Zac Poonen - A God Who Encourages Us

Zac PoonenMay 9, 20171h 9mWatch on YouTube

In this collectionZac Poonen379 messages

Speaker: Zac Poonen Title: A God Who Encourages Us Date: 05-07-2017 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

The central message is that Christians should reflect Jesus by embodying the spirit of a father rather than merely being teachers. This involves correcting others with restoration and grace, rather than shaming them. Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes that understanding God as a God of encouragement, rather than condemnation, is foundational to a healthy Christian life, impacting relationships at home and in the church.

Outline

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

Fathers versus teachers in the New CovenantPaul contrasts having thousands of teachers with having a father through the gospel, showing that true spiritual leadership builds a family without shaming people.1 Corinthians 4:14

Addressing God as DadThe Spirit within us cries out Abba, which translates to dad, calling us to an intimate relationship from day one of our Christian life.

The God who gives encouragementGod is a God who gives perseverance and encouragement, meaning discouragement and self-condemnation are completely contrary to His will.Romans 15:5

Immediate forgiveness through the blood of JesusJust as Jesus immediately forgave the criminal on the cross, our heavenly father cleanses us instantly when we sincerely turn to Him.Luke 23:41

The great commandment and the root of sinThe greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and sin is simply when something else takes His place.Matthew 22:36

Treating others the way you want to be treatedThe two great commandments go hand in hand, requiring us to love our neighbor and treat everyone else the way we want to be treated.

God treats us the way we treat othersGod mirrors our behavior, showing kindness to the kind and dealing according to our own actions toward our fellow human beings.Psalm 18:25

The danger of the tongue and honoring the image of God in manJames points out the hypocrisy of blessing God while cursing human beings who are made in the likeness and image of God.James 3:9

Quickly getting up and asking forgivenessJust as we quickly get up after tripping on the road, true spirituality is proven by how quickly we humble our pride to apologize when we sin against others.

Do not be anxious for anythingJesus repeatedly commands us not to be anxious, a standard made possible in the New Covenant when we walk closely with Him.Matthew 6:25–34

How God chooses not to remember our sinsGod chooses not to remember our past sins, and He expects us to similarly forgive others while refusing to harbor bitterness.Hebrews 8:12

Joseph's example of caring for the dejectedDespite facing severe trials, Joseph noticed and cared for the dejected cupbearer and baker, demonstrating the proactive compassion God rewards.

The God who comforts the depressedGod uses fellow believers, sometimes even younger ones, to bring comfort and encouragement to us in our times of depression.2 Corinthians 7:6

He who waters others will be watered himselfProverbs teaches that the generous person who refreshes and encourages others will likewise be abundantly watered and blessed by God.Proverbs 11:25

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Zac Poonen - A God Who Encourages Us

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