9.Why God Allows His Children To Suffer - Zac Poonen
Understanding God's Ways
Summary
The speaker argues that many believers misunderstand the transition from the Old to the New Covenant, leading them to find comfort in the failures and struggles described in the Old Testament. He emphasizes that the New Covenant provides something 'better,' exemplified by Jesus' life, which teaches believers to love their enemies rather than seeking vengeance. True spiritual growth requires moving beyond the foundational teachings (like 'kindergarten') to the advanced truths found in the New Testament.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why are most believers living defeated lives?Ninety-five percent of born-again believers do not understand that the Old Covenant has been abolished and that we now live under the New Covenant.
What is the better thing God provided?Hebrews 11 concludes by stating that God provided something better for us, which is living by faith as Jesus did rather than walking like Old Testament figures.
Two practical rules for reading the BibleRead the Bible slowly so that it goes through you to bring life rather than just knowledge, and do not let chapter divisions break the contextual connection of the text.
Moving from kindergarten to college spirituallyThe Old Covenant was like kindergarten, teaching basic lessons, but God wants believers to move on to college and partake in the spiritual resources of the New Covenant.
Walking as Jesus walkedA true Christian must live as Jesus lived, aiming to reach the standard where as Jesus is, so are we in this world.1 John 2:6
Total surrender to GodDemons were scared of Jesus because no area of His life was withheld from His Father, and the same total surrender is required of us.
Rejecting unbiblical teachings about curses and demonsBelievers who have genuinely repented and surrendered to Christ are free from generational curses and demonic indwelling.
Jesus as the forerunnerJesus is our forerunner who faced every test and difficulty so that we can follow His exact footsteps without being disturbed by tomorrow.
Why God allows us to failGod allows us to fail repeatedly until we come to rock bottom and realize we can do nothing without His grace.
Healing through forgivenessUnforgiveness and bitterness can cause physical sicknesses, and true healing often comes when we choose to forgive those who have wronged us.
Adam versus Christ in taking the blameFollowers of Adam always blame others for their sins, whereas followers of Christ learn to take the blame and suffer for the sins of others.
Learning obedience through sufferingJust as Jesus learned obedience from the things He suffered, true spiritual growth requires embracing commands that involve self-denial rather than easy duties.
Revealing God's wisdom to angels and demonsGod demonstrates His manifold wisdom to the heavenly authorities by showing how His faithful saints endure suffering and love their enemies.
Living a life with no tears for our own sorrowsWhen we love God and trust that He makes all things work for our good, we stop complaining and crying over our own griefs, knowing everything serves His purpose.
