Words of Encouragement - Olu Talabi & David Lane - October 21, 2018
http://rlcfchurch.org/words-of-encouragement River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message emphasizes that true faith and the life of victory in Christ require seeking the honor of God alone, rather than the approval or opinion of men. The speaker draws heavily on scripture, warning against trusting in human beings or the praise of man, and instead urging the audience to live before God. He concludes by noting that only the Spirit of Christ can truly discern and bring life from the Word of God, dividing the soul from the spirit.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why Jesus was unmoved by peopleJesus faced intense opposition and controversy, yet he remained completely steady and unafraid because he lived for the honor of God rather than the approval of men.
The danger of seeking human honorJesus tells the Jews that they cannot believe because they desire honor from one another instead of seeking the honor that comes from God alone.John 5:44
Trusting God versus trusting human beingsJeremiah pronounces a curse on those who trust in human strength and depart from the Lord, while blessing those whose hope is firmly placed in God.Jeremiah 17:5–7
Human opinions fade awayPsalm 146 warns believers not to put their trust in princes or mortal men whose breath departs, reminding us that human plans and opinions perish.
Knowing nothing except Christ and him crucifiedPaul declares to the Corinthians his singular desire to know nothing among them except Jesus Christ and his crucifixion, focusing entirely on Christ.1 Corinthians 2:2
The Word of God is living and powerfulThe writer of Hebrews describes God's word as active and sharp, capable of piercing to the division of soul and spirit and discerning the heart's intentions.Hebrews 4:12
The sword of the SpiritThe Spirit of Christ takes the Word of God and uses it to bring divine life into our spirit, influencing our entire personality beyond mere human emotion.
The words that give eternal lifeJesus states that the flesh profits nothing and that his words are spirit and life, leading Peter to declare that Jesus alone has the words of eternal life.John 6:63
Moving from academic study to true lifeApproaching the Bible with mere academic curiosity leaves a person defeated and without hope, but coming to Scripture with Christ brings abundant life.
