2.The Greater Glory That Can Be Ours - Zac Poonen
The Word For Our Time
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that every believer has a unique function or 'burden' within the Body of Christ, and most Christians fail to understand this concept. He advises believers to discover their God-given calling gradually, warning against being swayed by every doctrine or trying to be proficient in everything. True Christian service must flow from the heart and be done out of love for Jesus, not for money or honor.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Finding your unique calling in the body of ChristBelievers need to discover the specific burden and function God has given them rather than being tossed by every wind of doctrine or trying to be a jack of all trades.
Going by letter versus spiritTrue spiritual discernment requires looking at a person's spirit rather than just checking if their doctrinal letter is correct, because the letter kills while the spirit gives life.
The danger of a right doctrine with a wrong spiritEven the Pharisees had correct doctrines according to the letter, but Jesus warned against their underlying life and spirit; having correct truth without the Spirit produces no true spiritual fruit.Matthew 23:2–3
True evidence of the Holy SpiritWhile many point to speaking in tongues, an infallible sign of being filled with the Holy Spirit is being genuinely free from the love of money.
The ministry of death and condemnationThe old covenant law engraved on stones was a ministry of death and condemnation that brought fear and discouragement, whereas the new covenant brings the surpassing glory of the Holy Spirit.
Throwing away the veil and masksJust as Moses put a veil over his face to hide a fading glory, many Christians live behind masks of fake spirituality while struggling with defeat underneath.
Turning to the Lord to remove the veilWhen a person turns to the Lord, who is the Holy Spirit, the veil is taken away, allowing them to live without pretense.
Beholding the glory of Jesus with unveiled faceUnlike Moses seeing God's glory externally, believers behold the glory of Jesus in their hearts, experiencing internal transformation that radiates out.
From one degree of glory to a higher degreeThe new covenant life is characterized by an ongoing, progressive increase in holiness rather than a fading glory, bringing excitement when subtle un-Christlikeness is exposed.
Choosing the good part like MaryInstead of being distracted like Martha with endless outward service and religious reports, believers must sit at Jesus' feet to listen and know Him.
Experiencing gradual inward deliveranceIn these closing moments of history, believers should experience the gradual disappearance of anger, anxiety, bad moods, and complaining through the power of the new covenant life.
Converting others through a godly lifeTrue impact on others, including unconverted spouses, comes not through preaching or words alone, but through the silent power of a holy, transformed life.1 Peter 3:1
