7th November 2021 - CFC Sunday Church Service | Being A Witness For God To Satan - Zac Poonen
7th November 2021 - CFC Sunday Church Service | Being A Witness For God To Satan - Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker discusses the unique nature of ministry in the New Covenant, noting that unlike the Old Testament prophets who often worked in isolation, the New Testament shows Jesus sending out people in pairs. He uses the example of Peter and John, and Paul and Barnabas, to illustrate that the Holy Spirit enables people to work together harmoniously, which was impossible in the past due to human nature and lack of understanding of grace.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The New Covenant Call to Serve in TeamsUnlike Old Testament prophets who ministered alone due to a lack of the Holy Spirit and grace, New Testament believers are sent out in teams to build up Christ's body in harmony.
The Continuing Ministry of Jesus on EarthLuke's gospel records what Jesus began to do and teach, while Acts records what He continues to do through His spiritual body on earth, facing the same rejection and suffering.
Manifesting God's Wisdom to Heavenly AuthoritiesGod's manifold wisdom is designed to be made known through the church not just to the world, but specifically as a witness to evil principalities and powers in the heavenly places.
Battling Spiritual Forces Instead of Flesh and BloodEffective spiritual warfare requires making a firm decision never to fight with human beings over earthly things, which only saps energy needed to resist satanic forces.
Resisting the Devil and Reminding Him of the CrossBelievers do not need to live in fear of the devil; by submitting completely to God and resisting Satan, he must flee, and believers can remind him of his defeat at the cross.
Job's Blameless Witness on the First Page of ScriptureThe book of Job highlights a man who feared God, turned from evil, and raised his family with godly care, serving as a powerful example of upright living before God and the accuser.
Rejecting the Accuser's SpiritSatan works day and night as the accuser of the brethren, and believers must be careful never to join hands with him by finding fault with others in the church.
Can God Point You Out to Satan?Just as God pointed out Job's integrity to Satan, believers should desire for God to be able to point to their daily private lives as a testimony against the accusations of the enemy.
Cleansing the Conscience Through Christ's BloodThrough the eternal Spirit, Christ offered Himself without spot to cleanse our consciences from dead works so we can serve the living God with perfect clarity.
Standing Unashamedly for the Whole BibleLike the Apostle Paul, who was labeled a heretic for believing everything written in the law and the prophets, believers must stand firmly on every word of Scripture.Acts 24:14
Grace as Power to Overcome TemptationGrace is not merely unmerited favor or past forgiveness, but divine power received at the throne of grace to help believers overcome in times of temptation, just as Jesus did.
God's Power Made Perfect in Human WeaknessWhen Paul asked God to remove his thorn in the flesh, God instead gave Him sustaining grace, proving that His power shows up best in weak people who recognize their helplessness.
Spiritual Growth Brings Deepening HumilityAs Paul grew closer to God over the years, his self-view shifted from the least of the apostles to the least of all saints, and finally to the chief of sinners, reflecting genuine holiness.1 Corinthians 15:9
Citizens of a Kingdom That Does Not Fight Earthly WarsBecause Jesus' kingdom is not of this world, His true servants do not fight or argue over earthly matters or doctrines, reserving all their spiritual energy to stand against the devil.
