Words of Encouragement - Ajay Chakravarthy, David Lane - April 14, 2019
http://rlcfchurch.org/words-of-encouragement River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that Jesus's hard words, like those in Luke 13, are not meant to condemn but to warn so that believers do not end up outside His presence. He urges the audience to take these convicting words seriously, viewing them as opportunities for self-examination and repentance, much like Paul advised in 1 Corinthians 11. Ultimately, the message stresses that true discipleship requires disciplining one's body, eyes, and tongue to remain faithful and avoid disqualification.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why did Jesus speak hard words?The speaker reads from Luke 13, pointing out that Jesus gave strong warnings so that listeners would not face the tragic end of being shut out.Luke 13:25
Examining ourselves in light of ScripturePaul instructs believers in 1 Corinthians to examine themselves and judge their own actions so they will not be condemned with the world.1 Corinthians 11:27–31
God desires to dwell in a humble heartIsaiah 66 shows that God looks to those with a contrite spirit who tremble at His word, making their hearts His New Covenant home.
Disciplining the body so we are not disqualifiedPaul disciplined his body and made it a slave so that after preaching to others, he himself would not be disqualified.1 Corinthians 9:27
Growing to maturity in ChristPaul's goal in Colossians was to present every person mature and complete in Christ through patient spiritual labor.Colossians 1:28
Jesus heals the blind man in stagesIn Mark 8, Jesus leads a blind man by the hand and heals him progressively, illustrating how the Lord guides us patiently through our spiritual blindness.Mark 8:22–25
He who began a good work will finish itPhilippians 1:6 and Psalm 138:8 assure believers that God is faithful to accomplish the work He has started in their lives.
Godly mourning over sin through the Spirit of GraceZechariah 12:10 speaks of a spirit of grace and supplication that leads to a healthy, Godly mourning over sin rather than paralyzing condemnation from the enemy.Zechariah 12:10
Fixing our eyes on JesusLike Jehoshaphat facing a giant obstacle in 2 Chronicles, believers must rehearse God's past faithfulness and ultimately fix their eyes on Jesus.
