Commitment To The Local Church - Zac Poonen
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Summary
The speaker emphasizes that true Christian commitment is demonstrated by active participation, not just attendance. Drawing from the analogy of the body, he argues that every member must contribute, warning against spiritual passivity like a paralyzed hand. He concludes by encouraging listeners to assess their contributions, reminding them that God only asks what we are able to do, referencing the woman who poured out the ointment.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why the breaking of bread is a symbol of commitmentThe fundamental problem with many Christians is that they do not read the Bible carefully, which leads to a misunderstanding of practices like the breaking of bread.1 Corinthians 10:15
Partaking in the one bread means being one bodyWhen believers partake of the one bread together, they are testifying that they are one local body committed to this specific fellowship.
The danger of being a paralyzed church memberJust like a paralyzed hand that receives all the benefits and nourishment of the physical body without doing any work, some believers consume everything from the church while doing nothing in return.
The double meaning of the breaking of breadBreaking bread testifies both that we are part of Christ's body that died on the cross and that we are part of the local body built around us.
What have you done for this body?Believers must ask themselves what they have actually contributed to their local church beyond simply showing up to receive nourishment.
Selfishness as the poison injected by SatanSelfishness causes division between husbands and wives and produces problems, whereas Jesus came to put self to death and requires us to deny ourselves daily.
A homework assignment on giving versus receivingBelievers are encouraged to write down everything they and their family have received from the church in one column, and what they have done for the church in the other, to check if they are paralyzed and selfish.
She has done what she couldGod does not ask believers to do what they cannot do, but expects them to follow the example of the woman who poured ointment on Jesus and did what she could.
I will not offer to the Lord that which costs me nothingTrue service to God requires sacrifice, inconvenience, and the giving up of time and sleep, rather than offering something that costs nothing.2 Samuel 24:24
God is never in debt to anyoneThose who willingly suffer inconvenience and serve the body of Christ will be abundantly rewarded by God spiritually, far more than the lazy and paralyzed people.
Would you do it for money?If people would work harder for money at an earthly job than they do for God freely, it raises serious questions about whether they are truly born again.
Where there is life, there is growthJust like a stone underground stays the same size while a tree grows and blesses others, true spiritual life produces growth and service, whereas spiritual death produces stagnation.
Stop sitting like maharajas and maharani'sInstead of acting like entitled family members who let others do all the slogging while they do nothing, every believer can find a practical way to serve.
Starting small with the spirit of a servantPoonen shares how he began his own service by doing simple tasks like serving food at conferences, reminding believers that no service is undignified and that we should have the servant heart of Jesus.
