Our Father's Goodness Is The Root - Zac Poonen
Summary
The central message is that true Christian experience comes from understanding and experiencing the Father's unconditional love, which is deeper than the love shown to the world. The speaker emphasizes that knowing God as a Father, rather than just through Jesus, is key to overcoming discouragement. This deep knowledge of the Father's love is cultivated by loving the Lord more and trusting in His plan, even when it differs from our own expectations.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why so many Christians struggle to know the Father's loveWhile most believers know Jesus loves them, very few understand how deeply God the Father loves them or maintain a direct prayer relationship with Him as Father.
God has no partiality and loves us as He loved JesusThe greatest truth in Scripture is that the Father sent Jesus and loves us with the exact same love He had for Jesus, proving He plays no favorites.
Coming to know God as Father through the Holy SpiritWhen believers receive the Holy Spirit, they enter a living relationship where the Spirit cries out Abba, Father, convincing them of His unconditional love.
Taking root downwards to bear fruit upwardsBelievers cannot bear lasting spiritual fruit unless they first take deep root downwards in the unfailing love and reality of their heavenly Father.2 Kings 19:30
God remembers we are dust but lifts us above earthly slaveryGod knows our physical frame is weak and easily attracted to earthly dust, so He gives us His Holy Spirit to pull us away from animal-like living.
Doing things in secret for the Father's approvalJesus taught in Matthew 6 that giving, praying, and fasting must be done in secret to please the Father rather than for a performance to be seen by men.
Doing all things for the glory of GodUnlike the old covenant standard of obedience driven by fear of punishment or desire for material blessing, New Testament believers do everything for God's glory.1 Corinthians 10:31
God's kindness leads us to repentanceTrue repentance is motivated by gratitude for God's immense patience, tolerance, and kindness, rather than sheer terror of hell or sudden death.Romans 2:4
Rejecting guilt trips and manipulation by preachersPreachers who manipulate believers through guilt are using psychology rather than the Holy Spirit; God wants a direct, unmediated connection with our spirit.
Walking with Jesus as a friend and experiencing freedomGod is a loving father and Jesus is a friend who walks with us through struggles, freeing us from discouragement, depression, and condemnation.
