Jeremy Utley - Cherishing the Lord More than the Promised Land

Jeremy UtleyJanuary 26, 202119mWatch on YouTube

In this collectionJeremy Utley130 messages

Speaker: Jeremy Utley Title: Cherishing the Lord More than the Promised Land Date: January 19, 2021 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

The central message is that true Christian devotion involves continually prioritizing the Lord's presence, even when there are no immediate needs or requests. This requires a deep desire to simply be with Him, which is the mark of someone who enjoys the Lord supremely. Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes giving all credit for any blessings or endurance to God, recognizing that our ability to remain faithful is due to His grace.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

Connecting Psalm 16 with pure fellowshipDrawing from Psalm 16, true joy is found by setting the Lord continually before oneself, not just during times of need or questioning.

Making Jesus a living realityQuoting a traditional prayer poem, the speaker asks whether Jesus is more dear and intimate than any earthly tie, urging believers to aim for this high mark.

Allowing the Lord to go ahead of usSetting the Lord before oneself also means putting His preferences and plans first, just as Jesus did in Gethsemane.

Who gets the credit?Examining the rich young ruler in Luke 18, who claimed to have kept all the commandments, highlights the human tendency to take credit instead of acknowledging God as the keeper.Luke 18:18–21

Acknowledging God's preserving graceJude points out that God is the one able to keep believers from falling, meaning any spiritual stability comes overwhelmingly from His grace.

Returning to thank the HealerLike the single leper who returned to give thanks, believers must give God the credit for every obedience and blessing rather than assuming self-reliance.

Brought out to be brought to HimselfExodus 19 shows that God brought the Israelites out of Egypt not just to a physical land, but ultimately to Himself.Exodus 19:4

Moses prioritizing the presence of GodMoses understood that God's presence was everything, refusing to go forward in Exodus 33 unless God Himself accompanied them.Exodus 33:12–15

Cherishing the Lord above all elseThe failure of the Israelites in the wilderness stemmed from not truly treasuring God's presence, preferring material comforts and slavery instead.

Asking the Holy Spirit to exalt JesusBelievers cannot manufacture a love for Christ on their own, but must rely on the Holy Spirit to glorify Jesus and make Him precious.

Begging for a flame of loveThe speaker concludes by pleading with the Lord to ignite and sustain a genuine love in his heart, ensuring that God receives all the glory.

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Jeremy Utley - Cherishing the Lord More than the Promised Land

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