Following Jesus without Comparing Ourselves with Others -- Olu Talabi -- June 6, 2021
http://rlcf.church/media/sermons/following-jesus-without-comparing-ourselves-with-others River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message warns against the danger of comparing oneself to others, as this limits what God can do in one's own life. Instead, the speaker urges believers to constantly ask God two vital questions: 'Who are you, Lord Jesus?' to deepen personal knowledge of Christ, and 'What will you have me do?' to focus on the specific work God has called them to accomplish. True focus must remain on Christ and His calling, not on the achievements of others.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The danger of comparing ourselves to othersA major hindrance in the Christian life is the temptation to compare our achievements and paths with what someone else is doing, which limits what God wants to do in our own lives.
Paul's first question: Who are you, Lord?When Jesus appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus, Paul's first fundamental question was to seek a deeper understanding of who Christ is, a pursuit that must last a lifetime.Acts 9:5
Paul's second question: Lord, what will you have me do?The second vital question Paul asked is what task God has personally ordained for him while on earth, ensuring he does not miss his God-given purpose.
God's specific workmanship for each believerEphesians 2:10 reminds us that God has created us in Christ Jesus for good works that He prepared beforehand, meaning every believer has a distinct, personal assignment.Ephesians 2:10
Giving an account for the resources God gave usThrough the parables of the talents, Jesus makes clear that every believer will give an account of what they did with the specific gifts and resources entrusted to them.
Diversity of gifts in the body of ChristFirst Corinthians 12 explains that the Holy Spirit distributes different gifts to every member to profit the body, so we must never look at another person's role with envy or insecurity.1 Corinthians 12:4–18
Separated from our mother's womb for God's purposePaul notes that God separated him from his mother's womb, a comforting truth that applies to every believer because God has a unique plan for each of us before we were born.
Mutual respect without intimidationWhen Paul met with the pillars of the church in Jerusalem, he respected them, but he was not intimidated or filled with a desire to take their specific positions.Galatians 2:6–9
Jesus' instruction to Peter about John: Follow meWhen Peter asked Jesus what would happen to John, Jesus rebuked his comparison by asking what it matters to him, commanding Peter instead to focus entirely on following Him.
Do not believe everything you hear or spread rumorsMisinformation and rumors easily spread among believers, so we must test things rather than blindly accepting or passing along things that are none of our business.
Denying self to truly follow Jesus as LordFollowing Jesus requires denying ourselves, taking up our cross daily, and filtering every life decision through our Master rather than seeking post-decision certification.
God is near to those who call upon Him in truthGod searches the heart and draws near to those who are truly sincere and serious about seeking His will to bring Him glory.Psalm 145:18
The vital role of the Holy Spirit as our guideJust as a blind person needs someone to physically take them by the hand, believers cannot navigate God's truths without the Holy Spirit actively leading and enabling them.
Do not be like a stubborn horse or muleGod promises to instruct and guide us in Psalm 32, warning us not to be like stubborn horses or mules that require harsh bits and bridles to obey.Psalm 32:8–9
