An Aroma to God & Being Thankful for the Little Things -- David L. & Allan D. -- December 29, 2024
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that our primary focus in ministry and life should be to be an aroma of Christ to God first, rather than primarily to people. The speaker emphasizes imitating God by being a living sacrifice and cautions against seeking validation from man, which can lead to hypocrisy. Furthermore, the sermon encourages gratitude for the small, daily blessings from God, urging the congregation to marvel at these little things.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What does it mean to be the aroma of Christ?Referring to 2 Corinthians, our spiritual aroma and service are meant for God first, not primarily to make people feel refreshed or to gain human approval.
Jesus as our perfect exampleJesus did everything in alignment with God's command and kept the Lord always before Him, offering Himself as a sweet-smelling aroma to God.
Avoiding religious hypocrisySpeaking church language and fulfilling perceived mandates without a genuine life lived in God's sight ultimately leads to hypocrisy.
Ministering to the Lord firstLike the apostles fasting and ministering to the Lord in Acts, our primary life and service should be a sweet-smelling offering directly to God.
Marveling like a little child at small thingsAn accidental interaction with a child marveling at a piece of paper reminded the speaker not to lose wonder at the everyday things God does.
Recognizing daily provisions and God's patienceWe must remain grateful for daily meals, physical safety, and the intense patience God shows toward our ongoing self-centeredness.
Valuing normal years over monumental highlightsEven if a year like 2024 feels completely normal rather than monumental, we can raise an Ebenezer because the Lord has helped us every day.
Joseph's response to temptationFaced with Potiphar's wife, Joseph refused to sin, viewing transgression not just against his master but fundamentally as a great wickedness against God.Genesis 39:7
Tasting and seeing that the Lord is goodDespite having many reasons to complain or face uncertainty, those who fear the Lord taste His goodness and realize they lack no good thing.
