavery."
00:11:47.730 --> 00:11:52.735
God has released us from the prison house of slavery
00:11:54.236 --> 00:11:58.007
To sin and to satan.
00:11:58.007 --> 00:12:00.609
Paul expressed it this way in colossians 1:13-14.
00:12:00.609 --> 00:12:04.113
"for he rescued us from the domain of darkness
00:12:04.113 --> 00:12:07.983
And transferred us to the kingdom
00:12:07.983 --> 00:12:09.752
Of his beloved son in whom we have redemption,"
00:12:09.752 --> 00:12:13.823
The forgiveness of sins.
00:12:13.823 --> 00:12:15.925
When i think about this idea of redemption,
00:12:15.925 --> 00:12:19.195
I think about the story of the little boy
00:12:19.195 --> 00:12:21.063
Who spent weeks working on a model sailboat,
00:12:21.063 --> 00:12:24.934
A little red sailboat.
00:12:24.934 --> 00:12:26.602
And the day came that he had finished the project
00:12:26.602 --> 00:12:29.438
And he was eager to test it out,
00:12:29.438 --> 00:12:31.207
So he took it down to the local pond,
00:12:31.207 --> 00:12:33.342
He put it into the water to see if it floated.
00:12:33.342 --> 00:12:37.079
A gust of wind came and caught the sails
00:12:37.079 --> 00:12:40.115
And took that sailboat far from him.
00:12:40.115 --> 00:12:43.352
The little boy was heartbroken.
00:12:43.352 --> 00:12:44.987
Something he had spent so much time building
00:12:44.987 --> 00:12:47.857
Was now lost forever.
00:12:47.857 --> 00:12:50.426
A few weeks later, he was walking down the street
00:12:50.426 --> 00:12:53.429
And he saw in the window of the toy store his red sailboat.
00:12:53.429 --> 00:12:58.434
He couldn't believe it. he was overjoyed.
00:12:59.568 --> 00:13:01.237
He thought he would never see it again.
00:13:01.237 --> 00:13:03.072
And he went in and explained to the store owner that
00:13:03.072 --> 00:13:05.374
That was his sailboat and could he please have it back.
00:13:05.374 --> 00:13:09.778
The store owner said he didn't know anything about that.
00:13:09.778 --> 00:13:13.115
All he knew was he had paid for the boat himself,
00:13:13.115 --> 00:13:15.784
And if the little boy wanted it, it would cost him.
00:13:15.784 --> 00:13:18.754
It was $14.
00:13:18.754 --> 00:13:19.855
So the boy reached into his pocket, pulled out a sweaty wad
00:13:21.223 --> 00:13:24.260
Of dollar bills, counted out $14, gave it to the man,
00:13:24.260 --> 00:13:29.064
And he took that sailboat and he held it close to his chest,
00:13:29.064 --> 00:13:33.602
And as he walked down the sidewalk, he said,
00:13:33.602 --> 00:13:36.639
"you're mine twice now.
00:13:36.639 --> 00:13:39.575
Once because i made you, and now because i bought you."
00:13:40.910 --> 00:13:45.447
That's what god says to us. you belong to me.
00:13:47.082 --> 00:13:50.853
First because i made you.
00:13:51.921 --> 00:13:53.756
But even though the winds of sin carried you away
00:13:55.057 --> 00:13:57.927
Far from me, i never gave up hope and i purchased you.
00:13:57.927 --> 00:14:02.798
I bought you, not with dollar bills, i bought you
00:14:04.033 --> 00:14:06.535
With the blood of my son, the lord jesus christ.
00:14:06.535 --> 00:14:10.172
And that's why paul says in 1 corinthians 6,
00:14:10.172 --> 00:14:12.207
"do you not know you're not your own?
00:14:12.207 --> 00:14:15.644
You've been bought with a price."
00:14:15.644 --> 00:14:19.882
That's why we worship god alone,
00:14:19.882 --> 00:14:21.583
Because he made us and he redeemed us.
00:14:21.583 --> 00:14:24.486
He bought us.
00:14:24.486 --> 00:14:26.288
And finally, we're to esteem god alone
00:14:26.288 --> 00:14:28.424
Because he is our rewarder.
00:14:28.424 --> 00:14:31.460
In verse 12 of exodus 20, he tells us
00:14:31.460 --> 00:14:34.363
That he not only delivered us out of the house of slavery,
00:14:34.363 --> 00:14:38.067
But he's delivered us into the land
00:14:38.067 --> 00:14:40.202
Which the lord your god gives you.
00:14:40.202 --> 00:14:42.538
He's rewarding us with a promise of heaven one day,
00:14:42.538 --> 00:14:46.942
That eternal dwelling place
00:14:46.942 --> 00:14:48.510
That we'll enjoy with god forever.
00:14:48.510 --> 00:14:52.548
What does it mean to esteem god alone?
00:14:52.548 --> 00:14:56.952
What does that mean exactly?
00:14:56.952 --> 00:14:59.455
I want you to notice in verse 3, two components
00:14:59.455 --> 00:15:02.358
To this command, this most basic command,
00:15:02.358 --> 00:15:05.594
You shall have no other gods
00:15:05.594 --> 00:15:07.596
Before me, first of all shall have.
00:15:07.596 --> 00:15:10.899
Let's break it down, shall have.
00:15:10.899 --> 00:15:14.570
When i have a couple repeat the vows
00:15:14.570 --> 00:15:19.675
At a wedding ceremony,
00:15:20.342 --> 00:15:22.544
They say to have
00:15:22.544 --> 00:15:25.347
And to hold from this day forward.
00:15:25.347 --> 00:15:28.384
What does it mean to have somebody?
00:15:28.384 --> 00:15:29.852
Well, it means to possess them, to possess something
00:15:29.852 --> 00:15:34.156
Of them exclusively.
00:15:34.156 --> 00:15:36.125
For example, i have a car. you heard about my car last week.
00:15:36.125 --> 00:15:40.062
I have a car.
00:15:40.062 --> 00:15:41.764
Nobody has a right to drive that car
00:15:41.764 --> 00:15:44.033
Except me without my permission.
00:15:44.033 --> 00:15:45.834
It is my car. i have a house, it's my house.
00:15:45.834 --> 00:15:50.539
Nobody has a right to wander in
00:15:50.539 --> 00:15:52.374
Or wander out of it without my permission.
00:15:52.374 --> 00:15:55.210
It is my possession, it is my house.
00:15:55.210 --> 00:15:57.713
I have a wife now, amy.
00:15:57.713 --> 00:16:01.116
Nobody has a right to her affection except me.
00:16:01.116 --> 00:16:04.887
She is my wife. and the same is true for me.
00:16:04.887 --> 00:16:08.123
Nobody has a right to my affection except her.
00:16:08.123 --> 00:16:12.127
When we say we are to have no other gods,
00:16:12.127 --> 00:16:14.830
We are to have god and god exclusively.
00:16:14.830 --> 00:16:17.499
He said, i want to be the sole focus of your affection.
00:16:17.499 --> 00:16:22.604
You see, the problem with the israelites, this is important
00:16:24.039 --> 00:16:25.474
To understand, was they never abandoned the true god.
00:16:25.474 --> 00:16:29.445
They just added to the true god with many false gods.
00:16:29.445 --> 00:16:33.649
God said, nope, doesn't work that way.
00:16:33.649 --> 00:16:36.685
Either you love me and serve me exclusively
00:16:36.685 --> 00:16:39.955
Or you don't have me at all.
00:16:39.955 --> 00:16:42.257
That's what it means to have.
00:16:42.257 --> 00:16:44.860
And then the second phrase, no other gods
00:16:44.860 --> 00:16:47.429
Before me, you're to have no other gods before me.
00:16:47.429 --> 00:16:52.334
You know, the israelites had spent 430 years
00:16:52.334 --> 00:16:56.805
In egyptian slavery, and they had developed a habit
00:16:56.805 --> 00:17:00.476
Of worshiping false gods.
00:17:00.476 --> 00:17:02.144
And during those 10 plagues right before the exodus,
00:17:02.144 --> 00:17:05.314
God showed how he was superior to all the other
00:17:05.314 --> 00:17:08.417
Egyptian gods, which the israelites had become accustomed to
00:17:08.417 --> 00:17:13.255
And even began to worship.
00:17:13.255 --> 00:17:15.090
But there was a second reason they faced
00:17:15.090 --> 00:17:16.992
An even greater temptation.
00:17:16.992 --> 00:17:18.827
It was because of the false gods' powerful appeal.
00:17:18.827 --> 00:17:22.764
These new false gods they would face in canaan
00:17:22.764 --> 00:17:26.001
Would have much more appeal than the egyptian gods.
00:17:26.001 --> 00:17:29.071
Now let's get real practical for a moment.
00:17:29.071 --> 00:17:31.640
How do you know if god really has first place,
00:17:31.640 --> 00:17:35.444
He's sitting in that first chair in your life?
00:17:35.444 --> 00:17:39.281
In a little book called "laws that liberate,"
00:17:40.482 --> 00:17:43.218
One writer suggests three questions to ask yourself
00:17:44.520 --> 00:17:48.357
To know if god has first place in your life.
00:17:48.357 --> 00:17:51.860
Let me elaborate on these for just a moment.
00:17:51.860 --> 00:17:54.696
Question number one. this is so simple.
00:17:54.696 --> 00:17:57.299
What do you think about most often?
00:17:57.299 --> 00:17:59.668
What do you think about most often?
00:18:00.903 --> 00:18:02.571
That will tell you what your god is.
00:18:02.571 --> 00:18:05.374
In those quiet moments while you're driving
00:18:05.374 --> 00:18:07.376
Or standing in a checkout line,
00:18:07.376 --> 00:18:09.678
Or maybe drifting off to sleep at night,
00:18:09.678 --> 00:18:12.948
Where do your thoughts naturally turn?
00:18:12.948 --> 00:18:16.485
You know how a compass works.
00:18:17.553 --> 00:18:19.087
You can shake up a compass and the needle bounces around,
00:18:19.087 --> 00:18:21.790
But very quickly it goes to true north, doesn't it?
00:18:21.790 --> 00:18:25.027
When your thoughts finally settle down,
00:18:26.662 --> 00:18:29.364
Where are they directed?
00:18:30.365 --> 00:18:31.800
Money?
00:18:33.035 --> 00:18:33.969
Pleasure?
00:18:35.437 --> 00:18:36.371
A relationship?
00:18:37.539 --> 00:18:38.974
Or do your thoughts naturally go to god
00:18:40.409 --> 00:18:43.779
Who has given you all of those blessings?
00:18:43.779 --> 00:18:46.415
What do you think about most often?
00:18:47.482 --> 00:18:49.117
Second question to ask yourself,
00:18:49.117 --> 00:18:51.220
Whom are you trying to impress?
00:18:51.220 --> 00:18:56.124
Let's be honest, all of us are trying to impress somebody.
00:18:54.223 --> 00:18:59.394
Maybe a mate.
00:18:59.394 --> 00:19:00.429
Maybe a friend. it may be a work associate.
00:19:01.563 --> 00:19:03.765
You may be trying to impress yourself
00:19:03.765 --> 00:19:05.634
That you can climb the ladder
00:19:05.634 --> 00:19:07.502
And reach the pinnacle of success.
00:19:07.502 --> 00:19:10.772
During the great reformation,
00:19:10.772 --> 00:19:12.641
The battle cry was coram deo,
00:19:13.875 --> 00:19:16.645
Latin for before the eyes of god.
00:19:17.479 --> 00:19:21.683
Martin luther and the great reformers were willing
00:19:21.683 --> 00:19:24.152
To give their life because they knew ultimately
00:19:24.152 --> 00:19:27.422
They were living their life for an audience of one.
00:19:27.422 --> 00:19:32.127
In the end, all really that mattered is pleasing god.
00:19:32.127 --> 00:19:37.232
Impressing god.
00:19:37.733 --> 00:19:39.401
That's not an original thought.
00:19:39.401 --> 00:19:41.536
Paul voiced it 1,500 years
00:19:41.536 --> 00:19:43.805
Before the reformation.
00:19:43.805 --> 00:19:45.574
In 2 corinthians 5:9-10, he said,
00:19:45.574 --> 00:19:48.810
"for we had as our ambition,
00:19:48.810 --> 00:19:52.247
Our goal, whether here or absent, to be pleasing to god,
00:19:52.247 --> 00:19:56.952
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of christ,
00:19:56.952 --> 00:20:00.789
That each one of us may be rewarded
00:20:00.789 --> 00:20:02.824
For what we've done in the body,
00:20:02.824 --> 00:20:04.660
Whether it be good or worthless.
00:20:04.660 --> 00:20:07.963
What do you think about most often?
00:20:07.963 --> 00:20:09.531
Whom are you trying to impress?
00:20:09.531 --> 00:20:11.533
And the final question, what are you living for?
00:20:11.533 --> 00:20:16.238
What are you living for?
00:20:16.972 --> 00:20:18.373
Remember the old soap opera, "one life to live?"
00:20:18.373 --> 00:20:22.110
Never watched it, but i thought the title was intriguing.
00:20:22.110 --> 00:20:25.280
One life to live. that's an important truth.
00:20:25.280 --> 00:20:27.916
We all only have one life to live.
00:20:27.916 --> 00:20:31.019
What is your ultimate goal in life?
00:20:31.019 --> 00:20:33.388
Again, is it measured in possessions
00:20:34.523 --> 00:20:36.458
Or pleasures or relationships?
00:20:36.458 --> 00:20:40.095
If god truly has first place in your life,
00:20:40.095 --> 00:20:44.266
You're living for one thing,
00:20:44.266 --> 00:20:45.934
To discover god's will for your life,
00:20:47.302 --> 00:20:50.005
And then do it with all of your heart.
00:20:51.606 --> 00:20:53.942
The christian mystic, madam guyon, said,
00:20:55.610 --> 00:20:58.347
There are really only two principles,
00:20:58.347 --> 00:21:02.117
Competing principles that govern this universe.
00:21:02.117 --> 00:21:05.654
One principle is the one that has me
00:21:05.654 --> 00:21:08.490
At the center of my universe.
00:21:08.490 --> 00:21:11.393
The other is the one that has god
00:21:11.393 --> 00:21:13.695
At the center of the universe.
00:21:13.695 --> 00:21:15.597
It's one or the other. it can't be both.
00:21:16.698 --> 00:21:19.835
The person who has god at the center of his universe
00:21:21.136 --> 00:21:25.440
Will have thoughts that turn to him naturally,
00:21:25.440 --> 00:21:28.610
Will be living to impress him and him alone,
00:21:28.610 --> 00:21:31.980
And will seek to do his will, whatever the cost.
00:21:31.980 --> 00:21:36.852
(bright music)
00:21:36.852 --> 00:21:39.521
Who or what is at the center of your universe,
00:21:42.924 --> 00:21:45.827
God or something else?
00:21:45.827 --> 00:21:48.263
I hope today's message prompts you
00:21:48.263 --> 00:21:50.132
To make a careful evaluation of your top priority.
00:21:50.132 --> 00:21:54.669
Now, before our time is up today,
00:21:54.669 --> 00:21:56.338
Let me share an encouraging word
00:21:56.338 --> 00:21:57.939
From one of your fellow viewers.
00:21:57.939 --> 00:22:00.008
Larry wrote, "for 35 years, god called me
00:22:00.008 --> 00:22:03.311
To take the gospel wherever he sent me.
00:22:03.311 --> 00:22:06.148
After 44 countries and countless people groups,
00:22:06.148 --> 00:22:09.818
God is blessing me with a new season in my life.
00:22:09.818 --> 00:22:13.221
As i care for my disabled wife,
00:22:13.221 --> 00:22:15.590
I now support other ministries
00:22:15.590 --> 00:22:17.993
Who are taking the gospel to the nations."
00:22:17.993 --> 00:22:20.729
Well, thank you, larry, for your decades of service
00:22:20.729 --> 00:22:24.266
And for supporting pathway to victory
00:22:24.266 --> 00:22:26.301
As one of those ministries.
00:22:26.301 --> 00:22:28.236
Together, we are reaching people all around the world
00:22:28.236 --> 00:22:31.273
Through television and radio for the glory of god.
00:22:31.273 --> 00:22:35.143
Now, stay right there.
00:22:35.143 --> 00:22:36.445
I'll be back with more "pathway to victory"
00:22:36.445 --> 00:22:38.814
In just a moment.
00:22:38.814 --> 00:22:40.248
(gentle music)
00:22:40.248 --> 00:22:42.384
It doesn't matter how young they are,
00:22:42.384 --> 00:22:44.186
The battle is already underway
00:22:44.186 --> 00:22:45.954
For the hearts of our children.
00:22:45.954 --> 00:22:47.856
Do we really want public school curriculum
00:22:47.856 --> 00:22:50.258
And popular culture teaching our young ones
00:22:50.258 --> 00:22:52.594
What is right and wrong?
00:22:52.594 --> 00:22:54.362
In "the ten commandments for kids,"
00:22:54.362 --> 00:22:56.331
Dr. robert jeffress shares 10 simple bible lessons
00:22:56.331 --> 00:22:59.267
That teach children the ten commandments
00:22:59.267 --> 00:23:01.369
And lay a foundation of biblical values in their hearts.
00:23:01.369 --> 00:23:04.806
The most important thing we can do
00:23:04.806 --> 00:23:06.641
For the children in our lives is to teach them
00:23:06.641 --> 00:23:09.478
To love and follow god.
00:23:09.478 --> 00:23:11.546
In deuteronomy 6, god instructs us
00:23:11.546 --> 00:23:13.915
To impress his commandments on the hearts
00:23:13.915 --> 00:23:16.518
Of our children and grandchildren.
00:23:16.518 --> 00:23:19.221
And my brand-new book, "the ten commandments for kids,"
00:23:19.221 --> 00:23:22.791
Is designed to help you do just that.
00:23:22.791 --> 00:23:25.694
Each interactive lesson equips you with biblical truth
00:23:25.694 --> 00:23:28.663
And easy-to-understand examples, plus a discussion question,
00:23:28.663 --> 00:23:32.367
Practical application, and prayer.
00:23:32.367 --> 00:23:34.736
You're invited to request "the ten commandments for kids"
00:23:34.736 --> 00:23:37.772
When you give a generous gift
00:23:37.772 --> 00:23:39.274
To support the ministry of pathway to victory.
00:23:39.274 --> 00:23:42.077
Plus, we'll also send you a hardcover copy
00:23:42.077 --> 00:23:44.513
Of "the ten," the original bestselling book
00:23:44.513 --> 00:23:47.182
By dr. robert jeffress.
00:23:47.182 --> 00:23:48.950
And as you give $125 or more, you'll also receive
00:23:48.950 --> 00:23:53.154
"the ten" study guide, 10 scripture encouragement cards,
00:23:53.154 --> 00:23:56.791
And the complete teaching series on cd and dvd.
00:23:56.791 --> 00:24:00.595
Thank you for your strong support of pathway to victory.
00:24:00.595 --> 00:24:03.832
Together we are bringing the life-changing
00:24:03.832 --> 00:24:06.268
Hope of the gospel to a country
00:24:06.268 --> 00:24:08.036
And a world that desperately needs it.
00:24:08.036 --> 00:24:10.872
Perhaps as you've been watching today,
00:24:14.743 --> 00:24:16.778
You realize that god isn't first in your life.
00:24:16.778 --> 00:24:20.382
Oh, sure, you love god and you're grateful
00:24:20.382 --> 00:24:22.617
For his blessings, but he's not the center of your world.
00:24:22.617 --> 00:24:26.488
Let today be the day you change that. talk to god about it.
00:24:26.488 --> 00:24:30.492
Confess your shortcomings.
00:24:30.492 --> 00:24:32.494
And resolve the place him in the center of your life.
00:24:32.494 --> 00:24:36.464
Well, the first commandment tells us whom we are to worship,
00:24:36.464 --> 00:24:39.935
And the second commandment tells us
00:24:39.935 --> 00:24:42.070
How we are to worship the one true god.
00:24:42.070 --> 00:24:45.273
Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next
00:24:45.273 --> 00:24:47.709
In our new series, "the ten."
00:24:47.709 --> 00:24:50.111
It's everything normal for us
00:24:50.912 --> 00:24:53.081
To desire physical representation of our faith.
00:24:53.081 --> 00:24:58.186
The downside of seeking physical representations
00:24:59.287 --> 00:25:02.090
Of our faith is that if we're not careful,
00:25:02.090 --> 00:25:05.193
We start to worship the objects of faith
00:25:05.193 --> 00:25:08.730
Rather than the god whom those objects represent.
00:25:08.730 --> 00:25:12.968
Set your dvr and join us next time
00:25:12.968 --> 00:25:15.103
For the message, "the second commandment:
00:25:15.103 --> 00:25:17.238
Worship the true god," here on "pathway to victory."
00:25:17.238 --> 00:25:20.775
(bright music)
00:25:20.775 --> 00:25:23.445
Each of us will leave a legacy. what will your legacy be?
00:25:24.779 --> 00:25:29.317
Your legacy of giving can further the gospel
00:25:30.485 --> 00:25:32.220
And be an example to your children
00:25:32.220 --> 00:25:34.589
About what matters most in life.
00:25:34.589 --> 00:25:37.158
The world my daughters and grandchildren are growing up in
00:25:37.158 --> 00:25:40.662
Is vastly different than the one you and i grew up in.
00:25:40.662 --> 00:25:44.332
The gospel of jesus christ is our only answer.
00:25:44.332 --> 00:25:48.503
And naming pathway to victory as a beneficiary in your will
00:25:48.503 --> 00:25:52.774
Helps guarantee that there will be a trusted ministry
00:25:52.774 --> 00:25:56.478
That will continue to be salt and light.
00:25:56.478 --> 00:25:59.481
Like the ripples that emanate from a rock
00:25:59.481 --> 00:26:01.983
Thrown into a pond, your influence for christ
00:26:01.983 --> 00:26:05.186
Can keep going on and on after you die
00:26:05.186 --> 00:26:08.757
With a gift in your will.
00:26:08.757 --> 00:26:10.625
What will your legacy be?
00:26:10.625 --> 00:26:13.361
Only one life will soon be past.
00:26:13.361 --> 00:26:16.731
Only what's done for christ will last.
00:26:16.731 --> 00:26:20.268
Experience the beauty of alaska
00:26:22.837 --> 00:26:24.939
With the pathway to victory family,
00:26:24.939 --> 00:26:26.941
June 13 through 20, 2026.
00:26:26.941 --> 00:26:30.011
Sail through the calm waters of the legendary
00:26:30.011 --> 00:26:32.447
Inside passage with dr. robert jeffress
00:26:32.447 --> 00:26:34.816
Aboard holland america's magnificent koningsdam.
00:26:34.816 --> 00:26:38.153
Be inspired by award-winning musician
00:26:38.153 --> 00:26:40.188
Michael o'brien's powerful worship.
00:26:40.188 --> 00:26:42.390
Share laughter with dennis swanberg,
00:26:42.390 --> 00:26:44.426
America's minister of encouragement,
00:26:44.426 --> 00:26:46.728
All while exploring frontier towns like juno,
00:26:46.728 --> 00:26:49.798
Skagway, and ketchikan.
00:26:49.798 --> 00:26:51.633
There's something powerful about connecting with god
00:26:51.633 --> 00:26:54.469
And fellow believers in the majesty
00:26:54.469 --> 00:26:56.971
Of his untamed wilderness.
00:26:56.971 --> 00:26:58.940
From the majestic glaciers to soaring eagles,
00:26:58.940 --> 00:27:02.043
These moments in god's creation
00:27:02.043 --> 00:27:03.978
Will deepen your faith in powerful ways.
00:27:03.978 --> 00:27:06.881
Join us for a spiritual journey
00:27:06.881 --> 00:27:08.683
Through some of creation's most spectacular displays.
00:27:08.683 --> 00:27:12.120
Don't wait. our best cabins are going fast.
00:27:12.120 --> 00:27:14.723
Secure your alaska adventure now.
00:27:14.723 --> 00:27:16.891
Call 888-280-6747 or visit ptv.org.
00:27:16.891 --> 00:27:16.891

Robert Jeffress - Esteem God Alone

January 4, 2026 | 29:0

Closed captions

Share