10) The Blessing Of Having God Our Side by Zac Poonen
The Foundation and the Building: 10) The Blessing Of Having God Our Side by Zac Poonen
Summary
The central message is that the greatest blessing is having God on your side, as illustrated by Romans 8:31. The speaker emphasizes that God opposes the proud, and this principle applies to sin, which is the primary enemy Jesus came to save people from. To experience the joy of the Christian life, one must actively cultivate a hatred for sin, channeling the same powerful aversion one feels toward a disliked person.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
If God is for us, who can be against us?The most important thing in life is ensuring that Almighty God is on our side, yet many believers live defeated lives because God opposes the proud.Romans 8:31
Jesus fought against sinJesus came primarily to save His people from their sins, and He wants His disciples to cultivate a deep hatred for sin just as He did.Matthew 1:21
Channeling the power of hatred toward sinPeople often harbor hatred toward individuals they avoid, but believers should redirect that powerful energy of avoidance and hatred away from people and directly toward sin.
The scarcity of preaching on overcoming sinWhile many preachers focus on physical healing or forgiveness of sins, few teach believers how to actually overcome sin and experience the fullness of grace.
The severe consequences of unconfessed sinJust as people desperately hate sickness and seek cures, believers must realize that a single unrepentant sin like unforgiveness can separate someone from God.
Jesus came to destroy the works of the devilJesus destroyed the power that Satan has over surrendered believers, giving them authority over all the power of the enemy.1 John 3:8
Authority versus powerBelievers do not necessarily have more raw power than Satan, but they possess spiritual authority—like a small policeman stopping a heavy truck—when their conscience is clear.
The danger of bowing to Satan for worldly gainEven Jesus was tempted with the things of this world; seeking worldly gain by putting God second means bowing to Satan and losing spiritual authority.
Balaam and the blessing of God's protectionBalaam recognized that no curse can be placed on someone whom God has not cursed, provided they walk in humility and maintain a clear conscience.
The danger of self-justificationSelf-justification is an abomination in the sight of God, which is why believers must immediately confess sin rather than making excuses.
The failure of unequipped spiritual warfareWithout a clear conscience and true surrender, attempts to exercise spiritual authority against evil—like the sons of Sceva—will fail.
Do not fearJesus repeatedly commanded His followers not to fear, because fear brings torment and shows a lack of full conviction in God's love.Matthew 10:26–31
Living out the full quota of your daysBelievers who surrender to God can trust that their days are numbered by Him and will be fulfilled without needless fear of the future or accidents.Exodus 23:26
Jesus and sicknessWhile some sicknesses are unrelated to sin, others are a direct result of it, and healing is available through repentance, faith, and God's mercy.
Getting priorities straight for complete deliveranceBelievers must properly order their priorities—putting sin first, then the devil, fear, and sickness—and humble themselves to walk in victory.
