Seek Jesus in Times of Trial and Times of Ease — David Lane & Chetan Chadalavada — November 12, 2023
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a deep, constant hunger for the Lord, regardless of whether life is filled with trials or relative ease. Drawing from Philippians 3, he urges listeners to count all earthly things as loss in comparison to the surpassing value of knowing Christ. The core message is to press on toward the prize of the high calling by keeping the desire to see the Lord Jesus at the forefront of one's heart at all times.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The danger of relative easeThe speaker reflects on Mary's song in Luke and realizes the spiritual danger of relative ease, where a lack of pressing trials can dull a believer's hunger for the Lord.
Counting all things loss for ChristLooking at Philippians, the speaker notes that counting everything as loss is the natural result of seeing the surpassing value of knowing Christ, rather than a forced effort.Philippians 3:7–8
Pressing on to know the LordEven without having attained perfection, the heart's cry should be to press on to know Christ through every circumstance, good or bad.
A prayer for a new affectionA shared hymn captures the desire for Christ's face to be the single constant joy, illustrating the explosive power of a new affection that dims the things of this earth.
King Asa's early trust and later driftKing Asa started out trusting God completely during times of crisis and war, but when God granted him decades of peace and ease, he failed to rely on the Lord.
Being watchful in times of easeBelievers often trust God deeply during trials, but their faith can dip when life becomes smooth, making times of ease the most dangerous seasons to watch out for.
Paul's steady growth through difficultyUnlike Asa, the Apostle Paul learned to value his trials and thorn in the flesh because they forced him to rely continually on God's grace.
The eyes of the Lord searching for the wholeheartedGod's eyes move to and fro to strongly support those whose hearts are completely His, and those who trust Him will never be disappointed.Romans 10:11
