Words of Encouragement - Ajay Chakravarthy & Olu Talabi - October 25, 2015
http://rlcfchurch.org/bible-studies River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that all life and blessings are gifts of God's pure mercy, as humanity only deserved the wrath of God due to sin. He warns against judging others' suffering, noting that God often uses difficult circumstances to prompt self-examination and repentance. The message concludes with warnings from scripture regarding the danger of sin crouching at the door and the ultimate betrayal shown by those who are offended by God's grace or rebuke.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
How do we view tragedy in others?When we see evil or tragic things happen in the world, our corrupt heart immediately tries to judge others and assume they are suffering because of specific sin.
God gives warnings so we will repentInstead of looking outward to judge others, God uses these situations to call us to judge ourselves and repent while we have the chance.
The warning given to CainGod warned Cain that sin was crouching at his door waiting to master him if he did not set his heart right.Genesis 4:5
Rebukes rejected by Alexander and JudasMen like Alexander the coppersmith and Judas Iscariot suffered great loss because they became offended by rebukes rather than humbling themselves.2 Timothy 4:14
The wall of fire around ZionGod is a wall of fire around His church, and to reach His glory in the midst, one must be willing to pass through that refining fire.
The restoration of Peter and humble believersPeter failed, but through brokenness he was restored by Jesus, much like the humble Centurion and the woman of Tyre who approached God with unworthiness.
We are unworthy servantsBelievers should maintain the attitude of a servant who simply does what is commanded without demanding special appreciation or feeling that God is in their debt.Luke 17:7
The responsibility of sharing God's wordThe privilege of prophesying and sharing God's word carries a weighty responsibility to live out what we proclaim.
What does it mean to not handle God's word deceitfully?We must not speak wonderful things from scripture publicly while privately living in the very sins we preach against.
Jesus spoke from the reality of His lifeJesus was able to teach continually because He simply shared what He saw the Father do and what He personally experienced.
The danger of unlived wordsTeachers face a stricter judgment, and the words we speak without pursuing will ultimately stand against us on the day of judgment.
