Part 2- Perfect Rejoicing - Santosh Poonen -WOF 2016 Austin CFC
Weekend of Fellowship at Austin CFC, Nov 12 & 13, 2016. Theme - Let Us Press On To Perfection.
Summary
The speaker emphasizes the profound meaning of declaring Jesus worthy, arguing that this declaration requires valuing Him above all earthly attractions like money or success. He then shifts to discussing 'perfect joy,' asserting that Christians are entitled to this joy regardless of life's circumstances. This perfect joy is demonstrated by living a life that mirrors Christ's example, as commanded in 1 John 2:6.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What does the word worthy mean?The speaker examines Revelation 4, noting how the 24 elders fall down and worship God using the word worthy rather than just holy, reflecting a comparative value.Revelation 4:8
Seeing the worth of Jesus above all elseAngels and creatures do not face the same earthly temptations of money, pleasure, and fame that humans do, making our choice to value Jesus above these things unique.
Are we entitled to a perfect life?The speaker explains that believers are entitled to a perfect Christian life and perfect joy, even though circumstances will often be messy and unplanned.
Walking as Jesus walkedFirst John 2:6 states that anyone who calls themselves a Christian must live as Jesus lived, which is made possible through redemption.1 John 2:6
Purifying oneself with hopeBelievers look forward to ultimate perfection when Christ appears, and in the present, they purify themselves daily by judging unchristlike areas.1 John 3:2–3
Looking to Jesus as the example of faithHebrews 12 explains that despite the great faith of Old Testament figures like Abraham, Jesus is the ultimate author and perfecter of faith.
Jesus suffered worse than we haveWhen facing severe trials, believers must remember that Jesus endured intense suffering and hostility without resisting to the point of shedding blood ourselves.
Obedience brings perfect joyIn John 15, Jesus explains that keeping His commandments leads to abiding in His love and having perfect joy.
God works all things together for goodRomans 8:28 promises that God causes all things to work together for good to those called according to His purpose of conforming them to Christ.Romans 8:28–30
If God is for us, who can be against us?Paul emphasizes the depth of God's love by pointing out that God did not spare His own Son, freely giving us all things through Him.
Enlightening the eyes of the heartEphesians 1:18 highlights the need for the eyes of the heart to be enlightened so believers can grasp spiritual truths beyond mere intellectual understanding.Ephesians 1:18
Trusting God with past mistakesGod is big enough to take the consequences and memories of past failures and weave them into a beautiful painting of a redeemed life.
The rejoicing in Luke 15The parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son all emphasize the incredible joy and celebration in heaven when what was lost is found.
