Through Many Trials We Enter God’s Kingdom - Right Now — Zac Poonen — March 1, 2023
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/through-many-trials-enter-gods-kingdom-right-now River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that the ultimate purpose of gathering in a Christian meeting is not to receive words according to personal need, but rather to experience the manifest presence of Jesus Christ. The speaker emphasizes that Christian growth involves constantly taking sides with the Holy Spirit against the self-life (flesh). He warns against seeking personal honor in ministry, urging believers instead to focus on allowing Christ to be manifest through them.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What is the ultimate purpose of every church meeting?God leaves our flesh within us after we are born again so that we learn to take sides with the Holy Spirit against our self-life.
When does a meeting accomplish God's true purpose?Drawing from 1 Corinthians 14, the ultimate goal of gathering is that an outsider can fall down and declare that God is truly among the believers.
Avoiding the sin of seeking personal honor in ministryPreachers and believers alike must abandon any desire to draw attention or admiration to themselves, seeking only to manifest Christ.
Learning from the road to EmmausJust as Jesus walked and opened the scriptures to the disciples until their hearts burned within them, we must approach God expecting Him to speak to us directly.
Coming to God with faith that He is a rewarderTrue faith believes that God exists and actively rewards those who diligently seek Him for personal transformation rather than messages for others.
The early Christians never expected comfort and easeUnlike modern believers spoiled by luxury, the early church faced severe persecution, rejection, and stoning for the sake of the gospel.
Strengthening disciples through trials and tribulationsPaul encouraged believers not with promises of worldly success, but by teaching that through many trials we must enter the kingdom of God.
There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of GodGod's goal through trial is to bring us into an inner daily rest of the spirit, warning us through the example of the Israelites not to fall short of it.Hebrews 4:9
Defining the kingdom of God in the New TestamentThe kingdom of God is not physical comfort or an afterlife destination, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit right now.Romans 14:17
Pursuing total righteousness in everyday lifeEntering the kingdom requires an unwavering commitment to absolute righteousness in our speech, attitudes, and dealings, regardless of personal cost.
Allowing peace to act as the referee in our heartWhen we lose our inner peace during the day, it is a foul signaled by the referee because we are seeking Christ plus something else.Colossians 3:15
Rejoicing in the Lord twenty-four hours a day, seven days a weekTrue joy is found exclusively in the Lord rather than earthly circumstances, requiring us to eliminate anything that competes with Him for our joy.Philippians 4:4
