Discerning the Signs of the Times
Zac Poonen teaches that discerning the signs of the times requires a spirit of thankfulness, humility, and a genuine love for the truth to avoid deception in the last days.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of being grateful, especially in difficult times, and warns against the dangers of ingratitude leading to backsliding. It highlights the need to give thanks in all situations, discern the signs of the times, and avoid falling into the traps of loving money, pleasure, and self. The message encourages enduring in love to be saved amidst the increasing lawlessness and challenges of the last days.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The importance of thankfulness in Christian life
- Ungratefulness as the first step to backsliding
- Developing a spirit of thankfulness daily
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II
- Discerning the signs of the times beyond intellectual knowledge
- Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees for not discerning the times
- Spiritual discernment requires a sensitive conscience
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III
- The primary sign of the last days is widespread deception
- Jesus warns against false prophets and false signs
- The coming of Christ will be visible to all, not secret
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IV
- How to escape deception according to 2 Thessalonians 2
- God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble
- Loving the truth and desiring salvation from sin are essential
Key Quotes
“The first step downwards in backsliding is an ungrateful heart, not thankful for whatever God has given.” — Zac Poonen
“Discerning is in your spirit. In the heart, I sense something which is beyond what my mind tells me.” — Zac Poonen
“God resists the proud, but he gives grace to the humble.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Cultivate a daily habit of thankfulness to God for all He has provided.
- Keep your conscience sensitive by confessing sin and seeking forgiveness promptly.
- Be humble and love the truth even when it challenges your previous beliefs or church teachings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first step to backsliding according to Zac Poonen?
The first step to backsliding is an ungrateful heart, failing to give thanks to God for what He has given.
How does Zac Poonen define discerning the signs of the times?
Discerning the signs of the times is a spiritual sensitivity that goes beyond intellectual knowledge, involving a sensitive conscience and a spirit-led understanding.
What is the primary sign of the last days Jesus mentions?
The primary sign of the last days is widespread deception, especially within Christendom, including false prophets and misleading teachings.
How can believers escape deception in the last days?
Believers can escape deception by loving the truth, having a desire to be saved from sin, maintaining humility, and keeping a sensitive conscience.
Why does God allow some people to be deceived?
God allows deception on those who do not love the truth and do not desire salvation from sin, as a consequence of their pride and rejection of God's grace.