Seeing the Evil Present in a "Good" Life - Santosh Poonen - May 13, 2018
http://rlcfchurch.org/sermons/seeing-evil-present-good-life River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon encourages the congregation to remember that being the light of the world means enduring trials and hardships, as God intends for His light to shine through our difficulties. Furthermore, the speaker strongly cautions against the sin of gossip, noting that speaking about others in their absence is almost always gossip. True spirituality, according to James 1:26, requires not only religious acts but also the discipline of bridling one's tongue.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why God leaves us in the worldGod allows born-again believers to remain on earth and face difficulties so they can serve as the light of the world and share the power of forgiveness.Matthew 5:14
The danger and test of gossipIn a close-knit church family, the temptation to gossip is high, and talking about someone behind their back constitutes gossip 99.99 percent of the time.
An unbridled tongue makes religion worthlessJames warns that if a person considers themselves spiritual but does not bridle their tongue, their religious devotion is rendered completely worthless before God.James 1:26
Taking personal responsibility to bridle the tongueJust as with lust, God will not supernaturally force us to be silent; we must rely on a Spirit-filled desire to control our speech and seek His freedom.
The rich young ruler's tower of good worksThe rich young ruler came to Jesus believing he had completed ninety-nine steps of good works and only needed one final piece to gain eternal life.
Acknowledging our sin and admitting we are wrongTrue spiritual breakthrough begins like the Psalmist described, by honestly confessing our iniquity and admitting that we have done wrong.
The intentional omission of the tenth commandmentWhen Jesus listed commandments for the rich young ruler, He intentionally omitted the tenth commandment against coveting because it exposes the hidden heart.
Paul's honesty about the evil present withinUnlike the rich young ruler, Paul was honest about the coveting and evil present in his inner life, recognizing that outward blamelessness is not enough.Romans 7:7
The ultimate call to come and follow JesusJesus told the rich young ruler to sell his possessions not merely to give money away, but so he could stop relying on his wealth and truly follow Him.Matthew 19:20
Good deeds and blessings as zeros without JesusObedience, godly homes, careers, and ministry efforts are all like zeros that only gain real value and meaning when Jesus is placed in front of them.
Caring about God's reputation above our ownRather than defending our personal reputations, our ultimate passion should be that God's name is hallowed and honored through our daily lives.
Checking the true motivation behind our righteousnessSeeking victory over sin just to feel good about ourselves is a trap; true righteousness must be motivated by a desire to glorify Jesus Christ.
