Power From On High - Part 4
Joshua Daniel passionately teaches that true power from on high comes through humility, zeal for God, and trusting in His provision rather than worldly comforts or beggarly spirits.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility, devotion, sacrifice, and zeal in our walk with God. It warns against being flattered by worldly comforts and idols, such as money and convenience, and challenges believers to trust in God's provision without a beggarly spirit. The message encourages a deep faith in God's abundant resources and a zealous pursuit of pleasing Him, drawing inspiration from the example of Phinehas in Numbers 25:10-11.
Full Transcript
How I wish I could sit at the feet of saints. Yes, that was the kind of learning spirit of humility that characterized us before. But some of you have such small minds.
A few small schools and a few small facilities. And already you are flattered to the limits. How sad.
And here was Elijah. A man of such devotion and sacrifice. For a weak moment he was settling on his lease, on his laurels.
And even narrating it to God. But, God met him. Twice over.
What doest thou here? O Elijah! What doest thou here? You know, the devil is showing many people the broad way. Comfort and convenience have become big idols today. And big pay scales and paychecks have become very alluring to many young people.
I never drew a paycheck. I have banked in the greatest bank. The greatest, the bank of heaven.
The DDs are the bankers' checks that I get. From my bank. Are so open.
You can fill in anything by faith. My dear friends. The bank of heaven does not suffer from devaluation.
Or an economic downturn. And when I see a beggarly spirit amongst Christians. And the first question arising in their hearts.
Where will we find the money? What a shocking thing. You mean to say, you will stand before the throne of God. And say, Lord, where am I going to find the money? Where am I going to find the pennies? You want to insult God that way? But that's exactly what I see people doing.
How sad. My dear people. What is your testimony? Are you jealous? Are you zealous? Oh God.
Have you got that feeling in your heart? Hey, God's not getting a good deal at all. I don't understand why we feel so satisfied. Now, in the word of God.
We are taken to people who exhibited great zeal and pleased God. If you look at Numbers chapter 25. 10 and 11.
And the Lord spoke unto Moses. Saying, My Phinehas, the son of Eliezer, the son of Aaron, the priest, has turned my wrath away from the children of Israel. Because, while he was zealous for my sake.
That I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy. You know, when the people of Israel were humbling themselves. Because there had come compromise into their midst.
What was this compromise against which they had been warned? Don't be wrong. Turn back to their God.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The danger of small-mindedness and worldly flattery
- Elijah's example of devotion and God's intervention
- The idols of comfort, convenience, and money in modern life
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II
- Trusting in the bank of heaven over earthly paychecks
- Rejecting the beggarly spirit and trusting God's provision
- The importance of faith in God's abundant resources
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III
- The call to zeal and jealousy for God's glory
- Phinehas as a model of zeal turning away God's wrath
- Avoiding compromise and humbling ourselves before God
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IV
- Examining personal testimony and zeal for God
- The consequences of spiritual complacency
- Encouragement to pursue God wholeheartedly
Key Quotes
“The bank of heaven does not suffer from devaluation or an economic downturn.” — Joshua Daniel
“Where will we find the money? You want to insult God that way? But that's exactly what I see people doing.” — Joshua Daniel
“My Phinehas... has turned my wrath away from the children of Israel because he was zealous for my sake.” — Joshua Daniel
Application Points
- Reject worldly idols such as comfort and money to deepen your faith in God.
- Cultivate a zealous heart that seeks to please God above all else.
- Trust confidently in God's provision rather than worrying about material needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'bank of heaven' refer to?
The 'bank of heaven' symbolizes God's unlimited provision and blessings that believers can access through faith, rather than relying on earthly resources.
Why is zeal important in the Christian walk?
Zeal reflects passionate devotion and commitment to God, which pleases Him and helps believers avoid compromise and spiritual complacency.
What is meant by a 'beggarly spirit'?
A 'beggarly spirit' is a mindset of scarcity and doubt about God's provision, causing believers to worry about material needs instead of trusting God fully.
How does Elijah's story relate to this sermon?
Elijah's example shows that even great servants of God can struggle, but God meets and strengthens them, calling believers to humility and renewed devotion.
What warning does the sermon give about worldly comforts?
The sermon warns that comfort, convenience, and money can become idols that distract believers from wholehearted faith and zeal for God.