The Law Of The Spirit_3.The Law Of Giving by Zac Poonen
Three Important Laws
Summary
The speaker discusses the Law of the Spirit, emphasizing that true spiritual life comes from within, not just external observance. He cautions against seeking the Holy Spirit merely for personal gain, stressing that the Spirit must flow through us rather than just being drunk. The talk concludes by exploring the nature of prayer, arguing that it is often illogical and that persistent, simple prayer, as exemplified by Jesus and George Müller, is key to receiving God's gifts.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Rivers of living waterJesus proclaimed that those who believe in Him will have rivers of living water flowing from their innermost being, referring to the Holy Spirit.John 7:37–39
Seeking the Holy Spirit for ourselvesMany believers seek the power of the Holy Spirit for themselves rather than letting it flow through them to bless others, leading to stagnation.
Asking the Heavenly Father for the SpiritIn Luke, Jesus teaches that the heavenly father will give the Holy Spirit to His children who ask Him, just as Jesus Himself prayed and received the Spirit at His baptism.Luke 11:13
The parable of the persistent friendJesus told a parable about a man asking his neighbor for bread at midnight to feed a needy visitor, illustrating persistent prayer for the sake of others.
Two parables on prayerWhile the parable of the persistent widow deals with regaining what Satan has stolen from our personal lives, the parable of the midnight friend deals with ministering to the needy.
Taking sin seriously for victoryMany Christians fail to gain victory over sin because they take it casually and do not weep over their failures like those who cry out to God day and night.Romans 6:14
The law of givingJust as the Israelites' greed caused extra manna to stink, keeping God's blessings to ourselves leads to spiritual staleness; we must give to receive more blessing.
Giving and forgiving othersJesus taught generous giving and warned that our heavenly father will not forgive us if we refuse to freely forgive others who have sinned against us.
Treating others and family rightlyScripture warns that how we treat others—including our spouses and laborers—directly impacts our fellowship and ability to get through to God in prayer.
Christ never pleased HimselfThe spirit of Christ is totally unselfish, motivated by a desire to bring others into the glory and joy that He enjoyed with the Father.
Our time is no longer our ownBeing filled with the Spirit means sacrificing our own programs, comfort, and time to serve every person God brings across our path.
An unregretted life laid on the altarPoonen invites listeners to lay everything on the altar, abandoning selfish ambitions to live a life entirely available to God and a blessing to others.
