Reverence for God Leads to True Humility - Zac Poonen - September 18, 2011

Zac PoonenApril 20, 20121h 10mWatch on YouTube

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http://rlcfchurch.org RLCF Youth Conference 2011 River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA

Summary

The central message emphasizes that true wisdom begins with reverence for God, which is the prerequisite for receiving the Holy Spirit's guidance. The speaker contrasts mere knowledge (which is like filling a room with furniture) with wisdom (which builds the house), arguing that reverence for God allows the Spirit to bring necessary truths to mind at the right time. Furthermore, he stresses the importance of fellowship, noting that Christianity is defined by deep community rather than the size of a building.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

Wisdom versus knowledgeKnowledge is like furniture in a house, but wisdom is the building itself; many churches pursue knowledge without the foundational wisdom needed for daily life.Proverbs 24:3–4

The beginning of wisdomStarting with the fear of the Lord gives believers practical wisdom and allows the Holy Spirit to bring truth to mind during difficult life situations.

The indwelling Holy SpiritUnder the New Covenant, believers receive the Holy Spirit dwelling inside them rather than just upon them, marking a major shift from Old Covenant experiences.

Guarding against counterfeit religionWithout reverence for God, believers are easily fooled by superficial, emotional music and worldly counterfeits that lack true spiritual substance.

The sevenfold Spirit of GodIsaiah's prophecy regarding Jesus describes a sevenfold Holy Spirit characterized by wisdom, counsel, knowledge, and delight in the fear of the Lord.

Quick of scent in the fear of the LordThe Holy Spirit makes a believer quick of scent like a trained tracking dog, granting instant discernment when facing moral crossroads in life.

Sifting information with divine lightInstead of judging merely by what physical eyes see or ears hear, a spirit-filled person sifts incoming information through righteousness like chaff from wheat.

Choosing God's best over pig's foodBelievers must choose God's ultimate best rather than settling for the temporary, destructive pleasures that this world offers.

Jesus needed the anointingJesus lived a sinless life for thirty years, yet He still prayed for and received the anointing of the Holy Spirit before beginning His public ministry.Luke 3:21

A holy fear in ministryPreachers should approach God's word with the same careful sterilization and responsibility that a master surgeon brings into an operating room.

Trembling at God's wordGod looks with favor on the humble person who trembles at His word and practices immediate, unquestioning obedience like a trained soldier.Isaiah 66:1–2

What we should fear and what we should resistBelievers are commanded to run away from sexual immorality and the love of money like a dangerous lion, while firmly resisting the devil so he flees.1 Corinthians 6:18

Overcoming pride through comparison with ChristAll human pride stems from comparing ourselves to those who are worse, while true humility comes from measuring our lives against the perfection of Jesus.Proverbs 22:4

Grace given to the humbleGod gives grace exclusively to the humble, and the proof of that grace is that sin and the enemy cannot triumph over our daily lives.

Seeking God's honest evaluationBelievers should pray for God's true evaluation of their spiritual state today rather than relying on the deceptive opinions of other human beings.

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Reverence for God Leads to True Humility - Zac Poonen - September 18, 2011

Zac Poonen · April 20, 2012 · 1h 10m

Humility The Holy Spirit