All That Jesus Taught (Bible Study – 52 of 80) - Zac Poonen
Summary
Jesus' life demonstrates that after being used by God in miraculous ways, one must retreat into private prayer to give glory to the Father. The speaker emphasizes that true spiritual strength comes from acknowledging human weakness and dependence on God, contrasting this with the pride that can lead to sin. He advises believers to emulate Jesus' pattern of withdrawing to pray, rather than making public announcements about their spiritual disciplines like fasting or prayer.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Teaching all that Jesus commandedThe series continues studying the neglected part of the Great Commission by examining Matthew chapter 14.Matthew 14:22
Jesus faced temptation yet never became proudEven after performing tremendous miracles, Jesus was tempted in all ways as we are, but he never became proud because he lived on Earth as a man who depended on God.Hebrews 4:15
Slipping away into the wilderness to prayJesus teaches us to quietly slip away to pray in secret after being used by God, directly obeying instructions on fasting and prayer instead of seeking human praise.
Recognizing our human weaknessPrayer is the expression of human weakness and helplessness, whereas self-confidence leads to spiritual failure.
Compelled into the stormJesus compelled his disciples to get into the boat, showing that wholehearted obedience to God often leads to facing trials and contrary winds rather than an easy life.Matthew 14:22–24
Walking on the water as a parableJesus walking on the sea demonstrates his power to overcome the law of gravity, serving as a parable for overcoming the constant law of sin and death.
Following Jesus rather than just admiring himJesus calls disciples to follow his example and overcome sin through the Holy Spirit, not merely to admire him from a distance.
Peter steps out in faithBold Peter asks to come to Jesus on the water, proving that believers given the power of the Holy Spirit can also overcome the law of sin and death.
The danger of looking away from ChristPeter began to sink the moment he took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the wind, waves, or other people.
Crying out to the Lord for rescueWhen we fail and begin to sink, we must immediately cry out to the Lord for help, trusting him to hold us up before he corrects us.Matthew 14:31
