Valuing the Presence of God - Ajay Chakravarthy - November 24, 2019
http://rlcfchurch.org/valuing-presence-god River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that the greatest treasure in life is valuing God's presence and glory above all else. The speaker draws parallels from scripture—such as Jesus desiring to show His glory and Moses insisting on God's physical presence over mere protection—to argue that God desires to be in the midst of His people, both individually and corporately. If we prioritize God's glory, it will become the most valued treasure in our lives.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God's presence as the greatest treasureJust like the hidden treasure in Matthew 13, God's presence in our individual lives and in the church must be valued above everything else.
What is on God's heart?To understand the heart of God, we must look at His longings, such as His desire for fellowship and to reveal His glory to us.
God's glory in the midst of His peopleFrom Jerusalem in the Old Testament to Jesus coming in the flesh and walking among the lampstands in Revelation, God's goal has always been to have His glory dwell right in the middle of His people.Zechariah 2:5John 1:14
Moses choosing God's presence over mere victoryWhen offered victory over enemies with an angel leading instead of God Himself, Moses insisted that God's actual presence must go with them or they would not move.
Eli honoring his sons above GodEli was soft on his immoral sons and failed to care for the honor of God, prompting the Lord to raise up a warning through a man of God.1 Samuel 2:30
Saul's half-hearted heart and the loss of the kingdomSaul cared about the honor of men rather than God's presence, leading to disobedience, half-hearted repentance, and the departure of God's spirit.1 Samuel 15:29
David as a man after God's own heartUnlike Saul and Eli, David's primary desire was to dwell in the house of the Lord and behold His beauty, allowing God to restore the Ark to Israel.
Secret sin in the days of EzekielIn Ezekiel's time, the elders and people engaged in idolatry and sin in secret while keeping up a religious appearance in public, thinking the Lord did not see.
Cleansing ourselves of flesh and spiritWe must deal with sin at the root in our thoughts and spirit before it manifests outwardly in the flesh, living in the fear of God.
How Saul's jealousy grew into murderSaul's downfall started small with a spirit of irritation and jealousy over a song, which slowly escalated into annoyance, bitterness, and a desire to kill David.1 Samuel 18:7
Samson playing with sin and temptationSamson toyed with Delilah through loose talk and flirting, slowly giving away his secret until he lost his strength and did not even realize the Lord had left him.Judges 16:6
Dealing with the initial itch of sinJust like scratching an itch until it gets infected, ignoring small thoughts of sin leads to spiritual destruction; instead, we must repent and seek cleansing immediately.
Jesus living before the Father's faceJesus successfully resisted temptation and kept a clear conscience because He always lived before the Father's face, leaving no room for the prince of this world.
Clinging to the Lord like Mary MagdaleneIf we want God's glory to remain in our lives and in the church without departing like it did in past generations, we must hold fast to Him and never let Him go.
