Pastor Joel Osteen's Full Sermon The Power of 'I Am' Oprah's Lifeclass - Oprah Winfrey Network

The Power of "I Am"

Introduction and Humor

• The speaker expresses joy in connecting with the audience and invites them to visit their services.

• A humorous story about a 92-year-old man who misinterprets his doctor's advice, highlighting the importance of words and perceptions.

The Significance of "I Am"

• The speaker introduces the concept of "I am" as a powerful declaration that shapes one's life experiences.

• Emphasizes that what follows "I am" can lead to either success or failure, influencing self-perception and outcomes.

Self-Talk and Its Impact

• Discusses how negative self-talk (e.g., “I am clumsy” or “I am old”) invites undesirable traits into one’s life.

• Positively framing oneself (e.g., “I am blessed” or “I am strong”) attracts good things, reinforcing the idea that we have control over our declarations.

Inviting Positivity

• Encourages listeners to consciously choose positive affirmations each day to invite blessings, health, and strength into their lives.

• Warns against negative phrases like “I am unlucky” which can manifest struggles and disappointments.

Attitude Towards Aging

• Suggestion to start each day with affirmations that promote youthfulness and vitality instead of focusing on aging negatively.

• Shares personal anecdotes about family members maintaining youthful appearances through positive attitudes towards aging.

Beauty and Self-Worth

• Highlights the importance of self-perception; encourages women to declare their beauty rather than focus on flaws.

• Stresses that true beauty comes from confidence in oneself, regardless of societal standards or physical attributes.

Conclusion: Embracing Individuality

• Concludes by emphasizing that everyone is uniquely made by God for a purpose; encourages embracing one’s identity without comparison.

Embracing Your Identity as a Masterpiece

The Power of Self-Identity

• Emphasizes the importance of recognizing oneself as a masterpiece created in God's image, encouraging individuals to rise above feelings of inadequacy.

• Highlights that acknowledging one's uniqueness is essential; everyone has distinct traits and qualities that make them special, including fingerprints and personality.

• Warns against adopting an average mindset, which can hinder personal growth and self-esteem. Believing in one's uniqueness is crucial for rising higher in life.

Transforming Negative Self-Talk

• Suggests replacing negative self-talk with affirmations of worthiness, such as declaring oneself amazing or valuable, to foster a positive self-image.

• Encourages carrying oneself with confidence and dignity, not out of pride but from an understanding of being chosen by God for greatness.

The Story of Sarah: A Case Study

• Introduces Sarah's story as an example; despite societal pressures and personal doubts about her ability to conceive at 80 years old, she needed a shift in her self-perception.

• Discusses how Sarah felt inferior due to her inability to bear children, reflecting on the shame associated with societal expectations during her time.

Name Change and New Mindset

• Describes how God changed Sarah's name from Sarai to Sarah (meaning "princess") to help transform her identity and self-image positively.

• Illustrates the impact of repeated affirmations on Sarah’s mindset; she transitioned from feeling like a failure to embracing her identity as beautiful and worthy.

Shifting Attitudes Towards Self-Worth

• Urges listeners who have faced setbacks or negativity from others to adopt a royal attitude—seeing themselves as unique creations valued by God.

• Advocates for daily affirmations that reinforce one’s beauty, vibrancy, confidence, and excitement about the future instead of focusing on flaws.

The Impact of Words on Our Future

• Stresses that internal change must occur before external changes manifest; believing in oneself leads to achieving seemingly impossible goals.

• Questions what affirmations are being spoken into existence; encourages positive declarations like "I am victorious" or "I am blessed" for inviting goodness into life.

The Creative Power of Language

• Explains how words hold creative power—using them wisely can bless one’s future while negative language can curse it.

• Compares words' effects to electricity: they can be beneficial when used correctly but harmful if misused. Encourages avoiding negative self-talk.

Conclusion: Choosing Positive Affirmations

• Concludes with advice against criticizing oneself harshly; emphasizes the need for kindness towards oneself just as we would show others.

The Power of Words: Shaping Your Identity

The Impact of Self-Perception

• Repeated negative self-talk, such as calling oneself an "idiot," can manifest in real-life consequences, attracting negativity.

• The scripture encourages individuals to declare positive affirmations about themselves, like "I am strong" or "I am well off," rather than focusing on their current struggles.

Speaking into Existence

• Describing one's situation negatively (e.g., "business is slow") reinforces a mindset that limits potential; instead, one should speak positively about future success.

• A young man identified himself as a "C student" due to past labels from teachers, which hindered his academic performance and self-esteem.

Overcoming Negative Labels

• Changing the narrative from being a "C student" to an "A student" can transform one's educational journey and self-belief.

• Negative words from authority figures can create limiting beliefs; it's essential to reject these false identities and embrace one's true potential.

Embracing God's Approval

• Understanding that one's identity is defined by divine approval rather than societal opinions empowers individuals to rise above negativity.

• God’s blessing precedes any negative words spoken over someone; this foundational truth should guide personal identity and confidence.

Realizing Inner Potential

• Everyone possesses untapped gifts and talents; overcoming intimidation is crucial for realizing full potential.

• Rejecting feelings of inadequacy allows individuals to recognize their empowerment by God, leading them toward fulfilling their destiny.

Transformative Stories of Change

• A man's life changed dramatically after he shifted his self-perception from average to recognizing his genius-level IQ, leading him to entrepreneurial success.

• This transformation illustrates how changing one’s “I am” statements can unlock greater achievements and opportunities in life.

Lessons from Biblical Accounts

• In the story of Moses sending spies into the promised land, fear led some to see themselves as inferior ("grasshoppers"), while others (Joshua and Caleb) maintained faith despite challenges.

Understanding the Power of Positive Affirmations

The Impact of Negative Reports

• The speaker emphasizes that our perception of God should be one of strength and capability, stating, "we are well able let us go in and take the land at once."

• A negative report can spread rapidly, as seen when the fear instilled by 10 spies affected nearly two million people, overshadowing the faith-filled reports from Joshua and Caleb.

• God responds to the fears expressed by His people, indicating that their words shape their reality: "I will do for you exactly what you have said."

The Dangers of Negative Self-Talk

• The speaker warns against adopting a mindset characterized by weakness or inferiority, which can hinder one's destiny.

• Historical figures like Sethar and Gaddy serve as examples of those who failed to reach their potential due to negative self-perception.

Embracing a Positive Identity

• Encouragement is given to adopt affirmations similar to those made by Joshua and Caleb: "I am strong," "I am confident," and "I am more than a conqueror."

• Creating a list of positive affirmations can help reinforce a strong identity; these affirmations may not currently feel true but are essential for manifesting future realities.

Inviting Positivity into Life

• The speaker asserts that what follows “I am” will come looking for you; thus, inviting positivity is crucial for overcoming obstacles.

Spiritual Commitment

• An invitation is extended for viewers to accept Jesus as Lord, emphasizing repentance and commitment as foundational steps in spiritual growth.