Let God Glorify Himself at Your Expense -- Santosh Poonen -- February 20, 2022
http://rlcf.church/media/sermons/let-god-glorify-himself-at-your-expense River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker reflects on Psalm 8, marveling at the vastness of creation and contrasting it with humanity's small stature. He emphasizes the incredible privilege that God lavished such love on humanity, culminating in the incarnation of Christ. The message pivots to the New Covenant, defining it as following Jesus, citing John 17 and the repeated call to 'follow me' throughout the Gospels.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What is man that you are mindful of him?Reflecting on Psalm 8, the speaker marvels at the immense scale of the universe contrasted with human insignificance, emphasizing the incredible privilege of God's love and incarnation.
The call of the new covenant is to follow JesusThe core of the new covenant is Jesus calling believers to follow Him, not just by listening to teachings or fellowshipping, but by truly tracking after Him in everything.
Following Jesus in attitude rather than copying outward actionsPartaking of the divine nature means adopting Christ-like attitudes, which naturally transform our words and deeds, rather than trying to outwardly copy His lifestyle or historical circumstances.
Trying to learn what is pleasing to the LordBelievers are called to walk as children of the light by constantly praying throughout the day to learn and do what pleases God right where they are.Ephesians 5:8–10
Christ did not please HimselfJesus never lived to please Himself, and true repentance involves turning away from our own self-seeking desires to follow His example of pleasing the Father.Romans 15:3
Seeking the Father's glory aloneJesus finished the work the Father gave Him, seeking only the Father's glory without any selfish motives of building up self-righteousness.
The supreme test of Jesus seeking the Father's gloryJesus faced the ultimate difficulty in Gethsemane: realizing that to glorify the Father, He would have to be forsaken on the cross and bear the penalty of sin.
Glorify your name at my expenseWhile believers will never face eternal hell because Jesus paid that penalty, we are called to pray that God would glorify Himself at our expense when trials and difficulties arise.
Having the attitude of Christ who emptied HimselfBelievers are commanded to have the same attitude as Christ, who laid aside His heavenly privileges, made Himself of no reputation, and became a servant.Philippians 2:5–8
Stepping down in humility to follow JesusJust as Jesus continually stepped down in obedience all the way to the cross, disciples must embrace humility and be willing to step down whenever it brings God greater glory.
