Words of Encouragement — Dave Bertsch & Alan Thomas — November 13, 2022
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon uses the repeated biblical accounts of the disciples arguing over who is greatest to teach that true greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven comes from humility, exemplified by a small child. The speaker emphasizes that pride is a dangerous sin, even more so than other sins, and that believers must constantly remember to be humble and rely on the Lord's guidance.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Comparing the Gospel accounts of the disciples arguingThe speaker opens Mark chapter 9 to look at the story of the disciples arguing about who is the greatest among them while on the road.
The parallel account in Luke chapter 9Looking at Luke chapter 9, the speaker notes this argument happened right after a demonstration of God's power and a discussion about someone casting out demons in Jesus' name.
The third account in Matthew 18In Matthew 18, the disciples ask who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, prompting Jesus to set a little child in their midst and explain the necessity of humility.
Recognizing pride as a serious church sinThe speaker reflects on how easily believers excuse pride while condemning other major sins, noting that even privileged disciples needed a child to humble them.
Can we truly pray not to be led into temptation?Reflecting on Matthew 6:13, the speaker explains that praying 'lead us into temptation' only makes sense if we are actively letting the Lord lead us day by day.Matthew 6:13
Fleeing idolatry and the way of escapeExamining First Corinthians 10, the speaker highlights the warning against idolatry sandwiched right before God's promise to provide a way of escape from temptation.
Examining who is leading us each dayWhen we fall into temptation, we must ask who our actual leader has been—whether human opinions, pleasure, comfort, self-preservation, or money—and repent to let God lead.
Entrusting ourselves to the One who keeps us from fallingClosing with Jude 24, the speaker encourages believers to daily and moment by moment give themselves to the God who is able to keep them from falling.
