God's Eternal Purpose: A Testimony to Satan - Zac Poonen
Austin CFC conference, session 1. July 12 -13, 2014
Summary
The speaker argues that understanding Christianity requires looking beyond mere emotional experiences or visible miracles, focusing instead on God's deep, eternal purpose. He contrasts the superficial excitement of witnessing signs with the maturity required to understand and partner with God's overarching plan, comparing this to an adult son engaging in his father's business rather than a child asking for toys.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What is Ephesians chapter 3 verse 11?The speaker points out the phrase 'eternal purpose' in Ephesians, which goes back before the creation of time in Genesis.
Moses and the Israelites: Ways versus ActionsPsalm 103 shows a contrast where the Israelites saw God's external actions and miracles, but Moses understood God's inward ways, like an adult compared to a child.
Learning from the Israelites in 1 Corinthians 10Despite experiencing daily miracles for forty years, God was not well-pleased with most of the Israelites because of disobedience.
Pleasing God through Obedience in TemptationJesus experienced no miracles for thirty years yet was well-pleased by the Father because He resisted temptation without sinning.
The Mystery of God's Wisdom Through the ChurchEphesians 3 explains that God's manifold wisdom is to be made known through the church to rulers and authorities in heavenly places.
Satan as the Accuser of the BrethrenRevelation 12 describes Satan accusing believers before God day and night, watching our private lives far beyond what people see.Revelation 12:9–10
Dishonoring God's Name Through Our BehaviorRomans 2 warns that the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of how people live, highlighting the importance of our daily conduct.Romans 2:24
Job: The First Written TestimonyThe book of Job highlights a man who feared God and turned away from evil, serving as a primary testimony before Satan.
Shutting Satan's Mouth Like JobGod's eternal purpose is for us to live so faithfully in private that God can point to us and silence the accusations of Satan.
Living Out Seven-Day ChristianityTrue Christian living is not just about Sunday worship or music, but how we behave at home and in private all seven days of the week.
Our Struggle Against Spiritual PowersEphesians 6 teaches that our true struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual rulers and authorities in the heavenlies.Ephesians 6:12
Making the Decision Never to Fight HumansTo overcome Satan, believers must decide to stop fighting with human beings—whether spouses, neighbors, or critics—and leave room for forgiveness.
Being the Light of the WorldJesus called His disciples the light of the world, commissioned to shine in a dark system controlled by the devil through the power of the Holy Spirit.
