Looking to Jesus for Faith That Leads to Life — Santosh Poonen — July 23, 2023
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/looking-to-jesus-for-faith-that-leads-to-life River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that true Christian life is sustained by faith, which is the only way to overcome the world's temptations. The speaker details three specific temptations—the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the boastful pride of life—and emphasizes that being born of God results in overcoming these desires. Furthermore, he warns that merely having the 'form of godliness' without its power constitutes falling off the rails in one's Christian walk.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
How do we overcome the world?The only way to overcome the trials and temptations of the world is by faith, not by knowledge, doctrine, or simply attending church.
Recognizing the lust of the flesh, eyes, and prideBeing born of God means overcoming the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the boastful pride of life, which manifest even in subtle ways within our own hearts.
The danger of falling off the railsChristians can fall away or maintain a form of godliness without power if they fail to keep faith and a good conscience.
Listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit dailyJust as trains need rails, believers need to listen to the voice of God in their conscience every single day to avoid spiritual derailment.
Pursuing spiritual growth and prophecyBelievers are urged to move beyond elementary principles, earnestly desiring spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, to edify one another.
The disciples in the boat during the stormLooking at the account of Jesus asleep in the boat with His disciples, we are challenged to seek the place of rest and faith where Jesus is, rather than panicking in the storm.
The better faith of the New CovenantOld Testament heroes gained approval through their faith, but God has provided something better for us under the New Covenant.Hebrews 11:39–40
Fixing our eyes on Jesus every dayThe essence of New Covenant faith is simply looking to Jesus and fixing our eyes on Him in every daily task and decision.
Power to be His witnessesThe power promised by the Holy Spirit is not primarily for spectacular miracles, but the power to be His witnesses through changed lives.Acts 1:8
The life is the light of menOur primary witness as a church and as individuals is the inner life of Christ shining out from our secret daily living.John 1:4
Carrying the dying of Jesus to manifest His lifeBy taking up our cross and carrying about the dying of Jesus daily, His resurrection life is manifested in our bodies and brings life to others.
Turning to the Holy Spirit to remove any veilIf there is a spiritual block or veil over our hearts, turning to the Holy Spirit removes it and brings liberty, life, and peace.
