Bitter Fruit of Having Our Own Way — Ajay Chakravarthy — January 29, 2023
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/bitter-fruit-of-having-our-own-way River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon warns against the danger of living by one's own will, using Proverbs 1 to illustrate that ignoring God's word leads to bitter consequences. The speaker draws parallels between Peter's severe correction by Jesus for prioritizing man's interest over God's, and Lot's choice to settle in the prosperous but doomed plain near Sodom. Ultimately, the message urges reliance on God's guidance rather than self-determination.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What is the bitter fruit of having our own way?Proverbs warns that when we turn away from God's advice and choose our own path, we ultimately experience bitter consequences.Proverbs 1:29–31
Jesus's severe correction of PeterJesus sharply rebuked Peter because Peter was setting his mind on man's interests rather than God's, showing how serious a sin it is to seek our own way.
Lot chooses the well-watered valleyWhen Abraham gave Lot first choice of the land, Lot looked out for his own gain and chose the flourishing valley near Sodom.
Lot hesitates during the destruction of SodomEven as angels urged Lot to flee the doomed city of Sodom, Lot hesitated, and God had to mercifully drag him and his family out.Genesis 19:15–16
Lot begs to flee to Zoar instead of the mountainsRefusing God's instruction to escape to the mountains, Lot begged to flee to a small town named Zoar, getting his own way with tragic long-term results.
The life and surrender of William BoothWilliam Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, dedicated his whole life to reaching the lost after being deeply convicted at a young age to give everything to God.
Using the world without making full use of itBelievers must use the world as though they do not possess it, rather than squeezing every last drop of personal pleasure out of it.1 Corinthians 7:30–31
Denying yourself to follow JesusJesus taught that anyone who wants to come after Him must deny himself, take up his cross, and lose his life rather than trying to follow Him while loving the world.Matthew 16:24–25
Being crucified with ChristThe Apostle Paul demonstrated total surrender, stating that it was no longer he who lived, but Christ living in him through faith.
Poured out as a drink offeringAt the end of his life, Paul viewed his existence as a drink offering poured out completely for God rather than kept for himself.
Peter remembers the Mount of TransfigurationIn his later letters, Peter reflected on witnessing Christ's majesty and hearing the Father's voice on the holy mountain.2 Peter 1:16–18
God's encouragement after severe correctionJust six days after severely rebuking Peter, Jesus took him to the Mount of Transfiguration, showing that God follows correction with deep encouragement and grace.
You cannot serve two mastersBelievers cannot love the world and follow Jesus at the same time; we must make a definitive choice to deny ourselves and pour out our lives for Him.
