Teaching summary
In this sermon, Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola emphasize the importance of personal revelation from the Holy Spirit rather than relying solely on human teachers. They explore how the kingdom of God manifests within believers through love and renewal of the soul. Key passages from 1 John 4 and Galatians 5 highlight that faith works through love and that understanding God’s love is foundational to experiencing His kingdom. The sermon closes with a focus on Jesus' prayer in John 17:23, where He asks the Father to make believers aware of His immense love for them.
Bible verses referenced
Colossians 1:12-13: "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son."
3 John 1:2: "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
1 John 4:7-10, 11-13: "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
Galatians 5:6: "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."
John 17:23: "I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."
Ephesians 3:14-19: "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."
John 10:10: "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I have come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: The Role of the Holy Spirit
- The Importance of Personal Revelation
- The Manifestation of God’s Kingdom in Believers
- Understanding God’s Love Through 1 John 4
- The Connection Between Faith and Love
- Paul’s Prayer in Ephesians 3
- Jesus’ Prayer for Us in John 17
8. Closing Thoughts: Living Without Condemnation
Introduction: The Role of the Holy Spirit
Pastors Leonard and Lori opened by expressing gratitude for their audience’s love and support. They stress that while pastors and teachers provide guidance, the Holy Spirit should always be the believer’s primary source of truth and revelation. "Holy Spirit is your number one, not Pastor Lenny, not Pastor Lori, not any other man."
The Importance of Personal Revelation
The pastors discuss the limitations of relying solely on human teachers. They highlight that if one were to stand before Christ, they could not use the excuse, "Pastor Lenny said" or "Pastor Lori said." Instead, faith must be based on personal revelation from the Holy Spirit.
They also emphasize the importance of using various Bible translations, as no translation is perfect. They encourage believers to compare versions and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in understanding Scripture.
The Manifestation of God’s Kingdom in Believers
Referencing Colossians 1:12-13, they affirm that believers have already been qualified to receive and live in God's promises:
"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son."
They explain that God’s kingdom is already within believers and manifests outwardly as their souls are renewed.
Understanding God’s Love Through 1 John 4
Pastor Lori reads 1 John 4:7-10, 11-13, emphasizing that love is central to knowing God. The passage declares:
"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God."
They explain that love is the core principle through which the kingdom manifests in a believer’s life.
The Connection Between Faith and Love
Citing Galatians 5:6, they highlight that faith operates through love:
"For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."
Faith is energized and made effective when believers understand and receive God’s love.
Paul’s Prayer in Ephesians 3
Pastor Lori reads Ephesians 3:14-19, where Paul prays for believers to be strengthened and rooted in love:
"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love… And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God."
They emphasize that knowing God’s love is the foundation for experiencing His fullness and power.
Jesus’ Prayer for Us in John 17
The sermon highlights John 17:23, where Jesus prays:
"I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."
Jesus desires believers to understand that God loves them just as much as He loves Jesus.
Closing Thoughts: Living Without Condemnation
The pastors conclude by explaining that understanding God’s love leads to freedom from guilt and condemnation. They stress that nothing believers do can make God love them more or less:
"What do you have to do to make Him love you? Nothing. Believe in Jesus. Is there anything you can do to make Him love you less? No."
They encourage listeners to rest in the knowledge of God’s love and to let that revelation transform their lives.
We hope this teaching has blessed you. Remember, God loves you unconditionally, and His kingdom manifests in your life through love. If this message encourages you, share it with others so they, too, can grow in the knowledge of God’s love!