Everything Pertaining to Life and Godliness — Zac Poonen — October 2, 2022
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/everything-pertaining-to-life-and-godliness River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon emphasizes that God has granted everything necessary for both physical and godly life, which is summarized as 'everything pertaining to life and godliness.' True eternal life, according to Jesus, is knowing God and Jesus Christ. The speaker uses the analogy of a marriage to illustrate that knowing God is a process that requires consistent, daily effort, much like a deepening marital relationship, rather than just a one-time declaration of faith.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Everything Pertaining to Life and GodlinessGod has freely granted us everything needed for physical and spiritual life through the true knowledge of Jesus Christ.
What Is Eternal Life?Eternal life is not merely existing forever in heaven or hell, but personally knowing God and Jesus Christ.
Laying Hold of Eternal Life Like a MarriageJust as a husband and wife grow to know each other more deeply over years of daily living together, believers must cultivate an ongoing, daily relationship with Christ.
The Prayer and Word Life of Casual ChristiansMany Christians treat their relationship with Christ like a distant marriage, praying only in times of crisis and neglecting daily fellowship through His word.
Loving Jesus More Than Heaven ItselfTrue Christianity is centered on a passionate love for the person of Jesus rather than just the rewards of heaven.
Precious Promises and Partaking of Divine NatureGod's magnificent promises act like a bank account, enabling believers to partake of God's own nature instead of seeking worldly wealth.
Forgiving Others Out of Divine NaturePartaking of God's nature means forgiving others freely, just as Jesus forgave those who crucified Him even while suffering on the cross.
The Fig Tree as a Parable of IsraelJesus cursed the fig tree as a demonstration of God's hatred for hypocrisy and religious activity devoid of inner fruit and change.
Imitating God's Goodness to the EvilBelievers prove they are sons of their heavenly father by showing goodness to everyone, much like God sends rain and sun on both the righteous and the unrighteous.Matthew 5:44
Two Ways to Forgive: Threat Versus ImitationWhile Jesus warned disciples about the danger of unforgiveness, the higher New Covenant motivation is to imitate our heavenly father who continually forgives.Matthew 6:15
Handling Unbelieving Enemies Versus Erring BrothersUnbelievers who wrong us should be forgiven immediately without repentance, whereas an erring brother must be approached for restoration, though unrepentant unresponsiveness leads to treating them as unbelievers.Luke 17:3
Praying According to God's CharacterPrayers should align with God's righteousness and seek spiritual transformation, such as being freed from the love of money, rather than asking God to be partial or unfair.
The Form of Godliness Without Power in the Last DaysThe last days are marked by difficult times where many professing Christians hold to a form of religion while indulging in selfish, worldly sins.
Standing Fearless in the Power of the SpiritGod has supplied all necessary power through the Holy Spirit to stand as fearless witnesses and display authentic godliness in homes and workplaces until Christ returns.
