Don't Quit Before God Says It's the End — Santosh Poonen — December 3, 2023
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/dont-quit-before-god-says-its-the-end River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that God has one ultimate purpose for each individual, and any prayer request that hinders this purpose would be denied. He warns that the world is watching believers to see if their actions align with their professed faith, noting that true discipleship is demonstrated not by outward appearance or success, but by maintaining joyful trust in God even amidst severe trials. The ultimate testimony the world seeks is the unwavering song of faith during suffering.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God has one overarching purpose for youGod has a singular purpose for every believer, and if He answered a prayer in a way that hindered that purpose, He would deny His own goodness.
What is the world really looking for?The world is tired of superficial success and wants to see people who can sing and rejoice in the middle of dark trials.
Returning to your rest in afflictionDavid declared his affliction with a spirit of faith rather than self-pity, trusting God to fulfill His purpose.
Having the same spirit of faithPaul explains that our outer man may decay in trials, but our inner man is renewed daily because these afflictions are temporary.2 Corinthians 4:13
Don't call game before God blows the whistleDo not declare your situation over or hopeless; God decides when the game is finished once He has fully conformed you to Christ.
Learning to hold earthly things looselyWhen expectations and worldly plans fade, holding things loosely protects our joy and keeps our eyes fixed on eternity.
Do not pass judgment before the timeWe must avoid judging God's faithfulness or fairness in our trials, remembering that God has never failed anyone who trusted Him.1 Corinthians 4:5
Learning from the Israelites in the wildernessUnlike the complaining multitude who died in the wilderness, Joshua and Caleb trusted God's promise despite seeing giants.
Prioritizing the spiritual over physical healthJust as a cancer in the body is more serious than a leaking roof on a house, the health of the soul matters infinitely more than physical healing.
Failure is not the final destinationIf you keep falling into sin, do not give up; God did not save you just to leave you defeated by it.
God's ultimate destination for every believerGod works all things together for good to conform us strictly into the image of His Son Jesus.Romans 8:29
Confident that He will finish the workGod who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus, because He who calls you is faithful.
Receiving the supernatural spirit of faithWe cannot manufacture genuine faith on our own; we must cry out for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit to supply the spirit of faith.
