Words of Encouragement -- Dave Bertsch & Josh McGuire -- May 15, 2022
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker encourages listeners to internalize the truths they hear in sermons rather than letting them pass by. He emphasizes that a key barrier to applying biblical truth is failing to be ruthlessly honest with oneself regarding sin, rather than dismissing it as a mere mistake. He points to examples from Paul's life and writings, stressing the importance of striving for a clear conscience before God, and warns against spiritual pride, using the analogy of cleaning only the outside of a cup while ignoring the inside.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why do truths we hear disappear from our lives?The speaker wonders why week after week we hear profound truths, yet they quickly fade and fail to become reality in our daily living.
The necessity of ruthless self-honesty and clear conscienceA major barrier to applying truth is failing to judge ourselves honestly, sometimes dismissing minor sins like a critical spirit instead of mourning over them.
Holding faith and a good consciencePaul warns Timothy about men who shipwrecked their faith because they abandoned a good conscience.1 Timothy 1:18
The danger of spiritual pride and cleaning the outside of the cupSpiritual pride and religious hypocrisy focus on putting on a good outward front while leaving the inside full of sin.
Clothed with humilityGod resists the proud but gives grace to the humble, which is essential for spiritual knowledge to actually take root.
The military as a tool for humbling, not spiritual disciplineAfter retiring from 27 years in the military, the speaker realized the armed forces did not make him spiritually disciplined or righteous, but served as a tool to break and humble him.
Jesus marvels at the centurion's faithLooking at the account of the Roman centurion in the gospels, Jesus is utterly amazed at his extraordinary faith and understanding.
Coming to Jesus with unworthinessUnlike others who praised the centurion's good deeds, the centurion himself recognized he was completely unworthy for Jesus to come under his roof.
Understanding authority and submissionThe centurion understood authority because he lived under it, recognizing that Jesus operated under the authority of His Father and could issue commands that were as good as done.
Bringing our household's burdens to ChristJust as the centurion cared deeply for his sick servant and brought the need to Jesus, believers must take their household's physical and spiritual sicknesses directly to the Lord.
