Do Everything in Love for God and Man - Zac Poonen - March 3, 2013

Zac PoonenMarch 14, 201359mWatch on YouTube

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http://rlcfchurch.org/act-like-men-and-be-strong RLCF Men's Conference 2013 River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA

Summary

Jesus declared himself the light of the world, but Christians are called to realize that they, as disciples, are the light of the world. This means living out a life of love, as John's gospel teaches that God is light, and 1 John 4 states that God is love. The speaker advises against deriving doctrine from historical sections like Acts or the historical parts of the Gospels, emphasizing instead the teaching sections for understanding scripture and the true mark of being filled with the Holy Spirit, which is the outpouring of God's unconditional love.

Outline

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

Who is the light of the world today?Jesus stated that His disciples are the light of the world, challenging believers to take responsibility rather than shifting it away.John 9:5

God is light and God is loveFirst John defines God as both light and love, meaning the light He gives us is a heart filled with perfect love.

Why you should not get doctrines from ActsThe speaker warns against building doctrines on historical narratives in the Acts of the Apostles, noting that history describes events rather than prescribing universal commands.

The true mark of being filled with the SpiritTurning to the teaching sections in scripture, the mark of the Holy Spirit is having the love of God poured out in our hearts.Romans 5:5

The difference between human and divine loveHuman love is conditional, whereas God's love is completely unconditional and cannot be changed by human actions.

Everything God does is motivated by loveEven severe actions and judgments throughout human history stem from God's perfect love, though spiritual kindergarteners fail to comprehend it.

The thorn in the flesh as a gift of graceGod gave the Apostle Paul a physical ailment to keep him humble, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Backsliding is caused by prideAll backsliding results from pride, which causes God to resist a person instead of pushing them forward.

Paul's bodily illness in GalatiaPaul's thorn in the flesh appears to have been an eye condition that caused physical revulsion, which God used to humble him and direct his ministry.

The Holy Spirit as the propulsive forceBeing filled with the Holy Spirit is like a rocket shooting upward past gravity, driven by the inner fire of God's love and light.

A bridal relationship and an unquenchable flameThe Song of Solomon describes God's love as an unquenchable flame that withstands the rivers of human hatred and opposition.

Being continuously filled with the SpiritBelievers must be continually filled with the Holy Spirit to move past cycles of failure and reach a place where hatred is impossible.Ephesians 5:18

Peeling back the layers of selfishnessSelfishness is the opposite of love and operates like layers of an onion that the Holy Spirit must expose and strip away progressively.

Learning obedience through earthly circumstancesEarth is a school where God teaches us to obey every commandment, even using enemies and persecutors to help us learn.

Jesus learned obedience through sufferingThough He was without sin, Jesus grew in wisdom and learned obedience as a human being through the things He suffered.

Being Jesus in the worldBelievers are called to walk as Jesus walked in this world, remaining completely considerate of others and free from the love of money.1 John 4:17

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Do Everything in Love for God and Man - Zac Poonen - March 3, 2013

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