God’s Word is a Torchlight That Shows You the Next Step — Zac Poonen — December 7, 2022
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/gods-word-is-a-torchlight-shows-you-the-next-step River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
God's Word functions like a torchlight, illuminating only the immediate next step rather than the entire path ahead. This means that progress in life requires actively obeying the guidance revealed in scripture. The speaker emphasizes that relying on human reason rather than God's Word leads to stagnation, and true guidance comes from trusting God's revealed truth in every step.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
How does God’s word guide us?God's word is like a torchlight in the dark, showing us dangers but only revealing further steps as we move forward and obey the light we currently have.Psalm 119:105
Obeying God instead of human reasonHuman reason often opposes God's word when we try to justify disobedience, but we must choose to obey God's commands rather than leaning on our own understanding.
Making restitution for past wrongsFollowing water baptism, the speaker learned he needed to set right past wrongs and restitute cheated money, much like Zaccheus did when he encountered the Lord.
Keeping a blameless conscience before God and menWith the hope of the resurrection of the righteous in mind, Paul testified that he always does his best to keep a clear and blameless conscience.Acts 24:15–16
Distinguishing between temptation and sinSin is compared to the birth of a baby born when lust conceives; an evil thought flashed into the mind is merely a temptation, and if rejected immediately, it is not sin.James 1:15
Forgiving others even when memories remainEven if painful memories of how others harmed us remain, true forgiveness means holding nothing against them and wishing them the best, mirroring Christ's forgiveness.
Learning gentleness and humility from ChristJesus specifically told us to learn two things from Him in our hearts: gentleness and humility, rather than focusing on external achievements or preaching skills.Matthew 11:29
Being faithful and strict in raising childrenParents must lovingly and strictly guide their children in the discipline of the Lord so that their behavior does not bring a bad name to Jesus.
Allowing the Lord to show the immediate pathBelievers must let the Lord show them the immediate step of obedience in front of them so they can grow to become like Christ year by year.
