Truths That Will Deliver Us From Deception -- Zac Poonen -- January 9, 2022
http://rlcf.church/media/sermons/truths-that-will-deliver-us-from-deception River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message warns believers against modern deceptions, urging them to focus on the core truth of Christianity rather than being distracted by current events or controversies. Drawing from Matthew 24, the speaker emphasizes that the primary sign of the end times is deception itself. Ultimately, he directs listeners to Romans 8:29, asserting that every believer's predetermined destination is to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What is the sign of Jesus's return?When the disciples asked Jesus for the sign of His coming, His very first warning was to make sure no one deceives them, indicating that widespread deception is the primary sign of the end times.
What is the destination of your life?God's predestined plan for every believer is to be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ, rather than being sidetracked by temporal debates or politics.Romans 8:29
Discovering unchrist-like attitudes in daily lifeWalking with the Lord exposes hidden areas of our lives where we are unlike Christ, such as expecting gratitude from others or falling into bad moods.
Understanding Romans 8:28 in light of verse 29All things work together for good to those who love God, with that ultimate good being our transformation to become like Christ.
False prophets and testing by fruitJesus warned against false prophets at the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, teaching that a tree is known and identified by its fruit rather than its gifts.
The mouth speaks from the heartJesus taught that the mouth speaks out of what fills the heart, meaning true righteousness requires cleansing the heart rather than merely performing external control.
Giving an account for careless wordsEvery single careless word spoken without repentance must be accounted for on the day of judgment, connecting the speech of false prophets to a bad heart.
Faith without works is deadJames explains that a true, living faith is justified by its works, with the ultimate test of spiritual maturity and self-control being the tongue.
Understanding the gifts of the Spirit and tonguesWhile not all believers speak in tongues and tongues are spoken to God rather than men, the biblical balance respects the gift without making it the sole marker of spiritual fullness.
Seeking a tongue of fireRather than seeking external signs alone, believers should earnestly seek the Holy Spirit to bring their mother tongue under complete, continuous control.
