Austin CFC Zac Poonen conf 2018 - Part 6 - You cannot Serve God and Earthly Wealth
Austin CFC Zac Poonen Conference June 9 & 10, 2018 - Jesus Our Forerunner - Part 6 - You cannot Serve God and Earthly Wealth
Summary
The central message is that Christians must focus their lives on building the Church—the bride of Jesus Christ—as this is the only thing that will endure judgment. Drawing parallels from Moses, the speaker emphasizes that God uses people only after they have been reduced to zero, stripping away self-confidence and worldly knowledge. True service requires humility and reliance solely on God's power, not personal ability.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What did Jesus come to do?Jesus stated His primary purpose was to build His church, which is the bride of Christ and the only eternal thing that will remain when the world is judged.Matthew 16:18
The Tabernacle pattern and Moses' 40-year humblingThe tabernacle built by Moses is a picture of God's house, which must be constructed strictly according to His pattern without human modification; Moses had to be stripped of his Egyptian education during forty years in the wilderness before God could use him.Exodus 25:8
God will never share His gloryGod gives His power, nature, and word, but He explicitly declares in Isaiah that He will never give His glory to another, meaning anyone who touches God's glory is doomed.Isaiah 42:8
Grace flows to the humbleGod gives grace exclusively to the humble, much like rainwater naturally flows down to pool in the lowest places.1 Peter 5:5
Jesus as our forerunner in prayer and anointingJesus prayed while being baptized to receive the Holy Spirit for ministry, showing that believers must also seek the genuine anointing of the Spirit rather than relying on human effort or counterfeits.Luke 3:21
You cannot serve God and MammonJesus declared that no servant can serve two masters, making it impossible to serve both God and material wealth.Luke 16:13
The warning of Gehazi's greedGehazi chased after Naaman's money and brought a curse of leprosy upon himself and his descendants, illustrating the tragic spiritual cost when ministers pursue money.
Every Christian is a servantEvery part of Christ's body is called to serve the head, and because earning money is permissible, believers must maintain the right attitude—using material things while loving people.
Paul's example of preaching without chargeThe Apostle Paul refused to peddle the Word of God or be a financial burden, humbling himself by preaching the gospel without charge to cut off false workers.2 Corinthians 2:17
A fifty-year testimony of trusting God in IndiaBy refusing to take salaries, send financial reports, or pass offering plates, church leaders in India proved over decades that God honors those who honor Him and faithfully provides for their needs.
True riches and choosing whom to serveFaithfulness with money is the condition for receiving true spiritual riches—character likeness to Christ, the Holy Spirit's power, and biblical revelation—ultimately exposing whether a person serves God or money.Luke 16:11
