Zac Poonen - God Works In His Time - NCCF - September 9, 2012
Spoken by Zac Poonen at New Covenant Christian Fellowship (newcovenantcf.com) on September 9, 2012
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that a child's first impression of God comes from the atmosphere and behavior modeled by their parents. He draws parallels between this and the need for believers to constantly point others to Christ, rather than just educating them. Ultimately, he stresses that humility and recognizing our own need for God's grace, rather than comparing ourselves to others, is the most crucial aspect of spiritual growth and parenting.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Show us the FatherJust as Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father, every child has an unspoken cry for their parents to show them what God is like through their love and behavior.John 14:8
The danger of expert parenting booksPoonen cautions against relying on Christian psychology or self-proclaimed experts, pointing out how little the New Testament actually says about raising children.
A humble approach to parentingPaul and Peter give brief instructions to parents in the epistles, reminding us that both husband and wife must remain needy and prayerful before God.Ephesians 6:4
Prayer for baby EeveeThe congregation gathers to pray over and dedicate the child Eevee to the Lord, asking for wisdom for her parents and a godly example from the church.
Abraham and IshmaelAbraham tried to help God out by having a son through Hagar at age 86, but God waited another thirteen years until Abraham's own body was as good as dead.
Israel in the wildernessGod made Israel wait forty years in the wilderness until the entire generation of self-reliant fighting men perished before entering the promised land.Deuteronomy 2:14
Apart from Me you can do nothingJesus teaches that any work done apart from absolute dependence on Him amounts to zero and will be exposed as wood, hay, and straw at the judgment seat.John 15:5
Jehoshaphat's prayer of helplessnessFacing a great multitude, King Jehoshaphat confessed his powerlessness and lack of wisdom, declaring that their eyes were fixed solely on God.
Running out of wine at CanaAt the wedding in Cana, Jesus waited for the wine to completely run out so that people would acknowledge their need and obey whatever He told them to do.
Jesus waiting in the death of LazarusJesus intentionally delayed His coming when Lazarus was sick, waiting until Lazarus was dead for four days so they would see the glory of God.John 11:2–6
Mary and MarthaJesus told Martha that only one thing is needful, praising Mary for choosing to sit at His feet and listen rather than being overly busy with many things.
Cleansing the templeWhen Jesus drove the merchants out of the temple, He rejected the spirit of commercial profit, showing that the church must not be run like a business for money or honor.
Christ loved the church and gave Himself for itBuilding a true church requires the spirit of sacrifice demonstrated by Christ, where believers seek to give rather than get.Ephesians 5:25
Giving secretly and anointing JesusPoonen highlights the poor widow's offering and Mary pouring costly perfume on Jesus, defending the priority of investing resources into the body of Christ.Mark 12:41–44
