What Am I Still Lacking? — Ajay Chakravarthy — November 12, 2023
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/what-am-i-still-lacking River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon uses the story of the young man who sought eternal life but felt something was missing, contrasting it with Jesus' teachings on discipleship. The central message is that true discipleship requires making absolute choices: one must love Jesus more than family, possessions, or even one's own life. The speaker emphasizes that one cannot follow Christ while simultaneously loving the world or one's possessions.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What piece of the puzzle am I still missing?A young man who kept all the commandments from his youth still felt an inner lack, prompting Jesus to invite him to leave everything and follow Him.Matthew 19:16
What are the conditions to follow Jesus?Jesus outlines the non-negotiable costs of discipleship: loving Him above family members, surrendering one's own life and will, and giving up all possessions.Luke 14:25
Using the world without possessing it fullyBelievers must use the world to meet their needs without squeezing every selfish indulgence out of it, making a definitive choice to follow Christ instead.1 Corinthians 7:30–31
Leaving Egypt versus entering the Promised LandJust like a driving test has a written portion and a behind-the-wheel test, God's salvation involves both coming out of Egypt and pressing into the promised land.Deuteronomy 6:23
Could Paul himself be disqualified?Even the apostle Paul disciplined his body as a slave to ensure he would not be disqualified after preaching to others.1 Corinthians 9:24–26
The warning from the Israelites in the wildernessDespite experiencing the Passover blood and passing through the Red Sea, most of the Israelites displeased God and fell in the wilderness.
Four major traps that lead to disqualificationPaul warns against idolatry and greed like the golden calf, sexual immorality, testing the Lord through discontentment, and grumbling against divine discipline.1 Corinthians 10:6–10
Presenting your body as a living sacrificeBelievers are urged to offer their bodies to God as holy sacrifices rather than giving their eyes, hands, and tongues over to the world.
Following Jesus for bread versus following Him as the Bread of LifeMany disciples walked away from Jesus when He demanded radical commitment rather than just providing physical food and miracles.John 6:14
Contrasting responses to Jesus confronting sinWhile the healed man at the pool turned against Jesus when confronted about his sin, the formerly demon-possessed man abandoned everything simply to be with Him.
Being led by the Spirit instead of the fleshThose who mature as sons of God put to death the deeds of the flesh and allow the Holy Spirit to control their eyes, ears, and tongue.
Lot choosing his own way versus Moses seeking God's waysWhile Lot insisted on his own escape route away from God's preferred mountain, Moses earnestly prayed to know God's ways and experience His presence and glory.Genesis 19:17–20
