True Ministry Springs From Life - Santosh Poonen - February 24, 2013
http://rlcfchurch.org/true-ministry-springs-from-life River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon emphasizes the solemn charge given by Paul to Timothy to preach the word, drawing parallels to the accountability we face before Christ's return. The speaker urges listeners to live with a constant awareness of Christ's judgment and kingdom, which should eliminate grudges, promote reconciliation, and focus life's rest on God's kingdom rather than earthly achievements or political stability.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The solemnness of preaching God's wordPreaching is a serious matter, as seen in Paul's solemn charge to Timothy in the presence of God and Christ.
Mindful of Christ's return and coming judgmentChrist is returning to judge the living and the dead, and keeping this imminent return in mind prevents us from being caught unawares.
Living for Christ's kingdomBelonging to Christ's kingdom means we cannot find ultimate rest in earthly things, creating a constant prayer and urgency for His kingdom to come.
The word must first be profitable in our own livesBefore preaching the word to others, it must first reprove, rebuke, and exhort us so that the word becomes flesh in our daily walk.
Jesus embodied the word before preaching itJesus lived out the word through thirty years of submission and circumstances before reading from Isaiah and declaring the scripture fulfilled.Luke 4:16–21
Immersed in the word through discipleshipJust as Jesus prepared His disciples over three and a half years, believers must be immersed in the word made flesh to know the way forward.
Come and see the testimony of a changed lifeRather than just listening to teaching, the New Covenant church is called to invite others to examine the practical reality of Christ in our homes and workplaces.
The true authority of preachingTrue authority in ministry comes from doing the will of the Father, rooted in the all-authority given to Jesus in heaven and on earth.Matthew 21:23
Preach the word in season and out of seasonBelievers must be ready to preach and live out God's word even when unexpected difficulties arise or when circumstances make it inconvenient.2 Timothy 4:2
Giving an account for the hope within usEven in the face of persecution, we must sanctify Christ as Lord and be ready to give a gentle defense for the hope that God has placed in us.
Spiritual oversight and giving account to GodElders and parents carry the weighty responsibility of keeping watch over souls and will ultimately have to give an account to God for those in their care.Hebrews 13:17
