Living For God's Highest Always - Zac Poonen - April 29, 2020
http://rlcfchurch.org/living-gods-highest-always River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes the critical need for consistency and honesty when studying scripture, warning against picking and choosing doctrines from different parts of the Bible. He distinguishes clearly between historical accounts and actual teachings, using examples from the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospels. To avoid deception, the speaker advises believers to actively love the truth about themselves and the Word of God, acknowledging every conviction from the Lord.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
History versus teaching in the BibleThe Bible is composed mostly of history and teaching, with historical sections showing the failures and successes of God's people while epistles provide clear doctrine.
The danger of picking and choosing doctrinesTaking doctrines like speaking in tongues from historical narratives while ignoring other practices like sharing all possessions leads to confusion and going astray.
The terrifying warning of divine deceptionScripture warns that God Himself sends a deluding influence to those who do not love the truth and do not want to be saved from sin.2 Thessalonians 2:11
How to escape deception by loving the truthTo prevent God from deluding us, we must cultivate a love for the truth about ourselves, immediately acknowledging when we are wrong instead of justifying ourselves.
Loving the truth and desiring salvation from sinTrue salvation involves a passionate desire to be saved from all known sin rather than merely seeking forgiveness while retaining ungodly attitudes.
Lessons from Old Testament history on idolatry and sexual sinThe prophets show that God detests idolatry—putting anything in place of Him, such as money, pleasure, or food—and severely judges sexual sin.
Choosing what is profitable over what is merely lawfulWhile many things are lawful for a Christian, a spiritual person selects among lawful things only those that are profitable for eternity rather than living by the bare minimum.1 Corinthians 6:12
The body is for the Lord and the Lord is for the bodyBecause our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and belong to the Lord 24/7, we must not let food, sex, or any earthly desire master us.
God is a good father who withholds no good thingThe devil lies by making God look like a spoilsport, but Scripture promises that God never withholds any good thing from those who walk uprightly.Psalm 84:11
David's testimony of God's faithfulness to the righteousLooking back over a long life, David testifies that he has never seen a righteous man forsaken by God nor his descendants begging for bread.
Jesus lived to fulfill the ScripturesFrom His birth in Bethlehem to His dying words on the cross, every detail of Jesus' life was planned by the Father and fulfilled Scripture.
Building only what God has plantedEvery work or church not planted by the heavenly Father will ultimately be uprooted, so we must seek God's leading rather than human ideas.
Overcoming problems in life and ministryJust as Jesus faced and solved problems everywhere He went, believers and churches will face storms but can triumph as more than conquerors.
Holding fast to your crown and hearing 'well done'Judas lost his crown through unfaithfulness, allowing another to take it, which warns believers to hold fast and live passionately to hear Jesus say 'well done.'
