Examining Our Love For Jesus & Pursuing Love in All Things — Olu Talabi & Allan Daniel —July 7, 2024
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker urges listeners to regularly examine their own spiritual state, referencing 2 Corinthians 13:5. He outlines three key markers for self-examination: the enjoyment and practice of God's Word, the love for God's people (the saints), and the continued hatred of sin. The central message is the need to guard against subtle complacency and lukewarm passion for Christ.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Examining my own walk with JesusDrawing from David's prayer in Psalms and Paul's command in Corinthians, we must regularly test ourselves to see how our souls stand with Jesus.2 Corinthians 13:5
The danger of losing our first loveLike the church in Ephesus, believers face the subtle danger of a slow leak in their passion for Christ rather than intentional backsliding.
First marker: Our desire and enjoyment of God's wordA key sign of spiritual health is a genuine delight in reading and doing the Bible, while a lack of desire serves as a red light.
Second marker: Our love for God's childrenTrue love for Jesus is necessarily accompanied by a love for His people and an enjoyment of being around fellow believers despite imperfections.
Third marker: Our hatred of sinExamining our tolerance for sin reveals whether we are drifting away, as true love for Christ means hating the things He hates.
Needing the Holy Spirit's fire to keep burningWithout the Holy Spirit baptizing us with fire, our hearts will naturally cool down, requiring us to continually ask God for renewed zeal.
Mary Magdalene's singular motivationMary Magdalene followed Jesus faithfully without seeking the prominent ministry or lasting historical recognition that the apostles received.
The brief ministry and unique calling of JamesAlthough James was part of Jesus' inner circle, his life ended early with very little preaching or public ministry compared to Peter and John.
Called simply to be with HimJesus appointed the disciples first and foremost so that they might be with Him, which was the core portion of James's calling.Mark 3:14
Is Jesus enough when circumstances are hard?Our zeal should not depend on favorable circumstances like promotions or answered prayers; Jesus alone must be enough to motivate our service.
Spiritual gifts without love leave us bankruptPaul teaches that having prophetic powers, deep knowledge, faith to move mountains, and radical sacrifice means nothing without love.
Doing small things with great loveEchoing Mother Teresa, it is not the size of our deeds that matters, but being captivated by Calvary's love and doing everyday tasks with great love.
