Messages For A New Year: 4.Faith That Overcomes - Zac Poonen
Summary
The central message is that true faith is demonstrated by total confidence in God's perfect love, power, and wisdom, which is more than mere intellectual agreement. Overcoming the world, as John states, is achieved through this faith, which requires confessing what God has written, not what we desire. The speaker encourages listeners to confess God's promises, like Abraham's, and to grow strong in faith by remembering that God's promises are certain, even when circumstances suggest otherwise.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What does it mean to be an overcomer?The Apostle John uses the word overcomer frequently in the Book of Revelation to describe those who will be ready for the last days.
Overcoming by faithFirst John 5:4 teaches that our faith is the victory that overcomes the world.1 John 5:4
The leaning of the human personality upon GodFaith is defined as total confidence in God's perfect love, almighty power, and perfect wisdom, resulting in complete dependence upon Him.
Confessing for salvationRomans 10:9 explains that salvation comes through believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth, saving us from everything un-Christlike in our flesh.Romans 10:9
Overcoming Satan through spoken confessionJust as Jesus always defeated Satan by declaring what is written, we must confess God's written word rather than human desires or lies.
Abraham as an example of unwavering faithAbraham believed God's promise without wavering in unbelief, growing strong in faith while giving glory to God despite difficult physical circumstances.Romans 4:17–20
1. God loves me as He loved JesusGod the Father loves every believer as He loved Jesus, making us as precious to Him and enabling us to always rejoice.John 17:23
2. God has forgiven me all my sinsBecause God has forgiven every confessed sin and will not remember our iniquities anymore, we never need to live with guilt.1 John 1:9
3. God will fill me with His Holy SpiritBeing accepted in the Beloved, God will fill us with His Holy Spirit so we are strong enough for every task and ministry He has appointed.
4. God has determined all my boundariesGod determines our financial boundaries, living situations, and personal makeup, allowing us to be completely content without jealousy or complaining.
5. God's commands are all for my goodEvery command of God in the New Testament is designed for our protection, holiness, and spiritual growth, and can be fully obeyed.
6. God controls all people and events that affect meBecause God controls our circumstances and works everything together for good, we can always give thanks and trust Him to solve every problem.Romans 8:28
7. Jesus defeated Satan and freed me from his powerBecause Jesus defeated Satan on the cross, we never need to live in fear or anxiety regarding what the enemy can do.
8. God wants to make me a blessingThrough the promised Blessing of Abraham and the Holy Spirit, God will make us a blessing to every family and person we encounter.Galatians 3:14
Taking stock of ourselves at the end of the yearThe transition of the year is a wonderful opportunity to examine ourselves, leave the past behind, and confess every unaddressed sin under the blood of Jesus.
An invitation to children and believers to receive ChristAnyone who has never asked Jesus into their heart can do so right now, inviting Him to be Savior and Lord at the start of a new year.
Faith believes God is eager to blessTrue faith means believing that God is far more eager to bless, forgive, and fill us with His Spirit than we are to receive it.
