The Secret to a Confident Faith - Santosh Poonen - November 6, 2011
http://rlcfchurch.org/the-secret-to-a-confident-faith River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker argues that a truly confident faith is not merely professed on Sundays but must be lived out daily, even when facing real-life struggles like financial worry or illness. He suggests that the secret to this confidence is found in becoming a servant, referencing 1 Timothy 3:13. Crucially, he emphasizes that God does not evaluate service based on worldly qualifications or experience, but on a deeper commitment.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What is the secret to a confident faith?The speaker begins by reading 1 Timothy 3:13, pointing out that those who serve well as deacons obtain a high standing and great confidence in the faith.1 Timothy 3:13
God looks at character, not worldly qualificationsUnlike worldly companies that hire based on experience and degrees, God evaluates the character and household management of those who serve in His church.
The early church example in Acts chapter 6When practical needs arose in the early church, the apostles chose men of good reputation who were full of the Holy Spirit to handle daily tasks like serving food.Acts 6:1
Serving as a deacon is not optionalBeing a servant in the church is a mandatory calling for every believer, not something to be taken lightly or treated as optional.
Why do most Christians let others do the work?Paul's letter to the Corinthians addresses the carnal tendency to exalt human workers like preachers while ignoring hidden, vital parts of the body.
The danger of dividing life into spiritual and unspiritualChristians often make the mistake of thinking routine tasks like cleaning are unspiritual, failing to realize every duty in the body of Christ requires the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
Freedom from sin leads to being a bondslave of GodRomans 6 explains that true freedom from the bondage of sin results in becoming a bondslave to God, which produces sanctification and eternal life.
Deliberately signing away our rightsQuoting Oswald Chambers, the speaker emphasizes that the passion of Christianity is found in deliberately signing away one's own rights to become Christ's bondslave.
The disciples' request for increased faithWhen faced with the high standard of constantly forgiving others, the disciples asked the Lord to increase their faith.
Quality faith versus quantity faithJesus responds that they do not need more faith in quantity, but rather a true, living faith comparable to a mustard seed.
Saying 'We are unworthy slaves'Using the parable of the plowing servant, Jesus shows that after doing everything commanded, servants should claim no special credit but simply recognize they did what was expected.
The secret to an unshakable, confident faithThe speaker concludes that embracing the mindset of a bondslave who seeks no earthly recognition is the ultimate secret to obtaining a confident, unshakable faith.
