4th February 2018 - Dangers Of Wealth And Comfort - Zac Poonen
Dangers Of Wealth And Comfort
Summary
The sermon, though largely punctuated by music and prayer, draws on scripture to emphasize God's power to renew the spirit and forgive sins. It centers on the themes of salvation through Christ's sacrifice and the ongoing need for God's grace and perseverance to endure to the end. The message encourages the congregation to worship God for His mercy and strength.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Welcome and opening songThe speaker welcomes the congregation and invites everyone to stand for the first song of worship.
Singing of the Savior's gloryThe congregation sings about Jesus leaving the glories of heaven to come to Calvary.
Opening prayer and reading of God's graceThe speaker invites the congregation to bow their heads in prayer and reads about how God made us alive in Christ by forgiving all our transgressions.
A prayer of thanksgivingThe speaker begins with a prayer thanking God for His mercy, His power, and the gift of the Holy Spirit who comforts and strengthens believers.
Finding perseverance in ScriptureUsing Romans 15, the speaker explains that God provides perseverance and encouragement through the study of the Old Testament scriptures.Romans 15:5–6
The danger of prosperity and prideThe speaker warns that wealth and comfort can lead to spiritual blindness and pride, especially when one forgets the sinful life God delivered them from.
The responsibility of parents in spiritual upbringingParents must take full responsibility for their children's spiritual state rather than blaming the world or bad influences.Proverbs 22:6
The temptation of wealth and the danger of forgetting GodUsing Deuteronomy as an example, the speaker warns that prosperity can lead people to credit their own intelligence for wealth and eventually worship money and comfort.
The search for one person who will not compromiseGod searches for individuals who will stand in the gap and seek truth without compromise to prevent judgment upon a nation or church.
The importance of standing for the LordReflecting on the Levites in the Old Covenant, the speaker notes that their priesthood was a reward for choosing God's side during a time of crisis and idolatry.
The peril of comfort after struggleUsing Noah's life as an example, the speaker shows how Noah remained faithful during persecution but fell into drunkenness once he achieved peace and prosperity.
The descent into sin through wealthThe speaker examines David's adultery and cover-up as a warning of how a man of God can descend into wickedness when he stops being in the place of struggle.
A warning against pestering God for what He does not wantUsing the Israelites in the wilderness as an example, the speaker explains that when we intensely crave things God hasn't promised, even if He grants the request because we persist, our souls become withered.
How loving money blinds us to God's visionReflecting on the story of Balaam, the speaker notes that a person who loves money loses the ability to see what God is doing, whereas even an animal can see God's messengers if it lacks greed.Numbers 22:22–261 Corinthians 10:31
The ultimate desire: loving God above all elseThe speaker concludes by sharing a personal devotion from Psalm 73, expressing that nothing on earth or in heaven is desired more than the presence of the Lord.
