God Is A Good Father: 3.A Father Who Rebukes And Disciplines Us - Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker discusses three aspects of God's fatherly love: welcoming the lost, providing for our needs, and rebuking/disciplining us. While we are initially drawn to the welcome and provision, true spiritual growth requires accepting discipline, as this is a mark of God's love. The speaker warns against spiritual complacency, comparing repeated sin to returning to the 'pigs farm' after experiencing the father's table.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What is the third aspect of the father's love?While welcoming and providing are wonderful, many believers overlook the third aspect of God's love: that He rebukes and disciplines those He loves.
How does God's rebuke come to us?God's correction often comes through spiritual leaders and older brothers, prompting the psalmist to welcome a righteous person striking him as anointing oil.
Servants versus sons in the house of GodThe speaker contrasts old covenant believers who act like hired servants coming only for benefits with new covenant believers who possess a true son's responsibility.
What is the better thing God has provided for us?Better than old testament miracles like splitting the red sea, God has provided the ability to run the race by enduring the cross and despising shame in Jesus' footsteps.
Why does God discipline every child He loves?God disciplines every single son so that we may not remain undisciplined, but rather share in His true holiness.
Partaking of God's holiness versus self-improvementTrue holiness is not a human self-improvement program, but partaking of God's holiness, contrasted with self-righteousness as filthy rags.
Peter's response to rebuke versus Judas's offenseWhen Jesus rebuked Peter harshly, Peter accepted the words of eternal life, whereas Judas took offense at a gentle defense of Mary and betrayed Jesus.
How to test if your holiness is from GodA clear test of whether holiness is manufactured by oneself or received from God is whether it produces pride or humble awareness like being the chief of sinners.
Embracing the discipline of the LordZac Poonen urges believers to welcome God's multi-year discipline and correction, refusing to let the head reject the smiting of the righteous.Psalm 141:5
