Those of Whom the World Was Not Worthy - Ajay Chakravarthy - July 21, 2019
http://rlcfchurch.org/those-whom-world-not-worthy River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon reflects on the disciples, particularly focusing on those who were less famous like Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. The central message is that one's worth in God's eyes is not determined by public recognition or accomplishments, but by the secure knowledge of God's love. The speaker draws a parallel between the disciples' desire for recognition and the assurance found in God's unconditional love, exemplified by Thomas.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Those of whom the world was not worthyThe speaker references Hebrews 11 to describe faithful persecuted believers who were precious to God even though the world did not recognize their worth.
Who were the lesser-known disciples?While everyone knows Peter, James, and John, there were other apostles like Judas the son of James and Simon the Zealot who are rarely mentioned in scripture.
The disciples arguing about who is the greatestThe speaker imagines the disciples arguing about their achievements, noting that Simon the Zealot and Thomas had nothing flashy to boast about.
Simon the Zealot's hidden suffering and faithfulnessSimon the Zealot was flogged for his faith in Acts 5, yet his name appears only in lists of the twelve without pages of fame or recognition.Acts 5:40
Thomas's mission to India and contentment in GodThomas went to India, planted churches, and was eventually martyred, remaining completely content in God's approval rather than seeking the praise of men.
Watching over your heartProverbs 4:23 instructs believers to guard their hearts with all diligence because out of it flow the issues of life, functioning with control like a sprinkler rather than a destructive fire hydrant.Proverbs 4:23
What defiles a personJesus teaches in Mark 7 that evil thoughts, theft, murder, and coveting proceed from within the human heart and defile a person.Mark 7:18
Avoiding bitter jealousy and selfish ambitionJames 3 warns that bitter jealousy and selfish ambition are earthly and demonic, bringing disorder, whereas humble contentment preserves the church.James 3:14
Not suffering as a busybodyFirst Peter 4:15 groups a busybody or meddler right alongside murderers and thieves, showing how damaging meddling in other people's matters can be.1 Peter 4:15
Mind your own businessRomans 14:4 and 1 Thessalonians 4:11 encourage believers to lead a quiet life, attend to their God-given responsibilities, and mind their own business instead of judging another's servant.
Every part of the body is necessaryFirst Corinthians 12 explains that God places every member in the body intentionally, and the parts that are unseen or seem weaker are actually indispensable.1 Corinthians 12:16
Paying attention to your own workGalatians 6:4 in the New Living Translation reminds believers to pay attention to their own work so they can have the satisfaction of a job well done without comparing themselves to others.Galatians 6:4
Being like the liver in the body of ChristSimon the Zealot is compared to the liver, an essential organ that functions entirely in secret without ever seeking applause or visibility.
God bestows honor on hidden membersFirst Corinthians 12:23 notes that God bestows more abundant honor on the less presentable and hidden members of the body.
Repenting and walking without comparisonThe speaker invites the congregation to repent of jealousy and selfish ambition, choosing instead to be faithful hidden servants whom the world may not value, but God treasures.
