Jesus Invites Us to a Life of Rest (Message to Women) — Annie Poonen — December 21, 2022
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/jesus-invites-us-to-a-life-of-rest River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The message encourages listeners to anticipate a life sustained by God's constant care, drawing parallels between the promised land of hills and valleys and the believer's journey. It emphasizes finding strength through prayer, appreciating Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross, and trusting that even through valleys of sorrow, God provides refreshing springs of life.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God cares for us from the beginning to the end of the yearDrawing from Deuteronomy, the speaker reminds listeners that God watches over the land of our lives through every hill and valley from year's start to finish.
Mountaintop experiences with the LordMountaintops represent moments of learning from God's word, glimpses of His glory like the Transfiguration, times of prayer, and remembering the sacrifice of Calvary.
Walking through valleys of weeping and shadowValleys represent hardships, loss, and sorrow, yet God promises His comforting presence and springs of fresh water even in the darkest times.Psalm 23:4
Restoring God's image through surrenderGod created humanity in His image, and though sin marred it, He invites us to cooperate with Him to slowly partake of His nature and receive living water.
Old Testament examples of our spiritual journeyIsrael's journey from bondage in Egypt through the Red Sea and wilderness pictures our salvation, baptism, and spiritual walk toward God's promised rest.
Facing giants that are mere ants in God's eyesJust as Israel feared the giants in Canaan while viewing them through human eyes, we often fear our fleshly struggles, but God sees them as insignificant.
The true battlefield is within ourselvesWhile Satan is a defeated enemy, our daily battle is against the fleshly attitudes inside us, such as anger, jealousy, impatience, and unforgiveness.
Finding soul rest through Jesus' yokeJesus invites the heavy-laden to take His easy yoke and learn humility from Him, promising true rest for our souls instead of worldly struggling.
Beware of Pharisaism and outward ritualsLike the Pharisees, we can easily major on outward rules, clothing, and religious rituals while neglecting the inward broken and contrite spirit.
Resisting Sadducean doubt and unbeliefWe must guard ourselves and our children against modern doubts, skepticism, and questioning of God's inspired word.
Rejecting the luxury and waste of the herodiansIn a world of abundant gadgets and worldly lifestyle, we must teach our children contentment and guard against vanity and showing off.
Avoiding political zealotryLike the zealots who sought an earthly political kingdom, believers must remember our true allegiance belongs to Christ's spiritual kingdom rather than political agendas.
Jesus changes us little by little and day by daySpiritual maturity does not happen instantly; the Lord transforms us gradually as we surrender our lives and place ourselves on the altar.
Overcoming with God's strength and avoiding sinWe must abstain from evil, refuse to grieve the Holy Spirit, and actively take up our cross while trusting God to supply grace for our weaknesses.
Laying hold of the true Sabbath restThe physical land of Israel pointed forward to a greater spiritual rest—a true seizing from sin and victory over the flesh that remains for God's people.
Closing prayer of gratitude and trustThe message concludes in prayer, thanking Jesus for His crown of thorns, placing our trust in His ongoing care, and looking forward to a life of peace.
