Restful Running in Christ’s Footsteps — Santosh Poonen — July 10, 2022
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/restful-running-in-christs-footsteps River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
This message encourages believers to run the Christian life with a sense of rest and steadiness, following the example of Christ. The core message emphasizes that true endurance comes not from our own strength but from abiding in Christ. It calls for a lifestyle characterized by peace and reliance on God's grace.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The danger of rejecting New Testament commandsWhen preachers stress New Testament obedience, people often mistakenly accuse them of trying to live by self-righteousness.
What is restful running?Restful running is the only way to live the Christian life: your heart is at rest and at peace inside while you are actively running.
Going in and out to find pastureJesus is the door, and the mark of entering through him is going in and out of our daily routines while finding pasture in him alone.John 10:9
The two sides of the gospelThe gospel has two equally important sides: believing in the finished work of Christ and making disciples who obey all of his commands.Mark 16:15–16
Why was Jesus baptized?Despite being sinless, Jesus insisted on being baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness, giving believers an example not to rationalize away God's commands.
Living for the kingdom of heavenInstead of living for self-centeredness and merely hoping to go to heaven, believers should seek the kingdom of heaven by obeying God's word.Romans 14:17
Responding to un-Christ-likenessWhen believers discover un-Christ-likeness within themselves, they should not get discouraged, but rather recognize that God's grace and cleansing blood are even greater.
Strive to enter through the narrow doorJesus commands believers to strive and work hard to enter the narrow door, avoiding the broad gate of laziness and easy believism.Luke 13:24
Being diligent to enter restThe diligence required of believers is to rest from their own works and human righteousness so that Christ can work through them.
Partaking of the divine natureBelievers must apply all diligence to their faith so they are neither useless nor unfruitful, ensuring an abundant entrance into the eternal kingdom.2 Peter 1:3–11
Running with the determination to winLike the apostle Paul and the young girl who recovered after losing her shoe in a race, believers must discipline themselves and run to win.1 Corinthians 9:24–27
Presenting yourself approved to GodBelievers must be diligent to avoid worldly chatter and empty talk, handling the word of truth accurately and carefully.2 Timothy 2:15–16
Preserving the unity of the spiritBelievers must be diligent to remove suspicious thoughts, speculations, and negative attitudes toward others, walking in humility, gentleness, and love.Ephesians 4:1–3
