Words of Encouragement — Olu Talabi & Sanjay Poonen— December 18, 2022
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker reflects on John 20:17, where Jesus refers to God as 'my Father' and 'your God,' prompting a discussion on the nature of divinity and humility. The central message is that to receive authority, following Jesus' path of willingly humbling and submitting oneself to the Father is necessary. This principle of humility extends not only to God but also to one another, as taught in 1 Peter 5:5.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why does Jesus refer to God as his God after the resurrection?Pondering John 20:17, the speaker notes that even after rising from the dead, Jesus still calls the Father his God, a truth repeated throughout the New Testament.John 20:17
Jesus willingly humbled himselfDespite being God, Jesus willingly humbled himself and will remain in subjection to the Father for all eternity, receiving all power and authority from him.
The path of humility is required for spiritual authorityIf believers want authority over the flesh, the devil, and death, they must follow the exact same path of humility and subjection to God and to one another.
Praying for a default mindset of a servantReflecting on Paul's example in First Corinthians 9, the speaker prays that his default reaction to conflict would be that of a servant who does not demand his rights.
Praising God for the church's growth and unitySanjay Poonen expresses joy at being back at the church, praising God for the elders' example of unity and the spiritual growth he has witnessed over the years.
What is the goal of your life?Comparing the world's focus on the World Cup and temporary achievements like money or education, believers should ask themselves what the true goal of their life is.
The threefold definition of the goal of instructionFirst Timothy 1:5 defines the goal of our life simply as love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith or dependence on God.
Maintaining a good conscience and dealing with angerBelievers must keep a good conscience by swiftly repenting, apologizing, and settling broken relationships without letting the sun go down on their anger.
Pressing on toward the upward call and partaking of divine natureFollowing Philippians 3:14, believers should press on toward the prize of the upward call of God, which involves partaking of the divine nature.
Counting trials as joy to produce enduranceJames 1:2 teaches believers to count trials as joy because the testing of faith produces endurance, leading to spiritual perfection and completeness.James 1:2
