Recognizing God as the Owner of All That We Have - Zac Poonen - September 8, 2018
http://rlcfchurch.org/recognizing-god-owner-all-we-have River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that true discipleship requires loving Jesus supremely above all else—family, self, and possessions. This means recognizing that everything on earth, including our possessions, belongs to the Lord, and we are merely stewards. The speaker emphasizes that we cannot serve both God and money, and our relationship with wealth reveals our true master.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Giving up all possessions as a condition of discipleshipJesus states that a person cannot be His disciple unless they give up all their possessions, which means letting go of a possessive spirit.
Recognizing God as the true owner of everythingEverything on earth, including homes, money, and property, belongs to God, and believers are simply stewards managing His resources.1 Corinthians 10:26
You cannot serve two mastersJesus teaches that there are only two masters on earth, God and money, and a person's loyalties are revealed by whose call they obey.
Maintaining a clear conscience over higher payWhen faced with choices regarding employment and salary, a disciple must choose integrity and a clean conscience over compromising for more money.
The origin of tithing versus New Testament family lifeTithing was an Old Testament system functioning like an income tax to support government workers, whereas the New Testament portrays believers as a family with God as Father.
Following the example of Paul and early apostlesWhile honoring servants of the Lord is valid, the apostles worked to support themselves and never demanded salaries or used corporate tactics to raise funds.
Giving in secret without public pressureChurches should avoid passing collection plates or running financial campaigns, leaving giving completely private and between the individual and God.
The call to 'come and see'Instead of relying on famous preachers or loud messages, the New Covenant invites people to come and see transformed family lives and honest living.John 1:37
Saving responsibly without loving moneyScripture permits saving money for the future and providing for children, provided believers do not let wealth become their master.
The promise of provision for the righteousDavid testifies in the Psalms that he has never seen a truly righteous person forsaken by God or their descendants begging for bread.Psalm 37:25
