Approval Before Service - Santosh Poonen - August 9, 2013
http://rlcfchurch.org/rlcf-youth-conference-2013 RLCF Youth Conference 2013 River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The core message emphasizes that Christian life involves passing on truth to others, not just receiving it personally. Drawing from 2 Timothy 2, the speaker stresses that believers must be strong with Christ's strength to teach others and pass on these truths to trustworthy disciples. Furthermore, he aims to dismantle the false notion that only paid ministers build the church, asserting that every member is equally responsible for the body of Christ.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Passing on the truth to trustworthy disciplesThe speaker reads 2 Timothy 2 to show that what older believers pour into us must be propelled forward to others.
Removing the false division between clergy and laityThe speaker challenges the notion that only pastors and full-time ministers are supposed to do the work of building the church.
Equipping the saints for the work of serviceEphesians 4 teaches that spiritual gifts are given to equip everyday believers to build up the body of Christ.Ephesians 4:11–12
The promise of becoming fishers of menMark 1:17 contains a divine promise with a condition: if you follow Jesus, He will make you a disciple-maker.
Working out your salvationBelievers are called to work out what God works inside them by His Spirit, combining divine grace with human effort.
Approval before serviceGod must approve a person before He truly uses them for eternal work, as many do dead works without His approval.
Joshua's test of priorities at the tent of meetingWhile other Israelites stayed at their tents, young Joshua lingered near the tent of meeting out of a deep hunger for God.Exodus 33:7
Counting everything as loss for ChristPaul considered all his past zeal, achievements, and credentials as rubbish compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ.Philippians 3:4–8
Worship must come before serviceWhen tested by the devil in the wilderness, Jesus affirmed that worshiping God takes precedence over all else.
The test of submission and the handwasherElisha was chosen by God because he faithfully served as one who poured water on Elijah's hands, illustrating the lowly service of a worshipper.
Submitting to parents and earthly authoritiesYoung people are called to honor and submit to their parents and earthly authorities as unto the mighty hand of God.
The contrasting responses of Judas and Peter to rebukeWhile Judas reacted to Jesus' gentle correction with anger and betrayal, Peter ultimately embraced hard words as words of eternal life.
God breaking the hardness of our heartsGod uses difficult circumstances and parental boundaries to break the stubbornness of human hearts so that His life and fruit can grow.
