5. Faith When We Have Failed -- Zac Poonen -- February 28, 2009
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 emphasizes that effective ministry requires humility, urging believers not to elevate themselves over others. A core message is that genuine faith is built by studying God's Word, as man cannot live by bread alone. Furthermore, he draws a critical distinction between falling into sin and having faith fail, asserting that the failure of faith is the more serious spiritual danger.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Do you believe God's commandments are for your good?One key aspect of faith is believing that all of God's commandments are good and can be kept, overcoming the devil's lie that they are too tough.
Faith comes by hearing the wordGenuine scriptural faith requires reading and studying the Bible slowly, living by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
Why falling into sin is less dangerous than losing faithExamining Jesus' prayer for Simon Peter reveals that having your faith fail is even more serious than falling into sin.
Why does God allow us to fall?God's primary aim is to break our impotence and pride, using various difficulties or even failure when other methods fail to humble us.
The grain of wheat must die to build the churchJust like a grain of wheat must fall into the ground and die to multiply, believers must be broken rather than seeking self-glory or merely gathering for Bible studies.
The necessity of deep failure before great ministryGod allowed Peter to fail deeply so he would remain humble and never get puffed up after being used for a great ministry.
The biblical principle of the broken vesselThroughout scripture, whether it is broken bread, smitten rock, or a split atom, true power and blessing only flow through brokenness.
Jacob's transformation through a broken hipGod had to break Jacob's strength and make him lame before he could truly become Israel and learn to lean on God.
The quickest way to spiritual blindnessForgetting the pit from which God pulled you out leads to spiritual short-sightedness and makes you a harsh critic of others.2 Peter 1:9
Two results of remembering our failureRemembering our past failure without guilt produces deep gratitude and makes it impossible to despise anyone else who has fallen.
The vital need for true church fellowshipComing to the end of yourself opens your eyes to the importance of the body of Christ rather than living as an isolated wanderer.
How to respond when facing misunderstanding and trialsWhen people mistreat or yell at you, keep your mouth shut and humble yourself, trusting God's promise that He will never test you beyond your ability.
God turns curses and evil into blessingsGod is able to take the worst evils—such as the crucifixion of Christ—and turn them into the greatest victories for His people.Deuteronomy 23:5
Rejecting the temptation to use spiritual power for selfLike Jesus in the wilderness, true servants must refuse the devil's temptation to use anointing, position, or gifts to get money, fame, or honor for themselves.
Obedience matters more than routine Bible readingWhile reading and meditating on scripture is vital, obeying God's word and taking up your cross throughout the day is what truly matters.
