Pleasing God by Fighting the Battle in the Hidden Areas — David Lane & Alan Thomas — March 03, 2024
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that true spiritual cleansing and knowing God's truth must happen in the 'inward parts' or hidden areas of the heart, not just outwardly. He draws parallels from scripture (Psalm 51, Romans 2) to illustrate that genuine praise comes from God for internal transformation, not from human recognition. The central message is the necessity of fighting small, hidden sins and attitudes before they accumulate and become overwhelming.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God desires truth in the inward partsThe Lord looks into the innermost being and requires truth and wisdom in the hidden places of the heart.
Digging into the wall of the heartJust as Ezekiel was told to dig into the temple wall and uncover abominations, prophetic ministry exposes the hidden things in our hearts.
Praise from God, not from menTrue spiritual life is inward, seeking the praise and approval of God rather than the recognition of men.
Jesus walked in inward purityJesus received the Father's pleasure from the inside out before performing miracles, serving as our example of inner cleanliness.
Healing the cancer of the soulThe Lord does not just reveal our spiritual sickness; He also provides the wisdom and healing antidote to cure us.
Making space for safe sinsIt is easy to nurture small sins of attitude, motivation, or self-indulgence and only fight them when they become big enough to cause alarm.
Asking God to search our heartsWe must invite God to search our hearts and expose any offensive ways that we might ignore or excuse.Psalm 139:23
Making no provision for the fleshScripture commands us to make no provision for the flesh, meaning there is no safe little bucket or drawer where bad attitudes are acceptable.Romans 13:14
Stopping sin at conceptionSin begins with inward lust and desire long before it is born and brings death, so the battle must be fought in the hidden places.James 1:14
Crucifying the flesh with its passionsThose who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh at the very level of desire, depending on the Lord for daily victory.
