Zac Poonen - The Way To Growth In Christlikeness - 5

Zac PoonenJune 15, 202056mWatch on YouTube

Also in

Speaker: Zac Poonen Title: The Way To Growth In Christlikeness - 5 Date: June 14, 2020 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

The central message is that true growth in Christlikeness requires moving beyond merely adhering to external religious rules, which is insufficient. True righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees by addressing the inner life—thoughts, attitudes, and motives—rather than just visible actions. The speaker emphasizes that the root of sin, such as murder, is internal anger, and true obedience means cleansing the heart from anger, which is the foundation for a life built on Christ.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

What does it mean for our righteousness to exceed the Pharisees?Jesus explains that true righteousness is not about cleaning the outside like the Pharisees, but focusing on hidden thoughts, private attitudes, and inner motives that only God sees.

Dealing with anger in the heartJesus reveals that murder stems from anger, and harboring anger in the heart is a serious sin that carries severe spiritual consequences.

Distinguishing between righteous and sinful angerBelievers must learn from Jesus when anger is appropriate, such as defending God's glory, versus when it is sinful, such as defending one's own ego.Ephesians 4:26

Reconciliation before worshipJesus commands believers to stop their worship and immediately go make amends with anyone they have offended before offering gifts to God.Matthew 5:23

The danger of lusting after womenJust as legitimate sex belongs within marriage, lusting after another person in the heart constitutes adultery according to Christ's high standard.

Cutting off the causes of stumblingJesus uses strong imagery about removing eyes and hands that cause stumbling, which practically means turning away immediately and fleeing from temptation.

Fleeing from youthful lustsWhile believers are told to stand and resist the devil, Scripture specifically commands us to run away from sexual immorality.1 Corinthians 6:18

Purifying a polluted thought lifePast exposure to mental pollution leaves residue, but continually pouring the pure Word of God into the mind over time washes it clean.

Jesus' teaching on the strictness of marriageJesus states that divorcing and remarrying outside of biblical grounds is considered adultery, reflecting God's original intent for lifelong union.

Understanding the heart of GodLooking past scholarly debates and excuses, God clearly states through the prophets that He hates divorce.Malachi 2:16

Paul's instruction on remaining unmarried or reconciledPaul instructs believers not to leave their spouses, and if a separation occurs, they should remain unmarried or be reconciled.1 Corinthians 7:10

Balancing mercy and church leadership standardsWhile God fully forgives divorced and remarried believers, church leaders and deacons must maintain the high standard of being the husband of one wife.

Related messages

Back to the catalog

NCCF Church

Zac Poonen - The Way To Growth In Christlikeness - 5

Zac Poonen · June 15, 2020 · 56m

Freedom from sin Victory