5.What Brokenness Means - Zac Poonen
The Word For Our Time
Summary
The central message is that true spirituality comes from brokenness, which requires believers to reduce their self-reliance to zero, rather than falling into legalism. Legalism manifests as thinking one is 'somebody' based on adherence to rules or traditions, rather than recognizing oneself as a nobody before God. Genuine faith requires a heart full of love for God, which necessitates shedding self-sufficiency.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The Problem of LegalismMany believers fall into legalism by keeping external religious rules while missing the true fruit of becoming like Christ.
If Anyone Thinks He Is SomebodyPaul warns that thinking we are somebody when we are a nobody is self-deception, which is the core mark of a legalist.
From Loving Self to Loving GodHuman nature is full of self-love, and God must break us and bring us down to zero so our hearts can be filled with love for Him.
Legalistic Standards Versus the HeartLegalists often judge others based on outward traditions and opinions rather than clear commands from Scripture.
A Broken Person Makes No DemandsOne mark of a nobody is that they do not make demands on others out of personal prejudices or opinions.
The Attitude of Seeking to UnderstandFollowing the prayer of Francis of Assisi, we should seek to understand others rather than demand to be understood.
Self-Justification Is an AbominationWhen corrected, arguing to prove we are right is self-justification, which Jesus said is an abomination in the sight of God.Luke 16:15
Jealousy and Seeking ProminencePeople who justify themselves become jealous and disturbed when they are not given prominence or recognition in the church.
The Lesson from Job and His Preacher FriendsJust like Job and his friends who argued about sin and righteousness, we often try to defend ourselves until God confronts us with His majesty.
Job Comes to the Place of Saying I Am NothingAfter hearing God speak of His vast creation, Job finally stopped justifying himself and confessed that he was nothing.Job 40:4
The Church of People Who Repent ConstantlyThe true church consists of righteous people who are continually repenting and walking in ongoing awareness of their own need.
Moving from Chapter 1 Job to Chapter 42 JobBelievers must move past relying on their own uprightness like Job in chapter one, and instead live with their mouths in the dust like Job in chapter forty-two.
