Let the One Who Boasts Boast in the Lord -- Ajay Chakravarthy -- January 19, 2025
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that all accomplishments, whether miraculous or otherwise, must ultimately bring glory to God. The speaker uses examples like the parting of the Red Sea, the healing of the blind man, and the raising of Lazarus to illustrate that human boasting is misplaced. He concludes by urging the congregation to boast only in the Lord, referencing scripture passages that emphasize God's sovereignty and the humility required to acknowledge His work.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Giving God the glory for what only he can doWhen Jesus healed the blind man, the man recognized that no ordinary person could open the eyes of someone born blind and gave God the glory.John 9:30
What is the true testimony of the church?Paul quotes Jeremiah to remind believers not to boast in human wisdom, might, or riches, but to boast in knowing and understanding the Lord.Jeremiah 9:23–24
Why does God choose humble and weak people?God chooses the foolish and weak things of the world so that no human being may boast before him.
The danger of comparing ourselves with othersComparing ourselves with one another shows a lack of understanding and leads to human pride rather than giving God the glory.2 Corinthians 10:12
Becoming like the dregs for Christ's sakePaul contrasts the prideful Corinthians with the apostles, who were treated as the scum of the world so that God would receive all the glory.1 Corinthians 4:7
Comparing the Raven and the DoveWhile the dove returned to Noah in the ark, the raven stayed away to feast on the death and decay of the fallen world.
God provides through unexpected instrumentsGod commanded ravens, which naturally crave meat and flesh, to faithfully bring bread and meat to Elijah during a time of famine.
Working together without competition in the churchJust as the ravens worked in harmony to feed Elijah, Paul and Apollos recognized their roles as nothing while God caused the growth.1 Corinthians 3:5
Daniel's testimony of God's wisdomDaniel explicitly told the king that his ability to reveal the dream came solely from God and not from any superior wisdom in himself.Daniel 2:23
Samson and the apostles point away from themselvesSamson acknowledged his weakness without God, and Peter and John refused credit for healing a lame man, pointing instead to Jesus.Judges 16:17
Mary's surrender to the Holy SpiritWhen Mary asked how she could bear Jesus, the angel explained that the Holy Spirit would overshadow her, and she yielded as a bond slave.Luke 1:34–38
