Power From On High - Part 5
Joshua Daniel challenges believers to maintain a humble, zealous pursuit of Jesus, warning against pride, complacency, and the lure of worldly comforts.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking Jesus and maintaining a learning spirit of humility, contrasting it with the dangers of pride and complacency. It highlights the story of Elijah's moment of weakness and God's intervention, warning against the allure of comfort, convenience, and materialism. The speaker shares personal experiences of relying on the 'bank of heaven' for provision and challenges listeners to prioritize spiritual zeal over worldly concerns.
Full Transcript
Seeking Jesus. That was the essence of this fellowship. And we have never looked back or leaned on past experience.
You know, but there are so many new people. And, you know, they want training in our Bible school. And some who have trained, feel, I am trained.
My dear friends, my father used to say, even at the height of his experience, 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 mind.
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. Twice. Oh 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 pay. 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.
The Lord said, My Phinehas, the son of Eliezer, the son of Aaron, the priestess, turned my wrath away from the children of Israel. My Phinehas, the son of Aaron, the priestess, turned my wrath away from the children of Israel.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- The importance of seeking Jesus with a humble heart
- The danger of relying on past experience and pride
- The example of Elijah's moment of weakness
-
II
- The allure of comfort, convenience, and materialism
- The 'bank of heaven' as a source of divine provision
- Warning against a beggarly spirit among believers
-
III
- The call to spiritual zeal and jealousy for God's glory
- Examples from Scripture of those who pleased God through zeal
- Phinehas turning away God's wrath as a model
Key Quotes
“Seeking Jesus. That was the essence of this fellowship. And we have never looked back or leaned on past experience.” — Joshua Daniel
“The devil is showing many people the broad way. Comfort and convenience have become big idols today.” — Joshua Daniel
“I never drew a paycheck. I have banked in the greatest bank. The greatest, the bank of heaven.” — Joshua Daniel
Application Points
- Approach your walk with God daily with humility and a willingness to learn.
- Resist the temptation of comfort and materialism that can lead to spiritual complacency.
- Trust fully in God's provision rather than worrying about earthly resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to seek Jesus with humility?
Seeking Jesus with humility means approaching Him with a teachable spirit, recognizing our need for continual growth and dependence on God rather than relying on past achievements.
Why is complacency dangerous for believers?
Complacency leads to spiritual stagnation, pride, and an attraction to worldly comforts that can distract believers from their calling and zeal for God.
What is the 'bank of heaven'?
The 'bank of heaven' is a metaphor for God's unlimited provision and faithfulness to supply the needs of His people beyond earthly resources.
How can believers maintain spiritual zeal?
Believers can maintain spiritual zeal by cultivating a passionate love for God, staying humble, and prioritizing God's kingdom over material concerns.
Who was Phinehas and why is he mentioned?
Phinehas was a priest in the Old Testament who zealously turned away God's wrath from Israel, serving as an example of righteous zeal pleasing to God.