A Disciple by Experience and Example - Olu Talabi - May 24, 2020
http://rlcfchurch.org/disciple-experience-example River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that the gospel message must be lived out, not just preached. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10, he argues that the Thessalonians became followers of the apostles *because* they observed that the apostles' lives matched the powerful words they preached about Jesus. True discipleship requires that our daily lives demonstrate the truth of our faith, moving beyond mere theory or words alone.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Reading from First Thessalonians Chapter 1The speaker introduces the central passage from First Thessalonians, focusing on verses 5 and 10 regarding how the gospel came with power and transformed believers.
Why did they follow Paul and the Lord?The speaker ponders why verse 6 says the people became followers of Paul and of the Lord, noting that Paul's life matched the words he preached to the intellectual Greeks.
The disconnect between profession and practiceMerely talking about Jesus without growing evidence in daily life creates a disconnect that causes unbelievers to doubt the reality of the gospel.
Examples of suffering and bold preachingPaul and his team endured mistreatment in Philippi yet continued to give thanks and speak God's truth without compromise in Thessalonica.
Working day and night as an examplePaul reminds the Thessalonians that he labored day and night so he would not be a charge to anyone, providing an active example of integrity.2 Thessalonians 3:7–9
Learning from biblical examples of paying your wayDrawing from Abraham and biblical principles, believers should pay for what they consume and avoid taking things for free carelessly.
Ezra's example of seeking and doing the lawEzra prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, to do it, and then to teach others, which is why the good hand of God was upon him.Ezra 7:10
Taste and see that the Lord is goodThe speaker encourages believers to experience God fully, noting that scripture invites us to taste and see His goodness through real life trials and preservation.
Be an example to believers even in youthPaul encourages Timothy not to let anyone despise his youth, reminding believers that even new Christians can be examples in speech, life, love, spirit, faith, and purity.1 Timothy 4:12
Being an example in our words and tongueBelievers must control their speech, thinking carefully before speaking so that their words minister grace rather than discord.Ephesians 4:29
Being an example in love, faith, and purityLove is expressed through obedience to God's commandments, faith is complete confidence in God, and purity involves keeping oneself clean from impurity as God is holy.
