Be Honest About Your Fellowship With God — Dave Bertsch — August 13, 2023
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/be-honest-about-your-fellowship-with-god River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes the profound importance of maintaining genuine fellowship with God, drawing parallels from David's desire to remain in God's presence (Psalm 16 and 51). He uses John's declaration that God is light and that walking in darkness constitutes a lie to warn listeners. The central message is that even small, unaddressed sins or resentments—the 'smudges of darkness'—can hinder one's claim to walking in the light and enjoying true fellowship with the Father and Son.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
David set the Lord always before himIn Psalm 16, David expresses that having the Lord at his right hand brings gladness, joy, and the path of life.Psalm 16:8
David's plea after sinIn Psalm 51, David begs God not to cast him away from His presence or take His Holy Spirit from him.
Careful like avoiding mushroomsJust as someone who hates mushrooms will reject a dish entirely if they find one, David was deeply careful not to let anything interfere with his presence before God.
John testifies to the Word of LifeJohn opens his letter by declaring that those who have seen and touched Jesus share true fellowship with the Father and the Son so their joy may be full.
God is light and there is no darknessJohn states that if we claim to have fellowship with God while walking in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
The whiteboard analogy of small sinUsing a whiteboard with a tiny smudge, the speaker shows that even a small piece of darkness or unconfessed attitude compromises our claim to walk entirely in the light.
Deceiving ourselves about sinIf we claim we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, but the blood of Jesus cleanses us when we are honest about it.
Knowing Him who is trueClosing his letter in 1 John 5, John reminds believers that eternal life is found in knowing the true God and His Son Jesus Christ.
Surrendering anything that hinders walk with GodWe should examine ourselves to see if small smudges or hidden compromises are hindering our walk with the Lord, and readily give them up.
