Words of Encouragement -- Olu Talabi & Dave Bertsch -- October 10, 2021
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The message emphasizes that submitting to authority, even when difficult or misunderstood, is a fruit of faith. True faith means having confidence that God has our best interests at heart, regardless of the immediate circumstances or the authority figure's intentions. This principle of submission is illustrated through examples like the widow's sacrificial giving and David's obedience, all pointing to trusting God's ultimate care.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God is not the author of confusionDrawing from First Corinthians, the speaker notes that God establishes order and peace rather than confusion.
Jesus in eternal submission to the FatherFirst Corinthians 15 shows that even for all eternity after the resurrection, Jesus subjects himself to the Father, proving that submission to authority is not a bad thing.1 Corinthians 15:28
Submission produces faithA heart that submits to authority—whether at work, in the government, or in the church—demonstrates faith that God has our good at heart.
Trusting God when we disagreeConfidence that God is looking out for us helps us submit and trust that He can turn even difficult situations around for our good, keeping the focus on honoring Jesus.
What does sacrificial giving mean?Pondering previous messages on sacrifice, the speaker asks the Lord what it means to give sacrificially, looking at the story of the poor widow in Mark.
The widow gave everythingWhile rich people gave out of their abundance, the widow gave everything she had out of her poverty in complete faith that God would take care of her.
David's obedience and God looking at the heartDavid also obeyed and gave out of faith, and Chronicles reminds us that God ultimately looks at the heart behind the offering.
Confidence that God has our backTrusting that God will catch us and care for us makes it easier to obey and submit to authority without fear of the consequences.
Christ's perfect submission and love for the churchLooking at Ephesians 5, Christ demonstrated perfect submission by loving the church and giving Himself up for it so that He might present it holy and without blemish.
He must increase, but I must decreaseFollowing John the Baptist's example, the way to cultivate love for the church is by submitting to Jesus so that He becomes greater and we become less.
Walking in the light for true fellowshipFirst John teaches that when we walk in the light as He is in the light and mutually submit to Jesus, we experience genuine fellowship and cleansing through His blood.1 John 1:3–7
