Suren Gurivireddy - “I am my Beloved's” | Austin CFC | 2025-03-09
Summary
The central message emphasizes that perfect love, found only in God, drives out all fear and insecurity regarding our relationship with Him. The speaker advises believers to establish a foundation built on the certainty of God's unconditional love rather than seeking approval from people or fearing difficult circumstances. He encourages readers to view God through the lens of intimate covenant relationships, particularly referencing the bridegroom/bride imagery found in Song of Solomon.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Perfect love drives out fearWhile people often say that faith makes fear leave, 1 John 4 states that perfect love drives out every fear, and that perfect love is God's love for us.1 John 4:8
Checking our foundation and our view of GodIf our foundation of security in God's love is faulty, our spiritual building becomes shaky; we must examine whether we view God as a harsh taskmaster, a policeman, or someone constantly angry with us.
The bridegroom and bride relationshipAmong the many biblical metaphors for our relationship with God, the bridegroom and bride relationship stands out prominently.
I am black but beautifulThough we may feel unattractive or insignificant in the world's eyes, we are precious and lovely in the sight of God because of the price He paid for us.
A lily among the thornsChrist views His people as a lily among thorns—special and set apart in a world full of sin, selfishness, and pride.
Sitting under His shadow with great delightLike an apple tree among the trees of the wood, the Lord is special, and we find sweet delight and a banqueting table under His love.
Rise up, my love, and come awayThe Lord gives an invitation to come away into private fellowship with Him, just as Jesus appointed His disciples first to be with Him.Mark 3:3
You have ravished my heartWhen we turn toward God in repentance and love, our actions make His heart beat faster, just as the father ran to the prodigal son.
All together beautiful and flawlessBecause we are cleansed in the blood of Christ, God looks at us as if we have never sinned, seeing us as absolutely flawless and without blemish.
An enclosed garden producing fruit for the belovedBelievers are like an enclosed private garden exclusively for the Lord, producing pleasant fruits for Him through both gentle breezes and trials.
Fixing the foundational crackJust like a house with cracks needs its shifting foundation fixed, believers struggling with life's difficulties need to address the root issue of security in God's love.
The prodigal son coming to his sensesThe prodigal son realized his unworthiness and returned to his father's house, showing us that true security is found only in the Father's love.
Demonstrating love with actions and in truthGod did not merely speak lovely words of love; He demonstrated His love by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners, calling us to love others in action and truth.1 John 3:18
Hearing God's voice past our own doubtsDespite our lists of reasons why God shouldn't love us, God calls us beautiful and loves us intimately, inviting us to accept His unfailing love.
