A Longing For My Heavenly Father's Seal of Approval — Ajay Chakravarthy — August 20, 2023
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/a-longing-for-my-heavenly-fathers-seal-of-approval River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker uses the story of Balaam to illustrate that God's approval is not based on blessings or what He has done through us, but whether He truly attests to our lives. Balaam repeatedly chose to go against God's clear warnings due to the lure of earthly rewards, leading to God's anger. Ultimately, God used Balaam to bless Israel, showing that even when we compromise, God can still use us for His purposes.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Balaam's encounter with balak's messengersKing balak of Moab sends elders with money to Balaam, asking him to curse the Israelites, but God tells Balaam not to go.Numbers 22:4
Balaam persists in his own wayDespite God's clear refusal, Balaam entertains a second delegation for riches and asks God again, leading God to allow him to go with conditions.
The donkey sees the angel of the LordGod is angry with Balaam's journey, and only the donkey sees the angel with a drawn sword, leading to a miraculous moment where the donkey speaks.
God uses Balaam despite his heartBalaam utters powerful prophecies and blessings over Israel by the Spirit, showing that God can use a flawed vessel who is personally displeasing to Him.Numbers 23:19
Jesus cries out in GethsemaneJesus prays to His Abba Father, asking if the cup of taking on human sin and being forsaken can pass Him by, yet submits to the Father's will.
What is the proof of God's approval?Since God did not grant Jesus His preference to avoid the cup, external signs and miracles are not the true measure of divine approval.
Doing the things pleasing to the FatherThe Father was always with Jesus because Jesus continually sought to do the things that pleased Him.John 8:29
Outer gifts versus inner transformationOld Testament figures like Balaam and Samson had power on the outside, but their inner lusts and greed remained unaddressed.
Daniel's testimony of high esteemAn angel reassures Daniel late in his life that he is a man of high esteem and precious in God's eyes.Daniel 10:11
The Spirit testifies we are children of GodThrough the Spirit of adoption, believers receive an inner seal and testimony from God that they are His children who can cry out Abba Father.Romans 8:15–16
