6. Contentment -- Zac Poonen -- March 1, 2009

Zac PoonenMarch 9, 20231h 4mWatch on YouTube

RLCF Spring Conference 2009: 'True Godliness' https://rlcf.church/media/series/true-godliness --- http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA

Summary

The speaker contrasts Old Testament faith, which focused on material victories, with New Testament faith, which requires giving thanks even when circumstances haven't changed. True spiritual growth requires not only godliness but also contentment, which means accepting the boundaries God sets for our lives, including our finances. By submitting totally to God and living contentedly, believers can resist the devil and find freedom from discouragement and debt.

Outline

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

Old Testament Faith versus New Testament FaithIn the Old Testament, people praised God only after seeing physical enemies defeated, but New Testament faith gives thanks even when circumstances remain difficult.

Total Submission Before Resisting the DevilThe devil does not flee when resisted unless a believer has first submitted completely to God in every area of life.

Godliness with Contentment is Great GainA godly life of purity brings no spiritual growth unless it is accompanied by contentment and the acceptance of the boundaries God has arranged.1 Timothy 6:6

Learning to Be Content in All CircumstancesThe Apostle Paul learned the secret of being content whether living with very little or in prosperity, refusing to get into debt.Philippians 4:11

The Danger of Going Outside God's BoundariesIn Hebrew, the word for debt is the same as a serpent's bite; breaking through God's financial boundaries leads to being bitten by the devil.

Mind Your Own Business and Accept Your BoundaryBelievers must stop comparing themselves to others and coveting different ministries or finances, recognizing that God assigns each person's unique circle.

Giving Thanks with a Loud VoiceOut of ten lepers healed by Jesus, only one returned to give glory to God with a loud voice, showing an example of true thankfulness.

The Fruit of Lips That Give ThanksBelievers are called to continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, using their lips to give thanks openly in the midst of the church.Hebrews 13:15

Unthankfulness as the First Step to BackslidingFailing to honor God and give thanks is where human backsliding begins, eventually leading to spiritual blindness and wickedness.Romans 1:21

Serving Without Grumbling and ComplainingThe Holy Spirit works inside believers to free them from grumbling and complaining, enabling them to shine as lights in a dark generation.

Choosing Between God and MammonJesus taught that there are two masters, God and Mammon, and a person cannot serve both earthly wealth and God.

Paying Debts Before Giving OfferingsBelievers must pay back what they owe to individuals and the government before giving offerings to God, ensuring no one is cheated.

Willingness to Obey According to AbilityGod accepts a person based on their willingness and readiness to do what they are able to do, rather than demanding what is impossible.2 Corinthians 8:12

Faithfulness with Money Leads to True RichesJesus explained that if a person is not faithful with worldly money, God cannot entrust them with the true spiritual riches of revelation.Luke 16:11

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6. Contentment -- Zac Poonen -- March 1, 2009

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