Counterfeits and Deceptions - Zac Poonen - June 4, 2017
http://rlcf.church/sermons/counterfeits-deceptions River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker argues that deception, particularly regarding the fullness of the Holy Spirit, is common because people naturally counterfeit valuable things. He draws from scripture to argue that God allows exposure to temptation and deception because spiritual maturity is achieved through overcoming these trials, not by being protected from them. True growth requires constant testing, which leads believers to higher levels of spiritual understanding.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why does God allow deception?God allows His children to face temptation and deception just as He allowed Adam and Eve in the garden, because overcoming tests is the only way to develop spiritual maturity rather than remaining spiritual babies.
God constantly tested AbrahamGod tested Abraham throughout his life, starting at age 75 and later asking him to offer up his son, leading him to higher levels of knowing God.
Knowing about God versus truly knowing HimSpiritual maturity is not determined by biblical knowledge, preaching ability, or miraculous works, because even people who cast out demons in Jesus' name can end up in hell if He never truly knew them intimately.
Accepting another Jesus and a false gospelBelievers who lack spiritual discernment easily accept a different spirit, a different gospel, and another Jesus, much like a person with a ruined sense of taste who cannot distinguish food from garbage.2 Corinthians 11:4
The Bible's description of the human raceScripture describes all human beings as unrighteous, failing to understand God, and not seeking after Him, with poison in their mouths and no fear of God before their eyes.Romans 3:10
Nothing good dwells in our fleshEven the Apostle Paul recognized that nothing good dwells in his flesh, which serves as the necessary starting point for receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit.Romans 7:18
The Pharisee and the tax collectorJesus told a parable about a Pharisee who prayed to himself boasting of his good deeds and a tax collector who beat his chest asking for mercy; the humble tax collector went home justified.Luke 18:9
Jesus came for the sick, not the healthyJesus stated that He did not come to call the righteous who think they are okay, but sinners who acknowledge their desperate spiritual sickness and need for a doctor.
Paul's growing awareness of his own sinAs Paul grew closer to God over the years, his view of himself shifted from the least of the apostles at age 55 to the chief of sinners at age 65, viewing his heart through a spiritual microscope.
If anyone thirst, let him come and drinkJesus promised that those who experience a deep thirst and come to Him will have rivers of living water flowing from their innermost being through the Holy Spirit.John 7:37
Eternal life is knowing GodJesus defined eternal life not merely as living forever, but as personally knowing God and Jesus Christ, much like a husband and wife who truly talk and listen to one another.John 17:3
Relationship over religious serviceWhen God created Adam, His first instruction was rest and fellowship rather than work, mirroring how Mary chose to sit and listen to Jesus while Martha was distracted by busy service.
