Seeing People as Our Possession for the Kingdom - Olu Talabi - April 16, 2017
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker reflects on divine protection, drawing parallels between Psalm 34 and the concept of angelic encampment around believers. He emphasizes that our focus in life, and especially in ministry, should be on Christ and the Kingdom, rather than just the immediate event. Drawing from Psalm 2 and Revelation, he teaches that believers who overcome trials and remain faithful can inherit people and the ends of the earth, mirroring Christ's victory.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God's protection during travelThe speaker reflects on Psalm 34:7, finding comfort in the imagery of God's angels encamping around those who fear Him during travel and everyday life.Psalm 34:7
Ministering spirits for believersDrawing on Hebrews 1, the speaker notes that angels are ministering spirits for those who inherit salvation, taking away fear of trouble or anxiety.
Traveling on behalf of ChristRather than viewing travel strictly for family events like a mother's birthday, the speaker resolved to view the trip primarily as going on behalf of Christ.
Asking for the nations as an inheritanceIn Psalm 2, God tells the Son to ask for the heathen as His inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth as His possession.Psalm 2:7–9
Sharing in Christ's victoryJesus quotes this same promise in Revelation 2 to the church in Thyatira, showing that those who overcome and keep His works will receive authority and share in what He received from the Father.
Learning obedience through sufferingJust as Jesus learned obedience by the things He suffered, God is not partial; if we walk the same path of overcoming trials, we too can have people as our possession.
One-on-one interactions in NigeriaWhile in Nigeria, opportunities to share the faith did not come through speaking to large crowds, but through one-on-one interactions with family, strangers, and Muslims.
Looking past earthly relationshipsThe temptation when visiting old friends and family is to keep interactions purely earthly, but the greatest gift we can give them is the good news of Jesus Christ.
Knowing no man after the fleshSecond Corinthians 5 reminds us not to know people merely after the flesh, but to act as ambassadors for Christ, awakening their spirits to the gospel.2 Corinthians 5:16
Conversations on the planeSharing a conversation with a brilliant man on a flight showed the speaker that one does not need to win every intellectual debate; proclaiming that Jesus Christ is Lord is enough.
Listening to the Holy SpiritDo not force conversations or feel intimidated, but listen to the Holy Spirit, ask God for the words, and He will guide your witness.
Embracing the mandate of ambassadorsWith our salvation closer than when we first believed, we must take up the mandate to be ambassadors, knowing that the simple message of a redeeming Savior has ultimate power.
