The Holy Spirit Frees Us From Being Orphans — Zac Poonen — October 5, 2022
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/the-holy-spirit-frees-us-from-being-orphans River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
Jesus' words in John 14 emphasize that true love for Him is demonstrated by keeping His commandments, which requires diligent study of scripture. When believers realize the impossibility of keeping these high standards through sheer willpower, they must turn to the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promises as a Helper. This need for help, rather than seeking mere supernatural experiences, is the true sign of a heart desiring to obey Christ.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
If you love me, keep my commandmentsJesus states that loving him requires keeping his commandments, which means we must diligently read scripture daily to know what those commands are.John 14:15
The high standard of Christ's commandsThe commands of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount far exceed the Old Testament standard, making them impossible to obey in human strength alone.
Asking for the helper when we failWhen we sincerely try to obey Jesus and fail, we reach the point of desperation where we ask the Father for the Holy Spirit as our helper.John 14:16
Recognizing pride and taking the humble placeDiscussions of greatness among the disciples show they lacked the Spirit, and scripture warns that God keeps the proud far away while drawing near to the humble.
I will not leave you as orphansJesus promised not to leave his disciples as orphans, comforting them with the promise that the Holy Spirit would come and dwell within them.John 14:18
Characteristics of an orphan ChristianOrphans are possessive, exclusive, and anxious because they lack a father, which mirrors believers who rely on themselves rather than God.
God will supply all your needBeing filled with the Holy Spirit brings the realization that our heavenly Father guarantees the supply of all our daily needs, removing anxiety.
Crying out Abba, FatherThe primary evidence of the Holy Spirit's indwelling is that he causes us to cry out to God as Daddy, Father, proving we are no longer orphans.
Praying to be seen by menJesus warned against praying like the Pharisees to impress others, a habit that reveals lingering orphan tendencies.Matthew 6:5
Being continuously filled with the Holy SpiritBelievers should constantly seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit so God can increase their spiritual capacity from a cup to a well and rivers.Ephesians 5:18
Living like an orphan is an insult to GodDoubt and anxiety insult our heavenly Father just as it would insult a parent if their children doubted their provision.
Receiving God's grace in sicknessPaul and Timothy experienced unhealed sicknesses, yet they did not become insecure because God gave them sufficient grace instead.
Having scriptural answers for every problemJust as Jesus used scripture to overcome temptation, the Bible contains the answers we need for every problem we face in life.
Humble yourself to experience God's presenceIf we lack the conscious presence of God, it is due to pride keeping him at a distance, and we must humble ourselves to receive his abundant grace.Psalm 138:6
