Discipleship, and Love for God and for One Another - Zac Poonen - June 9, 2019
http://rlcfchurch.org/discipleship-love-god-one-another River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon emphasizes that true discipleship requires complete commitment, exemplified by the commitment to God above all earthly relationships. Drawing from John 17:23, the speaker highlights that Jesus prayed for his disciples so that they might be perfect in unity, allowing the world to know God's love for them. Following this, the speaker details the cost of discipleship using Luke 14, explaining that 'hating' family members in this context means prioritizing Christ above all other loves.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God has plans for your welfare and a futureGod holds a plan for every life that brings welfare, a future, and a hope, but many believers act like atheists when anxiety or crises strike.Jeremiah 29:11
God loves disciples as He loved JesusJesus's high priestly prayer in John 17 reveals that God loves His disciples with the exact same love He has for Jesus Christ.
The true meaning of being a discipleJesus taught that following Him requires loving Him so intensely that our affection for family and self looks like hatred by comparison, and carrying our cross daily.
Placing possessions in proper perspectiveA disciple must also love Jesus more than material possessions, ensuring that worldly things do not get so close to our eyes that they block out Christ.
Material blessings are not a mark of spiritual standingGod sends physical sun and rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous, meaning financial prosperity and health do not equal spiritual maturity.Matthew 5:45
The two greatest commandmentsWhen asked about the most important commandment, Jesus pointed to loving God with our whole being and loving our neighbor as ourselves.Matthew 22:36–40
Dealing with the root of sin rather than the fruitJust as modern medicine treats the root disease rather than just the surface symptoms, Jesus came to deal with the root causes of our disobedience—lack of love for God and others.
Why people avoid the lightMen hate the light and avoid the high standards of Jesus because their deeds are evil, preferring a dim light that does not expose their sin.John 3:16–21
Honesty qualifies us for God's mercyUnlike Adam who blamed others, figures like the thief on the cross found paradise through absolute, ruthless honesty about their own guilt.
The danger of justifying ourselvesBelievers often excuse their anger and faults by pointing to external reasons, but true spiritual growth requires taking full responsibility and admitting personal failure.Matthew 5:22
Working out your salvation with God's provisionPaul instructs believers to work out their salvation, knowing that God is actively at work inside them to give both the will and the ability to obey.Philippians 2:12–13
The New Covenant promise of inward powerUnder the New Covenant described in Hebrews, God writes His laws in our minds and hearts, granting us the power of the Holy Spirit to fulfill His will and serve others.Hebrews 8:11
