The Comfort of the Shepherd's Rod and Staff -- Santosh Poonen -- June 30, 2024
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/the-comfort-of-the-shepherds-rod-and-staff River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that the key to the Christian life is to come to a joyful love for Jesus, which is facilitated by the Holy Spirit. The speaker compares this process to learning an instrument from a passionate teacher, emphasizing that the goal is to love the subject rather than just perform well. The Holy Spirit's role is to teach us about Jesus so that loving Him becomes the most enjoyable and exciting pursuit, making obedience a source of joy rather than a burden.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Following Jesus as the Light of the WorldJesus is the light of the world, and coming near to Him brings the light of life into our thoughts, love, joy, and peace.John 8:12
Teachers Who Pass on PassionJust as the best teachers pass on a contagious love for their subject rather than focusing only on rules, the Holy Spirit teaches us to truly love Jesus.
The Holy Spirit as the Greatest TeacherThe Holy Spirit has the sole mission of glorifying Jesus and making Him so wonderful in our eyes that obeying His commands becomes an enjoyable response of love.
A Hope That Does Not DisappointChristianity results in ongoing disappointment when the Holy Spirit is not actively shedding the love of God abroad in our hearts.Romans 5:5
Experiencing Jesus in Psalm 23Jesus leads His people into green pastures, quiet waters, and paths of righteousness, removing all fear even in the shadow of death.
Four Ways the Rod and Staff Comfort UsThe speaker introduces four specific ways the shepherd's rod and staff bring comfort to believers facing spiritual enemies and daily struggles.
God Makes It Personal When Enemies TauntWhen the flesh and the devil accuse and taunt believers, God takes it personally because we are the apple of His eye, just as He defended Judah against Sennacherib.
God Brings Fruit Out of Secret LifeJust as Aaron's rod budded in the darkness of the Ark, God brings forth lasting spiritual fruit when we are content to live and serve in secret before Him.Numbers 17:5
God Disciplines Out of Deep LoveGod uses His rod to discipline His children out of love, turning correction into a source of happiness and deep blessing rather than discouragement.
God Carries and Defends Until the EndThe Good Shepherd promises to gather His lambs, bear them through old age, and fight every battle on their behalf.
The Severity and Kindness of GodDrawing from Micah, Poonen highlights that even when God disciplines us for sin, He ultimately acts as our defense attorney to plead our case and bring us into the light.Micah 7:7
