Words of Encouragement -- Ajay Chakravarthy & Dave Bertsch -- March 28, 2021
http://rlcf.church/media/sermons/words-of-encouragement River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The message encourages believers to resist the temptation to seek approval from people, drawing parallels between Jesus's ministry and personal life. True fulfillment comes not from public recognition or ministry success, but from living for the approval of God alone. The speaker emphasizes that on the final day, only the Lord's opinion matters, urging the congregation to prioritize God's will over human praise.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The subtle temptation of human praiseWhile overt sins are obvious, the temptation to enjoy the praise of men and seek a good reputation is much more subtle and something Jesus himself faced.Matthew 12:16
Fulfilling prophecy through quiet obedienceWhen Jesus healed people and told them to keep it secret, he fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy about the chosen servant in whom God is well pleased.
Living before God's faceWhat matters on the final day is not what others thought of us, but the Lord's opinion, which we should seek to know now.
Power perfected in weaknessJust as Paul learned that Christ's grace is sufficient in weakness, we must come to God as helpless children rather than relying on our own strength.
David seeks to show kindness for Jonathan's sakeKing David looks for anyone left of the house of saul to show God's kindness in fulfillment of his covenant with Jonathan.2 Samuel 9:1
Mephibosheth brought before the kingMephibosheth, a lame man who was five years old when his family fled after a tragic accident, is brought to King David.
A dead dog at the king's tableViewing himself as nothing more than a dead dog, Mephibosheth receives all of Saul's land and eats continually at the king's table as one of his sons.
Choosing the posture of the lowlyRather than desiring to be seen as a genius greek philosopher or a pharisee, the speaker prays to maintain the humble posture of Mephibosheth at the king's table.
