Words of Encouragement -- Olu Talabi & Dave Bertsch -- May 23, 2021
http://rlcf.church/wordsof-encouragement River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker reflects on the passage of Genesis 17, questioning the focus on external rituals like circumcision, which was commanded for both Israelites and non-Jews. He argues that God's true concern, as supported by scripture, is not external observance but the condition of the heart. True righteousness and obedience come from the heart being bent to follow God's commandments, exemplified by Abraham's faith and culminating in Christ.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why did God command circumcision for non-Jews and Ishmael?Reflecting on Genesis 17, the speaker questions why God commanded circumcision not just for Abraham's descendants through Isaac, but also for servants bought with money and even Ishmael.
God looks for the heart behind the commandExternal acts and dietary laws do not satisfy God; rather, He looks for the heart and tests genuine obedience to His instructions.Deuteronomy 10:16
Circumcision is nothing compared to keeping God's commandmentsPaul emphasizes that physical circumcision is nothing, and that true righteousness comes from keeping God's commandments and having a heart bent toward obedience.1 Corinthians 7:19
Avoiding deception through obedienceThe primary way to avoid deception is to obey God's instructions, noting Jesus's warning that only those who do the will of God enter the kingdom.
Everything centers on Jesus ChristAbraham rejoiced to see Christ's day because all of God's instructions and the truth itself are centered in Jesus.John 8:56
To obey is better than sacrificeBelievers are called to keep God's word gladly and joyfully in simple obedience, because obedience is better than sacrifice.
Humility as a key aspect of following JesusExamining the life of Jesus and godly examples reveals that humility is an indispensable trait, especially when rejecting confidence in the flesh.
Receiving the kingdom like a little childJesus commanded that anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it at all.
The judgment on unrepentant citiesJesus denounced the cities that witnessed His miracles yet failed to repent, contrasting them with those to whom the Father reveals spiritual truths.
Finding rest in the gentle and humble SaviorJesus invites the weary to take His yoke and learn from Him, for He is gentle and humble in heart, providing rest for their souls.
The danger of self-sufficiency in LaodiceaThe church in Laodicea suffered because they relied on their wealth and had confidence in the flesh, remaining unaware of their true spiritual poverty.
Having no confidence in the fleshBelievers must humble themselves, put away confidence in the flesh, and maintain the humility required to receive God's ongoing message.
