The Thoughts of God - ZacPoonen - July 29, 2011
http://rlcfchurch.org RLCF Summer Conference 2011 River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue, Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that true understanding of God's will comes not from miraculous acts or excessive human effort, but from deep intimacy with Him, which is revealed through the Holy Spirit. The speaker emphasizes that instead of trying to do many things for God, believers are called to sit quietly, listen, and focus on the 'one thing needful'—understanding God's thoughts. This understanding brings rest and peace, as exemplified by Paul accepting God's will regarding his illness.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The Acts of God versus the Ways of GodWhile the Israelites in the wilderness saw the greatest miracles in history, God was displeased with them because they only knew His acts while Moses knew His ways.Psalm 103:7
God Reveals His Thoughts to Those Who Love HimGod prepares and reveals deep spiritual truths through the Holy Spirit to those who truly love Him and are intimate with Him.1 Corinthians 2:9
The One Thing NeedfulInstead of running around doing countless things for God that He never asked for, believers are called to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His thoughts.
Why God Hides Certain DoctrinesGod leaves certain peripheral doctrines vague in Scripture to test His people, exposing Pharisees and testing whether our love for one another is true.
Moving Beyond Milk to Mature TruthWhile Paul gave the Corinthians milk because they were babes, he could share deeper spiritual truths with the mature Ephesians, including the reality of being in Christ.
The Foundation and SuperstructureEphesians is divided logically into chapters 1 through 3 as the foundation and roots, and chapters 4 through 6 as the superstructure and fruit.
Blessed with Every Spiritual BlessingGod has already blessed believers with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, yet many live like beggars because they do not claim them.
Chosen Before the Foundation of the WorldBelievers were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world according to God's foreknowledge, with the purpose of being holy and blameless before Him.Ephesians 1:4
Praying for a Spirit of Wisdom and RevelationEven faithful believers need the Holy Spirit to enlighten the eyes of their heart so they can truly understand spiritual truths rather than just reading words.Ephesians 1:17
Hidden from the Clever and IntelligentGod hides spiritual truths from the clever and intelligent, revealing them instead to babes who humble themselves and put aside human wisdom.
Christ Made Unto Us Wisdom and RighteousnessJust as we acknowledge we have no righteousness of our own and rely entirely on Christ, we must also set aside our own wisdom and rely on the Holy Spirit.1 Corinthians 1:30
