The Way To Growth In Christlikeness | Part-1 | Zac Poonen
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Summary
Spiritual growth in the New Covenant is characterized by a progressive hope of becoming like Jesus, which requires constant self-examination. The sermon defines sin not just as breaking a law or failing to do what is known to be right, but fundamentally as coming short of the glory and standard of Christ's life. True growth demands living by this high standard, even when it means sacrificing worldly gains or compromising in relationships.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The possibility of spiritual growth in the New CovenantUnlike the Old Covenant where people remained static, the New Covenant offers the possibility of continuous spiritual growth and transformation.1 John 3:3
Repentance and the biblical definition of sinTrue salvation requires repentance, which is turning away from sin, but people cannot repent unless they truly understand what sin is.
Sins of commission and sins of omissionScripture defines sin both as breaking known laws and as failing to do what we know is right to do.1 John 3:4
Coming short of the glory of GodThe highest definition of sin is falling short of the glory of God, which is embodied practically in the perfect life and nature of Jesus Christ.Romans 3:23
Exceeding the righteousness of the PhariseesJesus taught that our righteousness must exceed the external and doctrinal righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees by possessing a superior inner quality of life.
The danger of spiritual stagnationJust like an airplane that drops if it stops moving forward, a Christian who is not progressing spiritually is actually going backward.
Inner renewal day by dayThe apostle Paul experienced an inner man being renewed day by day into the likeness of Christ, setting a goal of daily growth for every believer.2 Corinthians 4:16
The path of the righteous like the light of dawnProverbs describes the path of the righteous as starting at birth like the light of dawn and shining increasingly brighter until the full noonday of Christ's return.
Looking unto Jesus as the only guideGod predestined believers to be conformed to the image of His Son, and the Holy Spirit transforms us from one degree of glory to another as we look to Jesus.Romans 8:292 Corinthians 3:18
Quality over quantity in salt and lightIn the context of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus emphasizes the quality of our love, holiness, and witness, warning against losing our spiritual flavor.
Growing in the right attitudes of the BeatitudesSpiritual growth involves growing in the nine right attitudes of the Beatitudes while completely eliminating wrong attitudes.
Poverty of spirit as the master key to the kingdomRemaining poor in spirit opens every door to the treasures of the kingdom of heaven, acknowledging our constant need for God's grace like a beggar at the gate.
Remaining dependent like the branch in the treeApart from abiding in Christ and maintaining perpetual dependence on Him, we can do nothing of eternal value.John 15:5
Mourning over inner sin for true spiritual strengthTrue disciples mourn inwardly over secret bad thoughts, wrong motives, and unchristlike attitudes, and God promises to strengthen those who mourn in this way.
