Show Gratitude for Salvation With Good Deeds (Message to Women) -- Annie Poonen -- February 19, 2025
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that the foundation for wisdom and a godly life is the fear of the Lord, which means respecting God's word above all else. Regarding good works, the message cautions against hypocrisy, illustrating this with a personal story about marking good deeds. Ultimately, true Christian living means performing good works out of love for God, not to earn favor or receive praise.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
A prayer of thanksThe speaker begins with a prayer thanking God for His faithfulness and for the opportunity to gather together again.
Recalling the pillars of wisdomThe speaker revisits previous teachings on the qualities of a wise woman, specifically focusing on the 'pillars' of mercy and good fruits.
The true motivation for good deedsAfter experiencing a change in heart through salvation, the speaker explains that God looks at whether our actions are done out of love for Him rather than for outward praise.
Why people struggle to accept free salvationMany people find the concept of free salvation offensive because they feel they must earn it through good deeds or payment. This pride prevents them from accepting that Jesus already paid the full price on the cross.
The continuous cleansing of the Christian lifeJust as tears constantly wash and clean our eyes of dust, the Christian life involves a continuous inner process of cleansing and self-judgment through the Holy Spirit.
Presenting ourselves as a living sacrificeWhile salvation is received through belief and repentance, the life that follows involves daily presenting our bodies, speech, and thoughts to God as a living sacrifice. We must strive to keep the fire of devotion burning on our altar and maintain the purity of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.
Taking up the cross voluntarilyFollowing Jesus requires a voluntary decision to deny ourselves and take up our cross, supported by God's power working within us.Luke 9:23
The necessity of outward good deedsJust as we must examine our hearts, we must also perform outward good works, because faith without actions is dead.
Do not grow weary in doing goodUsing personal stories of medical service and parenting, the speaker encourages believers to persist in serving others even when it is difficult or tiring.
Persistence in prayer and the true heart behind good deedsWe should continue praying persistently for our loved ones and ensure our good deeds are not motivated by a desire for human praise or envy.
Serving the least of these as if serving ChristTrue righteousness is found in helping those who cannot repay us, because whatever we do for the least of God's children, we do for Him.
Finding reward in secret service to GodThe Lord rewards the secret, humble deeds done for His eyes alone, and we should pray for the strength to be faithful and grateful through all life's difficulties.
