Abraham: The Man Who Worshipped God | New Covenant Men in the Old Testament | Zac Poonen
(RLCF Conference 2020) Series: New Covenant Men in the Old Testament 2.Abraham: The Man Who Worshipped God - Zac Poonen Visit our website for more information: www.cfcindia.com
Summary
The central message is that believers are called to be witnesses not only to people but also to Satan, demonstrating God's wisdom in all aspects of life. This witness must be evident in private actions, such as how one handles money or sin when no one is watching. Ultimately, the goal is to seek the affirmation of God, desiring to be called God's friend and servant, as exemplified by Abraham.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What does it mean to be a witness to the heavenly authorities?Ephesians 3:10 teaches that God's manifold wisdom is to be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in heavenly places, meaning we are called to be a witness to Satan and demonic spirits.Ephesians 3:10
Having the ambition to be pleasing to GodThe apostle Paul stated that his primary ambition in life, whether at home or absent from home, was to be pleasing to God, unlike selfish believers who seek to please people.
You cannot be a servant of Christ if you seek to please menGalatians 1:10 makes it clear that seeking to please men is entirely incompatible with being a true servant of Christ.Galatians 1:10
The first test of discipleship: breaking away from familyGod called Abraham to leave his country, relatives, and father's house, which serves as the foundational test of discipleship found also in Jesus' words in Luke.Genesis 12:1
Abraham's initial failure and how God intervenedAbraham failed the full test at first by taking his father Terah and nephew Lot along with him, leading them to get stuck in Haran until God intervened.
The example of the tribe of LeviThe tribe of Levi was chosen for the priesthood because they stood on the Lord's side during the golden calf incident and refused to put family ties above God's covenant.
The second condition of discipleship: giving up possessionsJesus taught in Luke 14:33 that a disciple must give up all possessions, a principle demonstrated when Abraham allowed Lot to choose the best land first.Luke 14:33
Rescuing Lot and refusing the king of Sodom's rewardAbraham rescued his captured nephew Lot with a small group of servants, and afterwards refused to take even a shoelace from the king of Sodom so that God alone would get the credit for making him rich.
Carrying your cross as the third condition of discipleshipJesus stated that carrying your cross means putting the self-life to death, which is mirrored in Abraham's ultimate test of offering his son Isaac.Luke 14:27
The true meaning of worshipThe first mention of worship in the Bible is seen when Abraham went to offer his best on the altar, aligning with Romans 12:1 about presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice.
Justified by works and receiving the blessing of AbrahamJames explains that Abraham was justified by works when he offered Isaac, and Galatians links this faith-produced obedience to receiving the promised blessing of the Holy Spirit.James 2:21
