All Things Work for Our Good - Zac Poonen
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Summary
The sermon emphasizes that true love for Jesus Christ is demonstrated by keeping His commandments, citing John 15. It draws a parallel between keeping commandments and being filled with the Holy Spirit, arguing that both are vital commands found in Ephesians 5. The speaker stresses that being filled with the Spirit is not merely about outward signs like speaking in tongues, but requires a genuine, internal disposition of constant thanksgiving and obedience.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The Command to Be Filled with the SpiritThere is only one place in the epistles commanding Christians to be filled with the Holy Spirit, appearing right alongside the command not to get drunk with wine.Ephesians 5:18
How Do You Know You Are Filled with the Spirit?People often ask how to know they are filled with the Spirit, looking to tongues or healing, but the text in Ephesians continues to show it is characterized by a song in the heart and always giving thanks for all things.
The Source of Speaking in TonguesTongues can come from three sources: demons, human manufacture, or the Holy Spirit, but the primary mark of the Spirit's fullness is unceasing thankfulness without complaining.
Mutual Submission in the Fear of ChristAnother characteristic of being filled with the Spirit mentioned in verse 21 is being subject to one another in the fear of Christ, rejecting any desire to lord it over others as a church leader.
Complaining Implies God Is Not in ControlWhen a person complains, they are effectively saying that in this particular moment the devil is more powerful than God and God cannot make it work for their good.
All Things Work for GoodGod causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, as stated in Romans.Romans 8:28
What Is God's Purpose?God's purpose is not to make you famous, rich, good-looking, or even physically healthy, as seen in the unhealed sicknesses of faithful workers like Timothy and Trophimus.
Jesus Saves His People from Their SinsThe first promise in the New Testament is that Jesus means He will save His people from their sins, not primarily from their poverty or physical sickness.Matthew 1:21
Forgiveness Versus SalvationMany people confuse having their sins forgiven with actually being saved from the power of sin such as anger, lust, and complaining.
Predestined to Be Conformed to Christ's ImageThe next verse in Romans explains God's ultimate purpose: that we are predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.
Brainwashing Versus Scriptural TruthMany believers are so brainwashed by worldly culture or false teachings that they tolerate sin like internet pornography and fail to see that Christ's goal is their complete holiness.
Loving God SupremelyThe only reason believers complain or compromise is that they do not love God supremely or seek to fulfill His purpose above their jobs and earthly comforts.
Our Destination Is Jesus ChristA true Christian's destination is not merely heaven or streets of gold, but Jesus Christ Himself, so that being with Him is what makes heaven wonderful.
The Spirit of Truth Guides UsJesus promised the Helper, the Spirit of truth, who would take the things of Christ and show them to us.John 16:13–14
Transformed from Glory to GloryThe best verse describing the ministry of the Holy Spirit shows that as we behold the glory of the Lord in the mirror of Scripture, we are transformed into the same image by the Spirit.
