January 8 | Daily Devotion | God Has Much More For Those Who Accept His Lordship | Zac Poonen

Zac PoonenJanuary 7, 202412mWatch on YouTube

CFC Daily Devotions - Zac Poonen Excerpt from the message: God Has Much More for His Children - Zac Poonen To listen to the complete message click here : https://cfcindia.com/sermon/god-has-much-more-for-his-children-zac-poonen Visit our website for more information: https://www.cfcindia.com

Summary

The speaker emphasizes that true knowledge of God's love comes not from quoting scripture, but from the spontaneous, trusting reliance of a child on a father. He interprets John 17:23 to mean that God's deepest love is reserved for those who are utterly obedient disciples, like the eleven apostles. This obedience involves following Christ's direction, whether it means giving up a sin or fulfilling a specific command, and those who are in this group are promised blessings far exceeding worldly provision.

Outline

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

Turning to our Father like a childBelievers should spontaneously turn to their heavenly Father in tough situations just as a child turns to a dad, resting in the absolute confidence of His care.

The central verse of the BibleThe speaker shares that John 17:23 became more precious to him than John 3:16, because it reveals that the Father loves believers just as equally as He loved Jesus.John 17:23

Quoting verses versus knowing God's loveMerely holding a birth certificate or quoting proof-texts during trials is not the same as a genuine, child-like relationship that truly knows a father's love.

Defining who 'them' refers toLooking closely at John 17, Jesus is not praying for the whole world in verse 9, but specifically for the 11 disciples sitting with Him at the Last Supper.John 17:23

Can we join that group?A believer can be included in that privileged group if they are willing to follow and obey whenever the Lord calls them to do something.

Obedience in daily lifeTotal obedience means submitting to Jesus's authority in practical matters, whether that involves leaving a profession if called, paying debts, or abandoning specific sins.

Fooling ourselves with God's mercyMany Christians take advantage of God's mercy assuming they can slip up without consequence, but those who refuse to truly obey cannot claim the promise of John 17:23.John 17:23

Much more blessings in the New CovenantThe New Covenant contains many more blessings than the old, often highlighted by Jesus using the phrase 'much more'.

Consider the birds of the airIn Matthew 6, Jesus points out that heavenly Father feeds the birds, and asks if humans—who face anxieties about food and clothing—are not worth much more than them.Matthew 6:26

Clothed much more than the grassJesus uses the grass and flowers of the field to reassure believers that God will clothe and provide for their basic physical needs much more.

Willingness over perfectionGod does not demand flawless execution or skill from the start; He looks for a heart that is totally willing to obey Him in all things.

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CFC Daily Devotions

January 8 | Daily Devotion | God Has Much More For Those Who Accept His Lordship | Zac Poonen

Zac Poonen · January 7, 2024 · 12m

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