Test Yourselves to See if You Are Spiritual — Santosh Poonen — May 8, 2022
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/test-yourselves-to-see-if-you-are-spiritual River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker encourages the congregation, particularly the women, to emulate the quiet faithfulness and service seen in the home, contrasting this with the world's desire for visible greatness. He warns against mere religiosity—outward adherence to Christian practices without internal power—and urges the listeners to self-examine to ensure their spirituality is genuine and rooted in Christ's cross, rather than avoiding self-denial.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Honoring mothers and sisters in the homeThe speaker expresses appreciation for the unique pressures and faithful service of sisters and mothers in the home and church.
Test yourselves to see if you are in the faithBelievers are urged to examine their hearts using biblical tests to distinguish true spiritual life from a mere outward form of godliness.
Test 1: Do you secretly love self and money while talking about loving God?A religious person may use godly language on the outside while secretly remaining self-centered and anxious about material things.
Test 2: Are you quick to find fault with others while justifying yourself?Religious people are quick to judge the faults of others and make excuses for their own sin instead of judging themselves rightly.Matthew 23:4
Test 3: Do you crave a reputation as a godly person?Seeking the praise and opinions of men rather than caring only for God's opinion reveals a heart of religiosity.
Test 4: Are you more interested in the word than in the word becoming flesh?True spirituality cares more about the life of Christ transforming the inner person than intellectual bible studies or religious speech.
Test 5: Do you view yourself as unworthy to be accepted by God?Spiritual people recognize they are accepted only by God's grace through Christ's righteousness rather than their own spiritual progress.
Test 6: Are you more interested in evangelism than personal sanctification?True evangelism seeks to make disciples who hate sin and love God, rather than producing converts who remain self-centered.Matthew 23:15
