Words of Encouragement -- Dave Bertsch & David Lane -- November 21, 2021
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker draws heavily from Paul's experience in Philippians 3, illustrating that even with immense credentials, all earthly achievements are worthless compared to knowing Christ. He contrasts this with the struggle described in Romans 7, where Paul details his internal battle against sin, realizing his inability to achieve righteousness on his own. The central message is that true salvation and strength come only from placing complete trust in Christ, acknowledging our utter helplessness apart from Him.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Throwing away human credentials to trust ChristPaul tried his best to follow every rule of the old covenant, but ultimately threw away all his religious credentials to put his trust and hope in Christ alone.
The struggle with sin in Romans 7Paul discovered in Romans that trying to obey God in his own strength failed because sin within him was stronger than his willpower, leaving him crying out for rescue by Jesus Christ.
David preparing for war by praising GodRecognizing the spiritual battle for our souls, King David prepared for war not by relying on human allies or his own strength, but by praising God and looking to Him for victory.
Realizing we are but dustGod knows our frame and that we are made of dust, but the problem is that we often fail to realize our own worthlessness apart from Him.
What do we have that we did not receive?Paul asks the Corinthians what they possess that was not given to them by God, pointing out that any eternal value we have comes entirely from Him.
Treasure in earthen vesselsWe carry the treasure of the knowledge of God in frail human bodies so that the surpassing greatness of the power belongs to God and not to us.
Serving by the strength God suppliesBelievers must speak and serve using the strength that God supplies so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ.
A man can receive nothing unless it is given from heavenJohn the Baptist stated that human effort cannot produce spiritual power; we can receive nothing unless it is given from heaven.
Stopping reliance on our own strength in temptationInstead of trying to figure out how to overcome temptation in our own strength or planning how to do better next time, we must recognize our true nature as dust.
