Will I Choose Zoar - Ajay Chakravarthy - November 25, 2018
http://rlcfchurch.org/will-i-choose-zoar River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker encourages listeners to examine their true motivations for serving God, comparing the self-serving intentions of the older son in the parable of the Prodigal Son with the pure devotion of the younger son. He warns that in unguarded moments, our true intentions—whether for recognition or genuine devotion—will be revealed. The message concludes by drawing a parallel to Lot seeing the beautiful valley of Zoar, cautioning against being deceived by outward appearances when God's judgment is coming.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Are we unworthy servants?The speaker introduces the memory verse from Luke about being unworthy servants who have only done what we ought to have done.Luke 17:10
The older son's hidden motivesIn the story of the prodigal son, the older brother's anger reveals his true, long-hidden intention: he served for years expecting personal recognition and celebration.
Examining our own heartsThis story serves as a warning to examine our motives to ensure we serve God out of pure devotion rather than for human honor or self-approval.
Lot looks at the well-watered valleyLot chose the fertile valley of Jordan near Sodom, thinking he had secured a better land than Abraham.Genesis 13:10
Hesitation and compromise at ZoarWhen angels urged Lot to flee the doomed city, he hesitated and pleaded to escape to the small town of Zoar instead of going all the way to the mountains as commanded.Genesis 19:15–22
Leanness of soulGetting our own way through compromise with God often leads to a leanness of soul, maintaining a form of godliness while lacking spiritual power.Psalm 106:15
Abraham and Jesus went all the wayAbraham climbed Mount Moriah and Jesus went all the way to Calvary, showing that following God involves a path of suffering rather than stopping at a compromise.
The Father's cupJesus accepted His suffering on the cross not just as a trial, but as the specific cup given to Him by His Father.John 18:11
Paul embraces weaknessWhen pleading three times for his thorn in the flesh to leave, Paul learned that God's power is perfected in weakness.
Using God's word as a swordBecause compromise like Lot's is masked by a good outward appearance, believers need God's word to distinguish it from true devotion.
The danger of discouraging the righteousScripture warns against ministries that discourage those who are genuinely seeking to live godly lives through suffering.Ezekiel 13:22
Being discerning and encouraging the right pathWe must exercise spiritual discernment to support those whom God approves while warning others not to settle for the compromise of Zoar.
