12th January 2020 - The Root Of Sin & Of Salvation - Zac Poonen
12th Jan 2020 - Christian Fellowship Meeting - Bangalore. For more sermons please visit https://www.cfcindia.com/
Summary
The speaker argues that the root of all sin, tracing it to Ezekiel 28:17, is the phrase, "your heart was lifted up." This desire to exalt oneself and the resulting pride, which often stems from comparison, is the origin of all evil. True spiritual progress requires addressing this internal root of pride, rather than just managing external sinful behaviors.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Opening worship and praiseThe congregation joins in singing hymns of praise to Jesus Christ, focusing on his role as Savior and King.
Continued musical worshipThe congregation continues with songs celebrating the victory of Jesus over death and his presence in the believer's life.
Introduction to the source of sin and salvationThe speaker introduces the central theme regarding the origins of sin and salvation, noting that understanding this reveals a great secret of the Christian life.
The origin of sin in a lifted heartBefore sin existed, everything was perfect, but the root of all evil lies in the five words: 'your heart was lifted up.'Ezekiel 28:17
How beauty and wisdom lead to pridePride arises through comparison when we look at our own beauty, wisdom, or position and find ourselves superior to others.
The humility of Christ as the secret to lifeSalvation is found in having the same attitude as Jesus, who did not cling to His divine equality but chose to humble Himself.
We come into this world with nothingJust as a child shouldn't take toys from another house, we must realize that everything we have is temporarily allowed by God and will be left behind when we die.
The nature of graspingHumans have a natural instinct to grab things like money and property, but the life of faith is characterized by an open palm that holds nothing for itself.
The three steps of Christ's humilityJesus demonstrated ultimate humility by becoming man, taking the status of a slave, and finally being obedient to the point of dying a shameful death on a cross.
Don't explain yourself when people misunderstand youWhen faced with false accusations, it is better to remain quiet and let God be your defender, just as Jesus did on the cross.
God allows the deceived to follow their own pathThose who do not love the truth may be allowed by God to be deceived by false teachings or misunderstandings.2 Thessalonians 2:10–11
The true nature of Christ's humility and gentlenessTrue humility is seen in Jesus forgiving his executioners, while his gentleness was shown by defending the weak and accepting support from women.
God protects those who are in His planJust as Moses' mother protected him from death, God sovereignly protects us because He has a specific plan for our lives that does not depend on our own cleverness.
The danger of lacking humilityDespite his power, education, and strength, Moses could not lead God's people at forty because he lacked the essential quality of humility.
Seeking the fullness of the Holy Spirit through desperate needThe Holy Spirit is received not through our merits or religious efforts like fasting, but when we reach a place of rock-bottom desperation and total dependence on God.
