God Will Honor Those Who Honor Him -- Zac Poonen -- March 2, 2022
http://rlcf.church/media/sermons/god-will-honor-those-who-honor-him River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon uses the example of Eli, the high priest, to warn against prioritizing family comfort over obedience to God. Eli failed to rebuke his sons for their sin because he loved them more than the Lord, leading to a curse upon his lineage. The central message is that true discipleship requires honoring Christ above all relationships, and neglecting to correct sin in loved ones can have eternal consequences.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
A favorite verse on honoring GodThe speaker introduces a favorite verse from 1 Samuel regarding God's judgment on the backslidden high priest Eli.1 Samuel 2:27
Eli's failure to discipline his sonsEli was a mild father who failed to properly rebuke his sons for stealing offerings and misbehaving, honoring his children more than God.1 Samuel 2:23–24
Samuel's repetition of similar parenting mistakesEven the prophet Samuel made a similar mistake by appointing his corrupt sons as judges due to partiality, showing how easily leaders fail with their own children.
The danger of neglecting children through busynessSamuel's constant traveling as a judge and preacher led to neglecting his own family, mirroring how busy preachers today often lose their children.
The true origin of sin in the universeSin originated when the highest angel Lucifer rebelled against God's authority, a spirit of rebellion later passed down to humanity.
The fifth commandment and family disciplineHonoring father and mother is the only commandment in the second tablet with a specific promise of a long, blessed life, making early childhood obedience vital.
God honors those who honor HimGod explicitly states that He will honor those who honor Him, while those who esteem family or anything else above Him will be set aside.1 Samuel 2:30
A personal test of honesty in the navyThe speaker shares how he lost a job assignment in the navy for billing a commanding officer for personal use of a boat, illustrating the cost of honoring God in small things.
Deep fellowship promised to the obedientJesus teaches that those who have His commandments and keep them are the ones who truly love Him and will experience special divine revelation.
Abiding in Christ's love and joyKeeping Christ's commandments allows believers to abide in His love and experience fullness of joy in their daily lives.John 15:10
God overlooks times of past ignoranceBelievers struggling with past parenting or life mistakes should take comfort that God overlooks past ignorance when individuals repent and turn to Him.
The ultimate reward for overcomersEven the weakest believers can become overcomers from this day forward and earn the ultimate promise of sitting with Christ on His throne.
