CFC Daily Devotions - Zac Poonen
Excerpt from the message: Dangers Of Wealth And Comfort - Zac Poonen
To listen to the complete message click here : https://www.cfcindia.com/sermon/dangers-of-wealth-and-comfort
Visit our website for more information: https://www.cfcindia.com
Summary
Love of money causes spiritual blindness and leads to compromise of spiritual principles. The sermon uses the example of Balaam, who was willing to curse God's people for financial gain despite clear direction from the Lord, illustrating how wealth and comfort can corrupt even those who claim to hear from God. The key warning is that those who love money will miss spiritual truths and God's guidance that others, even the humble and simple, can perceive.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Taking heed lest we fallThe speaker cautions that when comfort and wealth come in, believers must be careful not to fall into secret sins while maintaining an outward appearance of faith.
Balaam and the messengers of BalakKing Balak of Moab sends elders with fees for divination to the prophet Balaam, asking him to curse the advancing army of Israel.Numbers 22:7
Seeking God's initial refusalBalaam tells the messengers he must seek Jehovah, and God explicitly tells Balaam not to go with them because the people of Israel are blessed.
The second offer and Balaam's apparent spiritualityThe king sends more distinguished officials with more money, and Balaam responds with spiritual-sounding language while intending to consult God again.
God says 'go' to a heart set on moneyGod tells Balaam to go with them because He knows the prophet's heart loves money, just as He permits modern preachers to chase after worldly gain.
Leanness in the soulReferring to Psalm 106, the speaker explains that when people intensely crave things against God's will and pester Him, He may grant their request but send leanness into their souls.Psalm 106:14
Mistaking stubbornness for God's leadingPestering God for something you know He opposes is not true divine guidance; it is simply God allowing you to follow your own desires.
God's anger despite permissionGod was angry that Balaam went even though He gave him permission, demonstrating that human persistence can lead God to say yes while His judgment rests upon the action.Numbers 22:22
The donkey sees the angelAn angel of the Lord stands in the way to stop Balaam, but only the donkey can see the angel, leading to the donkey speaking and Balaam growing frustrated.
Money blinds the cleverBalaam could not see the angel because he loved money, whereas a simple or despised person who does not love money will perceive God in ways the clever and capable miss.
CFC Daily Devotions - Zac Poonen
Excerpt from the message: Dangers Of Wealth And Comfort - Zac Poonen
To listen to the complete message click here : https://www.cfcindia.com/sermon/dangers-of-wealth-and-comfort
Visit our website for more information: https://www.cfcindia.com
Summary
Love of money causes spiritual blindness and leads to compromise of spiritual principles. The sermon uses the example of Balaam, who was willing to curse God's people for financial gain despite clear direction from the Lord, illustrating how wealth and comfort can corrupt even those who claim to hear from God. The key warning is that those who love money will miss spiritual truths and God's guidance that others, even the humble and simple, can perceive.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Taking heed lest we fallThe speaker cautions that when comfort and wealth come in, believers must be careful not to fall into secret sins while maintaining an outward appearance of faith.
Balaam and the messengers of BalakKing Balak of Moab sends elders with fees for divination to the prophet Balaam, asking him to curse the advancing army of Israel.Numbers 22:7
Seeking God's initial refusalBalaam tells the messengers he must seek Jehovah, and God explicitly tells Balaam not to go with them because the people of Israel are blessed.
The second offer and Balaam's apparent spiritualityThe king sends more distinguished officials with more money, and Balaam responds with spiritual-sounding language while intending to consult God again.
God says 'go' to a heart set on moneyGod tells Balaam to go with them because He knows the prophet's heart loves money, just as He permits modern preachers to chase after worldly gain.
Leanness in the soulReferring to Psalm 106, the speaker explains that when people intensely crave things against God's will and pester Him, He may grant their request but send leanness into their souls.Psalm 106:14
Mistaking stubbornness for God's leadingPestering God for something you know He opposes is not true divine guidance; it is simply God allowing you to follow your own desires.
God's anger despite permissionGod was angry that Balaam went even though He gave him permission, demonstrating that human persistence can lead God to say yes while His judgment rests upon the action.Numbers 22:22
The donkey sees the angelAn angel of the Lord stands in the way to stop Balaam, but only the donkey can see the angel, leading to the donkey speaking and Balaam growing frustrated.
Money blinds the cleverBalaam could not see the angel because he loved money, whereas a simple or despised person who does not love money will perceive God in ways the clever and capable miss.
