Zac Poonen - Judging Ourselves Without Condemnation

Zac PoonenJune 16, 202426mWatch on YouTube

In this collectionZac Poonen379 messages

Speaker: Zac Poonen Title: Judging Ourselves Without Condemnation Date: 15/06/2024 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

Zac Poonen teaches that Christians must examine themselves rather than judge others, using the Lord's table as a reminder to crucify our tendency to accuse. He emphasizes that all actions should be done in love, and that love must grow in wisdom—demonstrating practical discernment in relationships, parenting, and church life rather than foolish sentimentality.

Outline

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

Examine yourself, not othersWhen approaching the Lord's table, we are called to examine ourselves rather than judging and finding fault in other people.1 Corinthians 11:28

Following Christ's example of non-accusationJesus did not point fingers at anyone when He went to the cross, mirroring how we should lay down our natural tendency to accuse others, which traces back to Adam.

Recognizing our true role in God's courtGod is the judge, the devil is the accuser, Jesus is our defense attorney, and we are merely witnesses, so we must never take the seat of the accuser.

Letting all things be done in loveA vital rule for life is to ensure that everything we do—whether encouragement or correction—is done in love.1 Corinthians 16:14

Growing in love graduallyJust like a child aiming for a PhD, our Christian life is a gradual process of learning to eliminate everything not done in love.

Growing love in wisdom and discernmentPaul prayed that the Philippians' love would grow more and more in wisdom, because love without discernment often leads to foolish mistakes in families and relationships.Philippians 1:9

Asking God for wisdom without reproachWhen we lack practical wisdom in difficult situations, we can ask God, who gives generously and without rebuking us for asking repeatedly.James 1:5

Wisdom and humilityTrue wisdom is always humble, and because Jesus was the humblest person, wisdom and humility go together.

Asking in faith without doubtingWe must ask God in faith believing He is a good God who answers not because we are good, but because He is good.

The danger of a double-minded doubtDoubt is a serious insult to God, and a double-minded person tossed around by waves should not expect to receive anything.

Praying in the name of JesusWe approach God not based on our own merit or goodness, but standing in Christ and praying in His name.

Forgiving others completelyExperiencing God's immense goodness makes it easy to forgive difficult people and maintain a posture of forgiveness toward everyone.

The internal battle described in RomansPaul honestly describes the inner conflict where our minds joyfully concur with God's law of love, yet a law in our flesh wages war.Romans 7:22–23

No condemnation despite the conflictDespite the ongoing struggle against our flesh until Jesus returns, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ.

Approaching the breaking of bread with joyBecause deep down our heart desires to love God and others, we can come to the breaking of bread with great joy and zero condemnation.

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Zac Poonen - Judging Ourselves Without Condemnation

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