Words of Encouragement -- Olu Talabi & Dave Bertsch -- September 19, 2021
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message emphasizes the necessity of moving forward rather than dwelling on past regrets. Drawing from Ephesians 4, the speaker stresses the need for spiritual growth, warning against remaining in a childlike state of debate or relying on excuses like 'no one is perfect' or 'we don't need teachers.' True maturity involves speaking the truth in love, growing into Christ, and focusing on the future work of the ministry.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Growing up and no longer being childrenThe New Testament repeatedly gives exhortations not to remain spiritual children, but instead to press forward and grow in our relationship with Christ.
Overcoming the excuse that no one is perfectPeople often deflect spiritual accountability by claiming that no one is perfect, but this is an insincere excuse that avoids the call to mature in Christ.
Recognizing our need for teachers in the churchWhile some claim they do not need teachers because they have the Holy Spirit, scripture shows that God gives apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to build up the body.Ephesians 4:11
Not being tossed to and fro by childish debatesBelievers must stop getting caught up in endless, argumentative debates over trivial matters and instead speak the truth in love to grow into Christ.
Standing on Christ and leaving the past behindSatan often uses past regrets to pull us backward, but once we have repented and turned away, we must stand on Christ and press forward toward the goal.
Paul's prayer and thanksgiving for the PhilippiansWriting from prison, Paul expresses deep joy and thanksgiving for the Philippian church's fellowship in the gospel and prays that their love and knowledge will abound.
Actually doing something with the messageHearing spiritual truths is not enough; we must take what we hear and put it into practice rather than just feeling spiritual for listening.
Striving together with one mind for the faithPaul longed for the church to stand fast in one spirit and one mind, having no confidence in the flesh and living in a manner worthy of the gospel.
Having the mind of Christ and supreme humilityThe key attitude of the Christian life is humility, allowing the very mind of Christ to be formed in us.
Counting all things loss to win ChristPaul's single focus was to know Christ, experience the power of His resurrection, and share in His sufferings in order to attain the prize.Philippians 3:8
The wholehearted dedication of Epaphroditus and the early churchEpaphroditus risked his life for the work of Christ, and the Philippian church generously supported Paul in his ministry from the very beginning.
