January 13 | Daily Devotion | The Word Of The Cross For Believers: Not My Will But God's Will

Zac PoonenJanuary 12, 202513mWatch on YouTube

CFC Daily Devotions - Zac Poonen Excerpt from the message: Two Parts of the Word of the Cross - Zac Poonen To listen to the complete message click here : https://www.cfcindia.com/sermon/two-parts-of-the-word-of-the-cross Visit our website for more information: https://www.cfcindia.com

Summary

The central message contrasts self-will with God's will, drawing heavily from John 6:38, which states Jesus came not to live a decent life, but to do the will of the Father. The speaker argues that true discipleship requires a commitment to God's will in the hidden, secret areas of life, which is a higher standard than merely avoiding obvious sins. Furthermore, the sermon emphasizes that salvation is not achieved through good works or self-effort, but through acknowledging sin and accepting Christ's free sacrifice.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

What Adam chose in the Garden of EdenWhen Adam chose the tree of knowledge, he chose to be self-centered and decide for himself what is good and evil rather than letting God dictate it.

Upright atheists and decent ChristiansMany decent atheists do not commit adultery, murder, or lie, making them externally indistinguishable from many professing Christians.

The main principle of Jesus' lifeJesus did not live merely to keep the Ten Commandments or maintain a respectable human standard, but to live by a completely different motivation.John 6:38

What the word of the Cross means to unbelieversTo unbelievers, the message that good works cannot buy forgiveness and that salvation is a free gift received through humility seems like foolishness.

Clinging to nothing for forgivenessJust as the hymn says, we must bring nothing in our hands and simply cling to the cross to receive forgiveness from God.

The word of the Cross for believersFor believers, following Jesus goes far beyond conquering outward sins like anger or lust; it involves the hidden daily decision to do what pleases God rather than self.

Jesus' one-sentence autobiographyJesus summarized His entire purpose for coming to Earth in a single sentence: never to do His own will, but always the will of Him who sent Him.

Jesus chose to be born in a cowshedAs the only person who could choose where to be born, Jesus orchestrated events through a census and a slow donkey to be born in a manger.

What man considers big is an abomination to GodBy coming beneath everyone, Jesus exposed that the worldly status and prestige prized by humans are an abomination in God's eyes.Luke 16:15

Why Jesus died a shameful deathBeyond bearing our punishment, Jesus endured stripping, mocking, and shame so He could go completely underneath every human being and truly understand our suffering.

The failure of modern Christian leadershipMany contemporary leaders want to be on top and take money from the poor for personal gain, which stands in stark contrast to the way of Jesus Christ.

Refusing self-gain and worldly pleasureThe true word of the cross calls believers to refuse personal gain or pleasure, standing against those who use godliness as a means of financial profit.

Gaining nothing except pleasing GodDenying yourself means you gain nothing tangible by serving the Lord except the ultimate reward of pleasing God.

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CFC Daily Devotions

January 13 | Daily Devotion | The Word Of The Cross For Believers: Not My Will But God's Will

Zac Poonen · January 12, 2025 · 13m

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